views from the crossroads of digital culture + commerce by Briaan L. Barron
I flew across the country for a 2-day conference and skipped Day 2. Here’s why.
“At its best, CultureCon is a beacon. It reminds us that Black creativity is the culture and deserves to be celebrated on the grandest stages.
But celebration without depth becomes spectacle. And spectacle without access becomes exclusion.”
From Coworking Hubs (Back) to Country Clubs: The Price of Belonging
“What we’re witnessing now is a pivot away from inclusivity, the dominant ethos of the 2010s, back toward exclusivity as cultural currency. Membership isn’t about belonging; it’s about stratification. Who can enter, who can afford, who can align themselves with the ‘haves.’”
The ‘Community’ Industrial Complex: What’s Lost When Brands Commodify Connection
When scale is the goal, genuine connection may be the cost. Growth-minded memberships, festivals, and events all promise “community,” but can they actually deliver?
Fame, Meet Function: The Case for Celeb Product Brands That Actually Serve Us
“Celebrities are past simply endorsing products; they’re being appointed as creative directors at heritage luxury houses…But while their star power drives headlines and sales spikes, there’s an elephant in the showroom: sustainability, accessibility, and longevity often get left behind in favor of clout and cachet.”