The Rise and Fall of the WB: 'Dawson's Creek', Intertextuality, and Legitimation

摘要

Americans have always been divided generationally, from the Lost Generation and the Greatest Generation to the Baby Boomers and Generation X. Until September 11, 2001, the Millennia! Generation ("Millennials") was only defined in relation to other demographic cohorts. A review of popular culture from 1998-2003, specifically television programming targeted to and embraced by the Millennials, demonstrates a search for legitimation at a time when this generation existed only in the context of others, with no obvious distinguishing characteristics. This paper will explore popular culture trends as a marker of broader social change in the context of the declining need of the Millennia! Generation to define itself through popular culture (and earlier generations) when presented with its own "defining moment." By comparing trends in youth-oriented programming at the end of the 21st century to shows that premiered following the September 11 terrorist attacks, it becomes clear that popular culture begins to transform from a means of legitimation to a mechanism for escapism.