“Good morning, Upper East Siders.”
What I wouldn’t give to hear those words when I wake up. I, along with a bunch of other people at the University, spent the 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. time block Monday night watching “Gossip Girl” on The CW. I willingly admit my obsession with the show and all of its characters and although I have never read any of the books, I have watched the show since my first free download of episode one, season one last year. I remember it perfectly: It was a calm Saturday afternoon in September, and I sat on a bench in the quad outside Old Dorms with my laptop. I was excited but had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought nothing of viewing the 40-something minute episode — the episode didn’t come with a warning or “Danger” sign posted on it — but from that day on, I was hooked. I called my friend afterward and we talked about who in our lives was like Blair, or more importantly, Serena. I have not always seen the episodes on TV, but online television has become a savior for myself and, I assume, countless others.
For any other show, it would seem necessary to outline the basic plot and characters, but I feel like most people our age have the key concepts down: Rich Manhattan teens face drama and scandal around every corner. The books were a hit for younger readers, and the show resonates with audiences of all ages, especially all of the Little Js in colleges across America. We all want a piece of the pie, but there is something about the flavor of this series and others like it that keep us coming back for more. “Gossip Girl” has become an addiction for many people, just like its predecessors. Shows like “Laguna Beach,” “The O.C.” and “The Hills” have consumed teenagers’ minds for the past several years. Why? Is it the escape these shows offer or is there something more? Do we all secretly want to have the same lives as the shows’ characters, knowing of the unhealthy attitudes and misrepresentations that are ever-present?
My friends and I send “Spotted...” texts, and I have been known to end messages with the infamous “xoxo,” but we aren’t really trying to be something that we’re not. We are just young people having fun — at least that’s what I tell myself. I went through a phase last year when I had Blake Lively as my Facebook profile picture but not because I want to be with her or actually be her; I think I am just in love with what she represents. Serena is gorgeous, intelligent, well-dressed, sweet, extremely wealthy and has more appeal than Edie Sedgwick in a photo shoot. Is it wrong to want to be society’s “It” girl or boy? We all must want to command the attention of everyone in a room at first glance.
Considering life here at the University, our social circles are slightly different from those depicted in “Gossip Girl,” but the drama, criticism and themes are all the same. The stereotypical University student would fit in quite nicely in a broadcasted clique. The real person, however, belongs just where he or she is, because the fictive places and idealizations shown actually do more harm than good. By seeing how some people “live,” many viewers could look at their own lives with despair and wish for a life more like those on the silver screen, even though those aren’t real.
“Gossip Girl” is a narrative about teens with an surreal amount of money at their disposal and wardrobes that parallel those of celebrities. As far as I am aware, University-age students like this do not actually exist, but the ideals held by both groups are somewhat similar. I know some people at this school have money, but those students interested in ostentatious displays of wealth and privilege have never done anything for me. I have always been attracted to the more subtle approach. Designers are one thing, but when you have to highlight your labels, are you really wearing clothes for their original intention? I agree that money is important and that having nice things is not something of which anyone should be ashamed, but should we really feel it necessary to have North Face gear or UGG boots?
I think that it’s safe to say that most people want a knight with a white horse to sweep them off their feet at some point in their life, but I am finally realizing that it is going to be the experience, not the clothes I wear that will matter. “Gossip Girl” may offer entertainment, but it will never dictate how I live my life. As another semester passes by here at Good Ol’ U.Va., I am proud to say that this socialite is satisfied just the way he is.
Ian’s column runs biweekly Thursdays. He can be reached at i.smith@cavalierdaily.com.
Read More
It’s okay not to be okay
By Mai Hukuoka | 6 days agoWhether talking to a friend, a loved one or a professional, it is so necessary, and human, to need more than you can provide for yourself.
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | January 6, 2025What the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
