(and Why We Love It)
Pop culture is more than just entertainment—it’s a mirror that reflects our values, dreams, and even our identities. From blockbuster movies to chart-topping songs, the icons and stories of pop culture don’t just entertain us—they shape how we see ourselves and the world around us.
As Robert Lawrence Plunkett explains in “Important Things That You Need to Know!” pop culture blurs the lines between fiction and reality, making us emotionally invested in the characters, stories, and stars that define our time.
But why do we sometimes mistake actors for the roles they play or idolize certain figures as if they were real-life heroes?
The answer lies in the powerful connection between storytelling and identity and how our minds are wired to connect with symbols and archetypes. Let’s explore how pop culture shapes our reality and why we love it.
Blurring the Lines Between Actors and Their Roles
Have you ever thought of an actor as their character, even when you know better? For instance, John Wayne is often remembered as the embodiment of the American cowboy, tough and heroic.
Yet, in reality, he was an actor playing a role. So why do we blur the lines?
Plunkett explains that this phenomenon is rooted in emotional investment. We become immersed in the story when we watch a movie or TV show. Our brains don’t just see an actor performing; we see the character as a real person with real emotions, challenges, and triumphs.
Psychologically, we are programmed to relate to people who display qualities we admire—bravery, intelligence, or compassion. Over time, the line between the actors and the characters they portray becomes fuzzy, and we treat them as the same.
This is why fans often struggle to separate actors from their roles, even in real life. The deeper we invest in the character, the more real they feel.
This emotional connection is part of why certain actors become iconic—they symbolize something larger than themselves, becoming representations of the ideals we cherish most.
The Power of Idolatry: Why We Look Up to Celebrities
From movie stars to musicians, celebrities hold a special place in our hearts. But why do we idolize them?
According to Plunkett, much of this comes down to how humans are wired to look for role models. In every society, we’ve always admired individuals who represent something aspirational—physical beauty, talent, or success.
Pop culture provides a platform for these individuals to be mythologized. Just as ancient societies created gods and legends to represent their values, today’s society creates celebrities who serve as modern-day deities.
The Beatles, for example, weren’t just musicians—they became the voice of a generation, representing the cultural shifts of the 1960s. Their influence went far beyond music; they embodied the ideals of freedom, rebellion, and self-expression.
This mythologizing happens because pop culture elevates celebrities to a larger-than-life status. By portraying them as symbols of success, beauty, or virtue, we project our desires onto them, making them stand for what we wish we could be.
This is why certain celebrities transcend their roles and become timeless icons—they represent something we long for.
How Stories Shape Our Worldview
At its core, pop culture is all about storytelling. Whether it’s a movie, a novel, or a TV series, the stories we consume influence how we understand the world.
As Plunkett points out, stories are one of humans’ most powerful tools for making sense of life. Through them, we explore different perspectives, test out new ideas, and experience emotions in a safe space.
But it goes beyond just individual stories. Pop culture, as a whole, creates a shared narrative that helps shape society’s values. The stories we collectively embrace reflect our priorities, beliefs, and fears.
When a TV series about dystopian futures becomes popular, it speaks to societal anxieties about the direction the world is heading. When superhero movies dominate the box office, they reflect our longing for heroes in a chaotic world.
Ultimately, pop culture is a reflection of us. It holds up a mirror to our values, desires, and fears, offering both an escape from reality and a deeper understanding of it.
Why We Love It
We love pop culture because it makes sense of the world. It provides us with symbols, stories, and role models that help us navigate our lives. It allows us to explore emotions and connect with others over shared experiences.
And while we know that celebrities and fictional characters aren’t real, the emotions they evoke most certainly are.
As Plunkett emphasizes, our love for pop culture is deeply tied to its ability to allow us to express ourselves, connect with others, and make sense of an ever-changing world.
Whether it’s an actor we admire or a story we can’t stop thinking about, pop culture taps into something deeply human: the need for connection, understanding, and meaning.