Our Fads, Ourselves

In this episode of Critics at Large, Naomi Fry, Alex Schwartz, and Vinson Cunningham delve into the cultural phenomenon of the Labubu toy craze, examining its origins, appeal, and connections to past toy fads like Beanie Babies and the Dutch tulip craze. They discuss the role of social media, particularly TikTok, in driving the Labubu's popularity and explore the blend of irony and earnestness in adult engagement with the trend. The conversation touches on themes of consumerism, nostalgia, and the desire for comfort in a chaotic world, ultimately questioning whether the Labubu craze represents something new or simply a continuation of familiar patterns in a digital age.