Off-Topic

Off-Topic is a Substack that explores a wide range of themes related to visual culture, from the curated illusions of luxury cruises and the complexities of celebrity lives to societal reflections through reality TV and the impact of digital culture. It delves into the influences of media, marketing, and the digital age on public perception and personal identity.

Media Critique Pop Culture Digital Culture Celebrity Analysis Visual Culture Reality TV Dynamics Consumerism Marketing Strategies Cultural Trends Social Dynamics

Top posts of the year

And their main takeaways

Body Horror on Super Bowl Sunday

419 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Advertising Media Consumerism Sports Social Commentary
  1. The Super Bowl is like a national holiday, with many people feeling they have to watch it, even if they're not big football fans. It's a time for friends and food, making it a fun ritual.
  2. This year's commercials took a strange turn, featuring creepy or gross body-related humor. Many ads seemed to focus on bizarre and unsettling visuals rather than traditional advertising themes.
  3. Some ads poked fun at the absurdity of the Super Bowl experience itself by including dark humor or shocking moments, possibly hinting that we should lighten up about this wild tradition.

Dog is God Backwards

314 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Pets Grief Family Language Emotions
  1. Pet owners often create unique voices and stories for their pets, like a little private language that makes life more fun. This 'Dog Voice' reflects the owners' love and imagination.
  2. The bond with pets can feel deeply personal, almost as if they have their own personalities and inner lives. This connection helps owners cope with feelings of loss when pets are gone.
  3. Grieving a pet is natural and shows the strong emotional ties we form with them. Many people have shared similar feelings throughout history, which shows that this love is universal.

Imported Doubt: How RFK Jr. Spearheaded a Disinformation Campaign that Left Samoa's Children Exposed (Pt. 1)

209 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination policy Public Health Misinformation Epidemiology Health Advocacy
  1. In 2019, Samoa experienced serious measles outbreaks, affecting many kids and even leading to deaths. This situation showed how important vaccines are for preventing disease.
  2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has played a big role in spreading misinformation about vaccines. His actions contributed to fears that led to lower vaccination rates in places like Samoa.
  3. The disinformation campaign not only put lives at risk but also highlighted the influence of individuals spreading doubt about vaccines, showing how public health can be harmed by such claims.

Kennedy, Conspiracy, and the Measles Outbreak that Nearly Destroyed Samoa

174 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccination Public Health Disinformation Health Policy Crisis Management
  1. In 2018, two babies in Samoa died after a vaccine was mistakenly prepared with the wrong liquid. This led to a public outcry and a temporary halt to vaccinations in the country.
  2. Disinformation spread online, particularly from anti-vaccine groups, made parents in Samoa afraid of vaccines. This fear led to a significant drop in vaccination rates, even as a measles outbreak began in 2019.
  3. Despite the devastating impact of misinformation, Samoa managed to recover by launching a vaccination campaign that brought their vaccination rates back up and controlled the outbreak. However, the consequences of the misinformation were severe, with many lives lost.