Exploring the Top 10 Trends in 2015 Popular Culture: From #SquadGoals to the Man Bun Craze
Popular culture has always been a reflection of the current social, economic, and political climate. Understanding the most prominent trends in popular culture is essential because it helps us to recognize how society is evolving and identify the new ideas and concepts that are shaping the world around us. In 2015, ten significant changes occurred in popular culture. Let us dive into these top ten trends and explore what made them the talk of the town.
#SquadGoals: The Rise of Female Friendships
2015 witnessed the popularity of the girl squad phenomenon in popular culture. #SquadGoals emerged as a hashtag celebrating the friendship and support between women, and it became a prominent theme in social media and mainstream culture. The concept of female friendship has become more normalized and celebrated, with movies like Bridesmaids and shows like Broad City depicting strong female bonds and solidarity. The mainstream acceptance of this trend has led to the abandonment of old stereotypes and has opened the door to creating positive representations of women in various media platforms.
The birth of Grime Music: From London’s Underground to the Mainstream
The year 2015 was the year of Grime, a subgenre of electronic music that originated in London’s underground music scene. Grime combines elements of dance, reggae, garage and hip-hop music styles. Several Grime musicians such as Stormzy, Skepta, and Wiley helped popularize the genre in the mainstream music industry. This increased visibility helped Grime to serve as a symbol of contemporary British culture, and the music continues to influence the global hip-hop music landscape.
The Fashion Fad of Man-buns and the Dying trend of Beards
The year 2015 saw the emergence of the man-bun, a trendy hairstyle where men tied up their hair in a bun at the back of their head. The style became popular among celebrities and quickly became a mainstream fashion trend. This hairstyle continued its popularity until the late 2010s when it started to fade away.
Another significant shift that occurred in 2015 was the decline of the beard trend, where men created elaborate, lumbersexual beards. While the beard trend started to decline, a resurgence in classic clean-shaven styles and finely-treated facial hair products ensued. Nevertheless, the man-bun trend left behind reverberations that continue in popular culture today.
Television Shows: From Musicals to Dystopian Fiction
In the year 2015, several television series captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The year witnessed the revival of the musical series, ‘Glee,’ and a new entrant into the genre, ‘Empire.’ Also, dramas like ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Game of Thrones,’ and ‘Orange is the New Black’ had an increasing viewership, while the U.S. debut of the British crime show, ‘Broadchurch’, recorded a massive fan following. The year 2015 marked the year when dystopian dramas took a center stage with popular shows such as ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2’ and ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ capturing the audience’s attention.
Hashtag Activism and Social Movements
Social media platforms have continued to shape popular culture, exerting their influence to effect social change. This influence is evident in the increased popularity of hashtag activism. In 2015, the #BlackLivesMatter movement emerged as a powerful social movement using social media to protest against racial biases. The #MeToo movement, that gained momentum in 2017, had its origins in this era, when Activist Tarana Burke used the term to advocate against sexual assault and harassment. Hashtag activism created an outlet for a collective voice and became the tool for shifting the cultural conversation on important issues.
The Emergence of Wearable Technology
The year 2015 saw the explosion of the wearable tech industry. The technology, which offers health monitoring, GPS tracking, and email and text alerts, gained significant ground as smartwatches and fitness trackers became increasingly popular. This type of wearable technology has become increasingly mainstream over the years, and we now use it beyond fitness and health tracking as it continues to evolve.
The Revival of Classic Gaming
2015 marked a significant change in the gaming industry, when classic games from the 80s and 90s gained renewed interest. Classic games such as Pac-Man, Mortal Kombat, and Donkey Kong were reissued with modern graphics and the latest technology attracting the attention of a whole new generation.
Changing Beauty Trends
In 2015 a major shift came in the beauty industry, as body positivity and realness became more of a focus. With prominent models challenging the beauty industry status quo and a focus on inclusivity, realness and diversity became a focal point in the year. This shift helped usher in a new wave of cosmetics with a focus on enhancing natural beauty and less of a focus on taming it with makeup.
The Emergence of 3D Printing
2015 was significant for 3D printing, a technology that takes digital designs and brings them into reality. The year saw the emergence of 3D printed food, fashion, and accessories, which opened up new possibilities for creative expression. 3D printing became more popular in the years that followed, transforming various industries and sectors, from the arts to architecture to healthcare.
The Rise of Subscription Services
The year 2015 marked the dawn of subscription services that disrupted the traditional models of product consumption. Subscription services like Birchbox, Dollar Shave Club, and Spotify, which offered personalized experiences and made items more accessible, became increasingly popular. This trend of personalized and customizable still continued and arose in various markets, from technology to cosmetics to home goods.
Conclusion
Popular culture captures the pulse of social and cultural change, and the top ten trends of 2015 reflect the shifts and innovations that characterized this dynamic period. The rise of hashtag activism, embracing of female friendship and inclusivity in beauty marked a movement towards more positivity and acceptance. Meanwhile, the shifts in music, fashion, and television demonstrated a renewed fascination with old and new forms of expression. Wearable technology, 3D printing and subscription services all mark a shift towards personalization and convenience. Looking back, the trends that characterized this era shaped the collective conversations of today and the cultural directions of our tomorrow.
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