Ah, the good old days of the 2000s. Nostalgia can be a powerful thing, but let’s not forget that our memories tend to be a bit too idealized. The celebrity culture we often romanticize had its dark side too. Take the Olsen twins, for instance. While they were iconic figures, they also faced constant invasion of privacy, body-shaming in the media, and inappropriate jokes behind the scenes. It’s no wonder they eventually decided to step away from the spotlight.

Back in the 2000s, diet culture was pervasive. Weight-loss ads, limited sizes in fashion, and intense media scrutiny of women’s bodies were the norm. And let’s not overlook the prevalence of racism, xenophobia, sexism, and other -isms that were often the punchline of mainstream comedians’ jokes.

All these trends from the 2000s were heavily influenced by the political climate of the time. Sound familiar? Today, we continue to see politics shaping our culture, albeit in different ways due to technological advancements. However, at the core, the issue remains the same: when politics stagnate, so does our culture. While we may have new distractions like TikTok and trendy diets, they can’t overshadow the injustices that occur in our government on a daily basis.

It may sound a bit like a conspiracy theory, but it’s worth pondering how politics and aesthetics are interconnected. As we approach another election cycle, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on the influence of our cultural trends and their impact on society. So go ahead, embrace that smudgy Olsen twin-inspired eye makeup, but remember that while the 2000s had its appeal, the culture itself wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows.