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Culture War Roundup for the week of September 4, 2023

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Twenty years ago, it seemed like there were at least several of these every summer to capitalise on the general debauchery and sexual exploits of modern day teenagers, but I can't remember a memorable teen movie in the last few years.

Thank fucking god. Sitting down in the theater to enjoy the latest film and then having my senses assaulted by a trailer blaring society's sexual expectations at me made me want to turn into the Joker. Hey, remember all your crazy sexual hijinks in high school? Remember how awkward your first time was? See, it's funny because these are universal human experiences. I mean, can you imagine someone who's never had sex? Look at how horny these teenagers are. How would that even be possible?

I find your comment confusing. You disliked sexy teenage movies because you were a teenager not having sex?

Yes.

Well, I suppose I might not have liked them anyways, but I doubt I would have the same seething resentment. Cinema is specifically designed to elicit an emotional response, and it can be shockingly effective, even in ways the creators never intended.