Red Scare Canon — Cultural References from the Subreddit

Aeschylus (person) 2 — Ancient Greek tragedian whose work is being read and discussed as lovely by a subreddit member who thrifted the book.

Laughing Stock (album) 2 — 1991 album by Talk Talk representing their transition to experimental music

Bruce Conner (person) 2 — Experimental filmmaker studied in film school and used as conversation topic with women

The Human Condition (film) 2 — Film trilogy studied in experimental cinema program, mentioned alongside Bruce Conner

Richard Simmons (person) 2 — Fitness personality praised for having more aesthetic and soul than fashion try-hards, and for bringing beauty and joy t...

Bad Behavior (book) 2 — A book by Mary Gaitskill purchased at a used bookstore

Because They Wanted To (book) 2 — A book by Mary Gaitskill purchased at a used bookstore

Two Girls, Fat and Thin (book) 2 — A novel by Mary Gaitskill purchased at a used bookstore

Challenging Liberalism: Feminism as a Political Critique (book) 2 — A book by Lisa H. Schwartzman about feminist political theory purchased at a used bookstore

The Guest (book) 2 — A novel by Emma Cline purchased at a used bookstore

Matthew 6:34 (book) 2 — Bible verse about not worrying about tomorrow shared as source of comfort during difficult times

CDMX (place) 2 — Mexico City mentioned as potential place to move with concerns about language barriers and expat scenes.

Kathleen Martínez (person) 2 — Archaeologist, lawyer, and diplomat currently on an expedition to find Cleopatra's tomb.

World Happiness Report (concept) 2 — International survey ranking countries by happiness levels, showing declining happiness among young Americans.

Atlantic (place) 2 — Magazine that published an article about young people's unhappiness worldwide, discussing the Global Flourishing Study a...

Self Reliance (book) 2 — Ralph Waldo Emerson essay recommended as hope when all institutions and identity categories are failing.

Al Qaeda (concept) 2 — Terrorist organization mentioned in connection with Syrian president's alleged past

Shahnameh (book) 2 — Persian epic by Ferdowsi that inspired the Court of the Kayumars illustration from 1524-1525.

Ferdowsi (person) 2 — Persian poet whose work Shahnameh inspired an illustration discussed in a post.

Sultan Muhammad (person) 2 — 16th century artist who created an illustration inspired by the Shahnameh.

Gucci Mane (person) 2 — Rapper whose lyrics ChatGPT defensively clarified were not indicative of homosexuality.

Gerard van Honthorst (person) 2 — Artist who painted Adoration of the Shepherds referenced in a Christmas post.

Adoration of the Shepherds (film) 2 — Painting by Gerard van Honthorst referenced in a Christmas post with biblical text.

Josh Safdie (person) 2 — Director of Marty Supreme whose film benefited from Timothée Chalamet's promotional efforts.

Dwayne Johnson (person) 2 — Celebrity criticized for poor promotional efforts that led to Benny Safdie's film flopping.

Avatar 3 (film) 2 — Third Avatar film discussed as a vehicle for showcasing computer graphics for rendering CGI characters.

Goosebumps (book) 2 — A children's horror book series that a mother fondly remembered from her youth but her daughter dismissed as 'inappropri...

Munchausen syndrome (concept) 2 — A psychological condition discussed in relation to people who comfort themselves with the belief that something is wrong...

Life of Brian (film) 2 — Monty Python film that a blood donor was planning to watch during their appointment

Augustine of Hippo (person) 2 — Early Christian theologian and philosopher whose work The City of God contains passages critiquing societal decadence th...

The City of God (book) 2 — Augustine's theological work containing critiques of Roman society and decadence that are read as anticipating modern li...

The Wretched of the Earth (book) 2 — A work whose title structure is cited as similar to Dasha's film title The Scary of Sixty-First using a nominal adjectiv...

Minor Threat (album) 2 — Hardcore punk band referenced as an example of cool alternative music from the 1980s indie scene.

Dérive (concept) 2 — A Situationist practice of aimless urban drifting where participants let themselves be drawn by the terrain and encounte...

Frank Ramsey (person) 2 — Early 20th century mathematician and philosopher who died before 30, known for his work and an awkward romantic proposit...

Fanny and Alexander (film) 2 — Ingmar Bergman film mentioned as definite Christmas viewing for cozy holiday atmosphere.

Chevron (place) 2 — Oil company involved in the Chevron v Donziger case assigned to Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.

Astral Weeks (album) 2 — Album referenced as an ideal comparison for droney, Celtic-influenced orchestral music

The Loser (book) 2 — Novel by Thomas Bernhard about perfectionism, compared to Beckett but less refined

Santorini (place) 2 — Greek island destination mentioned as an expensive overseas travel location in discussion of post-COVID travel spending.

Chantal Akerman (person) 2 — Filmmaker praised for documentary From the East where the director functions as a filmer rather than filmmaker.

From the East (film) 2 — Documentary by Chantal Akerman praised for approach where director functions as filmer rather than filmmaker.

British Empire (concept) 2 — Imperial power whose last great cavalry charge took place at the Battle of Omdurman in 1898, demonstrating the transitio...

American Fiction (film) 2 — Film nominated for Best Picture, described as an Adam Sandler movie in NPR-Face with successful PR/Marketing campaign

Atticus Ross (person) 2 — Musician who composed the score for Challengers alongside Trent Reznor, praised for adding to the campy feel while maint...

Calvin Klein (person) 2 — Fashion designer whose jeans were worn by Carolyn Bessette Kennedy as part of her iconic minimalist style.

Jacinda Ardern (person) 2 — Former Prime Minister of New Zealand mentioned as one of the attractive world leaders who got kicked out

Rudolf Steiner (person) 2 — Anthroposophist whose remote viewings about mineral plant-like spiders are recommended reading for understanding technol...

A Prairie Home Companion (film) 2 — NPR radio variety show hosted by Garrison Keillor, nostalgically remembered for pre-Obama era car rides and earnest long...

Garrison Keillor (person) 2 — Host of A Prairie Home Companion who was Me Too'd, remembered nostalgically for his distinctive voice and storytelling