At first I didn't "get" it. But now that I do "get" it, I think it's pretty brilliant. The site of course, is Stuff White People Like, and it is a humiliating check list all things educated, liberal, post-boomer people love.
Just keep in mind that the people you think are "white people," aren't actually white people. In all likelihood they are the WKOWP (Wrong Kind of White People). It's also important to understand that the people who would least like to be identified as "white people" in fact are the whitest white people of them all. I.E., you are probably a white person. If you voted for George W. Bush, you are not a white person (you're a WKOWP). If you're a person of color, I don't know what to tell you.
Also, because white people tend to be very sensitive, you'll probably think the site is making fun of you. Don't worry. The language of the site is a complex secret code to keep the WKOWPs at arm's length, and allow non-white people to laugh at our folly, because we probably deserve it. The site, in short, is not a satire of ideas or things or attitudes, but a satire of expectations. You have to dig through the layers:
When they say "Stuff White People Like", they aren't being sarcastic. They really mean it. Which is to say: this is stuff I like, all my friends like, and if you're the right sort of person, you should like also. Wink. Wink. It's sincerity disguised as irony. It's Gen-Y sweetness and light hiding behind Gen-X fear and loathing.
So it's both smart and annoying. The perfect combination.
Just keep in mind that the people you think are "white people," aren't actually white people. In all likelihood they are the WKOWP (Wrong Kind of White People). It's also important to understand that the people who would least like to be identified as "white people" in fact are the whitest white people of them all. I.E., you are probably a white person. If you voted for George W. Bush, you are not a white person (you're a WKOWP). If you're a person of color, I don't know what to tell you.
Also, because white people tend to be very sensitive, you'll probably think the site is making fun of you. Don't worry. The language of the site is a complex secret code to keep the WKOWPs at arm's length, and allow non-white people to laugh at our folly, because we probably deserve it. The site, in short, is not a satire of ideas or things or attitudes, but a satire of expectations. You have to dig through the layers:
- Where are the redneck jokes?
- Is this site about me?
- None of the white people I know like this stuff?
- Is this site about ME?
- I'm the least white person you could meet!
- What's wrong with indie rock?
- Is this site racist?
- Is this site ABOUT ME!
- I hate this site.
- What's it saying about ironic t-shirts?
When they say "Stuff White People Like", they aren't being sarcastic. They really mean it. Which is to say: this is stuff I like, all my friends like, and if you're the right sort of person, you should like also. Wink. Wink. It's sincerity disguised as irony. It's Gen-Y sweetness and light hiding behind Gen-X fear and loathing.
So it's both smart and annoying. The perfect combination.
