Introducing...Iconic Behavior!
Much like Demi Moore’s return to the silver screen last fall, this Substack is so back.
R.I.P. to the newsletter formerly known as avocado toast for the millennial soul1. As I say goodbye to a project I began before my prefrontal cortex fully formed, I welcome you to its new and improved upgrade: Iconic Behavior.
Think of Iconic Behavior as like a big sister to avocado toast. There’s of course shared DNA between the two, but Iconic Behavior is driven by what my mid-twenties-self lacked: discernment. I’m trading in the whole “making-a-generation-my-personality” shtick for something more intentional and, hopefully, less cringeworthy.
My vision for this newsletter does not entirely stray from its origin story, though. It’s still a hub for most of my writing, and potentially some visual art down the line. However, my focus is now finer-tuned: Iconic Behavior will merge what I’ve learned about academically and professionally (feminist/critical theory and mental health stuff) and what brings me joy in my free time (pop culture and gossiping). Ultimately, it’s where I’ll experiment in doing what I love most: engaging with art, media, and culture to better understand myself, others, and the world.
Before getting further, I must pay respects to my personal Mt. Rushmore of pop culture buffs: Bolu Babalola, Hunter Harris, Ira Madison III, Louis Virtel, Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, and, Michael Ghanem (of tvscholar fame). Their engagement with entertainment not only informs my taste and analysis, but has helped me reframe and reclaim my once “guilty pleasures” as meaningful, legitimate interests. Through a religious following of their work (i.e. Keep It! and Las Culturistas, etc.) I arrive at Iconic Behavior as both an unabashed pop culture fanatic and an eager novice in comparison to their collective expertise. So, in deep reverence to them, I’m excited to continue finding my voice and building Iconic Behavior as I go.
As for what officially constitutes Iconic Behavior, iconic-ness is of course in the eye of the beholder! Luckily from my vantage point, the tableau of sources for assessment is vast. I can say for certain that Iconic Behavior is a kaleidoscopic umbrella containing multitudes. But the throughline can be summed up by nothing other than Lady Gaga’s timeless words describing Ryan Murphy to The Hollywood Reporter:
If I’m reacting like this to something—whether it be in my personal life or within the greater cultural milieu—consider it to be Iconic Behavior.
Some recent-ish examples for your reference:
Jane Fonda’s moving call to be in community as she accepted the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award back in February.2
Tramell Tillman. 3
Charli xcx pontificating on her brat era and “the tension of staying too long” in a TikTok video from late April.
Essentially: all my latest obsessions, observations, and opinions are fair game. From personal nonfiction to pop culture commentary, join me as I unpack what's on my mind and on my screens.
To borrow from the forever-iconic Celine Dion, shall we go for it?!
All posts from the avocado toast days will remain here for the time being.
It goes without saying that Jane Fonda is Iconic Behavior personified.
The person, the actor, the artist. The DIVA. Exhibit A: his performance in Severance. Exhibit B: his Paleyfest appearance.