There is no greater joy in life than sitting down with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s to binge-watch “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.” Many people would consider this behavior an indulgent ‘guilty pleasure’ — a societal determination of the uncool, unintelligent or embarrassing. I hate the idea of the guilty pleasure, of having to justify your interests in order to fit a mainstream definition of acceptable culture.
At one point in my life, I would only openly discuss my varied musical interests with close friends. Most 15-year-olds know nothing of Stevie Ray Vaughan or Led Zeppelin, making me an anomaly of sorts.
I’ve learned, though, to embrace the idiosyncrasies of my cultural palate. I will tell everyone how Katy Perry’s “PRISM” album explores great emotional depths and how Hayley Williams of Paramore is one of the strongest vocalists in pop music. From hip-hop to hard rock, I love what I love and feel no need to justify or qualify my taste.
There is no shame in loving the Kardashians in all of their televised glory. They are entertaining, funny, attractive and engaging. My obsession with their show is borderline religious.
Cultural guilt moves beyond music and television, extending to our fashion and style choices. My favorite clothing store is the notoriously inexpensive and trendy H&M. There is no freedom like that of the $14.99 linen harem pant. Though I only wear them at home, I feel no shame answering the door in this wildly unattractive garment.
When I find someone who loves grunge music as much as I do, I know we are kindred spirits. However, if a friend expresses his profound adoration of Honey Boo Boo, I respect him more for his honesty. The songs, shows and films we love speak to our individual quirks and personality traits. If our interests never extended beyond John Mayer and “Grey’s Anatomy,” our culture would be very sad indeed.
Being a simultaneous fan of Zadie Smith and the Lifetime Movie Network makes me unique if not eccentric, both characteristics I embrace. My array of cultural interests has given me numerous conversation-starters. I can speak with anyone about music, whether they listen exclusively to Fall Out Boy or N.W.A. I consider this a skill.
The idea of ‘confessing’ our ‘guilty pleasures’ makes us feel as if we’re wrong, as if we can’t genuinely enjoy what makes us happy without feeling dumb or vapid. In the words of the Honorable Aubrey “Drake” Graham, “You only live once.” Devoting time to worrying or covering our passions is unnecessary and sad. Own your love of the E! Network, I certainly have.
Two of my favorite shows, “Freaks and Geeks” and “My So-Called Life,” are considered cult classics: shows which were not initially popular but have recently gained credibility. Maybe college kids 20 years from now will be fawning over “The Carrie Diaries“ and “Dance Moms.”
