Chasing Relevance: A Dangerous Obsession or Necessary Reality?

Brown & Black

Chasing relevance. We're all guilty of it at some point, desperately trying to stay current and be noticed. But what's the cost? In this episode of Brown & Black, we'll peel back the layers on society's obsession with relevance, specifically for people of color in media and entertainment today. Why does it matter to so many people? Do we really need to stay relevant and what happens if we don't?

Episode Summary

• What is relevance, particularly for POC in the entertainment industry?
• Mike discusses the cost of staying relevant, including the emotional, spiritual, and literal costs, and how it's linked to our inherent need for validation and acceptance.
• We do a deep dive into the definition of relevance, and why it's a crucial component for artists and creators.
• We discuss the relation between relevance and the desire for awards and external recognition, featuring a soundbite from actresses Ariana DeBose and Rachel Zegler and the pressures celebrities face to constantly maintain relevance.
• What is the connection between relevance, survival, and capitalism? We argue that the pursuit of relevance is often tied to a desire for better opportunities and resources, essentially survival.
• The mental health consequences of chasing relevance and the strain it puts on young people, who spend significant time on social media.

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