Popularity is Absolutely Relative -/- Popularity is a dynamic and ever-changing concept that depends on context, culture, and perspective. It is not an absolute measure of value or importance but rather a reflection of collective preference at any given time. What is considered popular in one era, society, or social circle may be entirely obscure in another. This essay explores the relativity of popularity by examining its dependence on cultural differences, time, personal perception, external influences, and its relative importance to (...) different kinds of people and their interests. -/- Popularity and Cultural Context -/- One of the most significant factors affecting popularity is cultural context. A person, trend, or idea that is well-received in one culture may be completely irrelevant or even rejected in another. For example, Bollywood actors like Shah Rukh Khan are immensely famous in India and among Indian diaspora communities but are not as well-known in Western countries where Hollywood dominates. Similarly, K-pop, once confined to South Korea, has exploded in global popularity, but there are still regions where it remains relatively unknown. Food preferences also illustrate this relativity—sushi is widely beloved in Japan and internationally, but certain traditional dishes like fermented shark from Iceland remain highly niche. -/- Popularity Over Time -/- Another crucial aspect of popularity’s relativity is its transient nature. Trends, individuals, and ideas that are highly popular today may fade into obscurity tomorrow. For instance, MySpace was once the dominant social media platform but has been replaced by Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Similarly, disco music was a cultural phenomenon in the 1970s, only to decline rapidly in the 1980s, while genres like hip-hop gained prominence. Even in literature, authors like Franz Kafka were largely unrecognized during their lifetimes, only to become highly influential figures in later decades. The shifting nature of popularity highlights its dependency on time and societal evolution. -/- Personal Perception and Popularity -/- Popularity is also influenced by individual perspective. What one person considers popular may differ significantly from another’s viewpoint. For example, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are regarded as two of the greatest footballers globally, yet someone uninterested in sports may not even recognize their names. Similarly, within the realm of literature, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is immensely popular worldwide, but some readers may prefer classic novels by Jane Austen or contemporary sci-fi by authors like Liu Cixin. Social media algorithms further amplify this subjectivity by creating personalized digital environments where different individuals are exposed to different popular trends based on their interests. A person who follows tech news might frequently see updates about Elon Musk, while another who follows beauty influencers may be more familiar with Huda Kattan. -/- The Role of External Influences -/- External influences such as media, marketing, and peer pressure also play a significant role in shaping popularity. Companies invest heavily in advertising to make products appear popular, sometimes manufacturing trends through strategic branding. For example, Apple’s iPhone has been marketed as a must-have device, leading to its sustained popularity, even though there are many competitive alternatives. Similarly, viral TikTok challenges can rapidly turn a simple dance or phrase into a global sensation, such as the "Renegade" dance or the phrase “It’s Corn!” which gained massive traction online. Likewise, the film industry often uses celebrity endorsements to boost a movie’s appeal, as seen with blockbuster franchises like Marvel’s Avengers, where well-known actors contribute to the films’ massive success. However, these external forces do not create universal popularity but rather localized bursts of attention within specific communities. -/- The Relative Importance of Popularity to Different Interests -/- The importance of popularity varies depending on the field of interest and personal aspirations. For entertainers, such as musicians, actors, and influencers, popularity is crucial for success because their careers rely on public engagement and audience growth. For example, pop stars like Taylor Swift and BTS thrive on maintaining a high level of popularity to sell albums, concert tickets, and merchandise. -/- In contrast, popularity may be less relevant for scientists, researchers, or intellectuals who prioritize accuracy and innovation over public approval. Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla were not as popular in their early careers, but their groundbreaking contributions ultimately reshaped history. In academic fields, success is often measured by peer recognition and contributions to knowledge rather than mainstream popularity. -/- Similarly, in politics, popularity plays a dual role—it is essential for election campaigns and public trust, but effective governance often requires making unpopular decisions. Leaders such as Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill were controversial in their time but later gained historical admiration for their impactful decisions. -/- For entrepreneurs and business leaders, popularity can translate into brand loyalty and financial success. Figures like Steve Jobs and Elon Musk have leveraged their personal and corporate popularity to drive innovation and business growth. However, in industries such as medicine and law, professionals rely more on expertise and reputation within their field rather than mass popularity. -/- Conclusion -/- Popularity is not a fixed or universal concept but a relative phenomenon shaped by cultural context, time, individual perception, external influences, and the significance it holds in different fields. It is a temporary and subjective measure of collective interest rather than an inherent characteristic of any person, idea, or object. Recognizing the relativity of popularity helps us understand its impermanence and the factors that influence it, allowing us to form more independent and informed perspectives rather than blindly following trends. In a world where popularity is constantly shifting, it is essential to prioritize authenticity and personal values over fleeting external validation. -/- . (shrink)

There is a lesson from the woods--Bollywood, Kollywood, Mollywood, and Tollywood--of make-believe, which speaks to the core concern of science: the practice of science. Kantara, an Indian movie that brought the movie industry to its senses, with its popularity has this to say: Be thyself; keep it real. Situated in a remote region aeons apart from the vast concrete and intimate plastic world we are familiar with, the happenings in the distant and an alien universe of discourse--a hamlet adjacent (...) to tribals, forest, and nature--is surprisingly universally relatable. Here I show how the unity of being and the attendant naturality of becoming or, in the words of Tolkien, "the inner consistency of reality" of Kantara is what made it relatable / comprehensible to one / all. In doing so, I bring out its (arts and/or humanities) relevance to the practice of science in general and science policy in particular. (shrink)