"too woke" or an ominous warning? a history of advertisements' entanglement with american politics
Mon Aug 11 2025
By now, you've most likely heard of Sydney Sweeney's controversial ad for her American Eagle genes (whoops-- I mean jeans). While some may think the ad's critics are "too woke", I argue it exemplifies the far-right slope the United States has dove headfirst down. I share other historical examples of how companies align themselves with political and social trends, such as the unexpected rise of the disposable diaper and women's fashion trends-- from flapper dresses to the"sad beige mom" aesthetic. Every advertisement has a hidden message, and this episode reveals some of the most telling.
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By now, you've most likely heard of Sydney Sweeney's controversial ad for her American Eagle genes (whoops-- I mean jeans). While some may think the ad's critics are "too woke", I argue it exemplifies the far-right slope the United States has dove headfirst down. I share other historical examples of how companies align themselves with political and social trends, such as the unexpected rise of the disposable diaper and women's fashion trends-- from flapper dresses to the"sad beige mom" aesthetic. Every advertisement has a hidden message, and this episode reveals some of the most telling.