Podcasts > WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden > Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

By SmartLess Media

What connects the "Song of the Summer" trend, Marie Antoinette's death mask, and Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal?" In this episode of the WikiHole podcast, D'Arcy Carden and her guests explore the curious origins of pop culture phenomena like the annual craze over naming a definitive "Song of the Summer" and memorable VMA moments. They also delve into the historical and morbid practice of creating death masks, the surprising origins of the iconic CPR training dummy Resusci Anne, and the unexpected connection to Michael Jackson's anti-gravity lean.

The episode jumps down intriguing Wikipedia rabbit holes, unraveling how the "let them eat cake" myth started, why Madame Tussaud relied on death masks, and the shared roots between cultural icons like Beyoncé and Quincy Jones. Full of such moments of enlightening trivia, this episode is a truly eclectic, surprising glimpse into the interconnected world of pop culture and history.

Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 3, 2024 episode of the WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden

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Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

1-Page Summary

Pop culture and entertainment trivia

The "Song of the Summer" concept originated in the early 1900s

D'Arcy Carden and Howell-Baptiste trace the idea of naming a "Song of the Summer" back to a 1910 New York Tribune article speculating about the upcoming season's popular song. The trend solidified in the 1990s as music grew more influential in pop culture.

Memorable VMA moments and music achievements

The infamous 2009 VMAs saw Kanye West interrupt Taylor Swift's acceptance speech, declaring Beyoncé deserved to win. Beyoncé herself holds the record for most VMA wins with 27 Moon Man trophies. Quincy Jones, famed producer of Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal," has won 28 Grammy Awards over his storied career.

Historical and cultural references

The Marie Antoinette myth

The quote "let them eat cake," often attributed to Marie Antoinette, is unverified. However, the French queen's death mask notably inspired Madame Tussaud, renowned for her wax museums, whose figures were frequently modeled after death masks before photography existed.

Significance of death masks

Death masks preserved the likenesses of influential figures for commemorative purposes. The CPR doll Resusci Anne was designed after the mask of an unknown woman who drowned in the Seine in the 1880s, with her face chosen to make male trainees more comfortable practicing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Miscellaneous Wikipedia trivia

Resusci Anne origins and connections

The iconic line "Annie, are you okay?" from Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" was inspired by the Resusci Anne CPR dummy, which trainees were instructed to address by name during resuscitation practice.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The concept of a "Song of the Summer" may not have a single point of origin and could have evolved gradually as a cultural phenomenon rather than starting with a specific article.
  • While the 1990s saw an increase in the music industry's influence on pop culture, the idea of a "Song of the Summer" may have been recognized in different forms or under different names prior to this decade.
  • While Beyoncé has a significant number of VMA wins, the numbers can change over time with new awards ceremonies, and other artists may surpass her record.
  • Quincy Jones's Grammy wins are a matter of public record, but the significance and meaning of those awards can be interpreted differently by different people.
  • The attribution of the quote "let them eat cake" to Marie Antoinette is debated among historians, and some argue that it is a misattribution or a symbolic representation of the disconnectedness of the French aristocracy.
  • Madame Tussaud's inspiration for her wax figures may have come from various sources, not exclusively from death masks.
  • The use of death masks for commemorative purposes varied across cultures and time periods, and their significance can be interpreted in multiple ways.
  • The design of Resusci Anne may have been influenced by multiple factors, and the choice to use the face of the unknown woman from the Seine might have had different motivations beyond making male trainees comfortable.
  • The connection between "Smooth Criminal" and Resusci Anne could be coincidental or a post hoc association rather than a direct inspiration.

Actionables

  • You can explore the history of music trends by creating a playlist that includes a "Song of the Summer" from each decade starting with the 1910s, to understand the evolution of popular music over time.
    • Start by researching songs that were hits during each summer of the past century. Use music streaming services to compile the tracks into a playlist. As you listen, take note of how musical styles, themes, and production techniques have changed. This can give you a deeper appreciation for current music trends and how they're part of a larger historical context.
  • You can deepen your understanding of historical figures by crafting a creative short story featuring characters like Marie Antoinette or figures associated with death masks.
    • Use the concept of death masks as a narrative device to explore the lives and legacies of these individuals. Research their biographies and the era they lived in to add authenticity to your story. This exercise can enhance your empathy and understanding of different historical periods through a creative lens.
  • You can increase your awareness of emergency response techniques by learning CPR and using the story of Resusci Anne to engage others in lifesaving skills training.
    • Sign up for a CPR certification course and share the intriguing backstory of Resusci Anne with friends and family to pique their interest in joining you. This not only equips you with valuable skills but also helps spread awareness of the importance of emergency response in a way that connects with a piece of cultural history.

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Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

Pop culture and entertainment trivia

Explore the origins of the "Song of the Summer" concept, memorable moments from the MTV Video Music Awards, and iconic musical artists with their record-breaking awards achievements.

The concept of the "Song of the Summer" has origins dating back to the early 1900s

D'Arcy Carden and Howell-Baptiste describe the history behind the popular "Song of the Summer".

An article in the New York Tribune in 1910 discussed the anticipation for the upcoming summer's popular song

The New York Tribune published an article in 1910 speculating about the nature of the upcoming summer's song, pondering whether it would be humorous, sentimental, or "unmitigated trash."

The identification of a "Song of the Summer" became more commonplace in the 1990s as music's influence on pop culture grew

Public attention to naming a "Song of the Summer" started solidifying in the 1990s, not as a creation of the '50s or '60s pop rock era, but due to better industry reporting and a growing influence of music in pop culture that turned the concept into a veritable tradition.

Key pop culture moments at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs)

The VMAs have been the stage for some standout pop culture occurrences.

Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the VMAs to claim Beyoncé should have won

A trivia question revealed that Kanye West infamously interrupted Taylor Swift's win for the video "You Belong to Me" at the VMAs, asserting that Beyoncé should have taken the award. This incident has solidified itself as a notorious example of the outrageous interruptions that have since become a part of the VMAs' storied history.

Iconic musical artists and their awards

Tracing the achievements of music artists like Beyoncé and Quincy Jones highlights their considerable impact ...

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Pop culture and entertainment trivia

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While the "Song of the Summer" concept may have been discussed in 1910, it's possible that the idea of a popular song defining the summer season could have been recognized in practice even earlier, without formal acknowledgment in media.
  • The assertion that the "Song of the Summer" became more common in the 1990s might overlook the impact of earlier decades, such as the 1960s and 1970s, which had their own influential summer hits that defined the season for many.
  • The VMAs have had many key moments, and focusing on Kanye West's interruption might overshadow other significant events that have had a lasting impact on pop culture.
  • While Beyoncé's record of 27 VMA wins is impressive, it's worth noting that award sh ...

Actionables

  • Create a personal playlist that evolves with the seasons to capture the mood and memories of each period, much like the "Song of the Summer" reflects its time.
  • By curating a playlist for each season, you can create a musical time capsule that encapsulates the trends, emotions, and personal experiences of that period. For example, add songs that you frequently hear, tracks that resonate with your current life events, or new releases that define the season's sound for you.
  • Host a themed throwback party that celebrates the music and pop culture of a specific year from the 1990s.
  • This can be a fun way to relive or discover the decade's influence on pop culture and music. You might encourage guests to dress in '90s attire, play hit songs from the year you've chosen, and even re-enact memorable pop culture moments, like award show highlights, in a light-hearted, interactive way.
  • Start a personal achievement display inspired by music industry awards to celebrate y ...

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Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

Historical and cultural references

In discussing historical and cultural items, the speakers demystify a popular quote attributed to Marie Antoinette and delve into the significance of death masks and their connection to Madame Tussaud's wax figures.

The myth and legacy of Marie Antoinette

There is no evidence that Marie Antoinette actually said "Let them eat cake"

The speakers tackle the myth surrounding Marie Antoinette, confirming that there is no evidence to support that she ever made the statement "let them eat cake." Often quoted as a symbol of aristocratic insensitivity to the plight of the poor, the phrase is likely apocryphal and not a genuine utterance from the French queen.

Her death mask was created by the renowned wax figure artist Madame Tussaud

The group also discusses a trivia question regarding Marie Antoinette's death mask and reveals that Madame Tussaud, a renowned wax figure artist, was hired to create it. This piece of information led speakers to an interesting connection between the French queen and the legacy of the famous Madame Tussauds wax museums.

The cultural significance of death masks

Before photography, death masks were a way to preserve the likeness of the deceased

Death masks served a significant cultural purpose before the advent of photography by preserving the likeness of influential or historical figures after their death. They were often used as references for portraits or commemorative sculptures, serving as a tangible connection to the past.

Madame Tussaud's wax figures were often modeled after death masks

...

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Historical and cultural references

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While there is no direct evidence that Marie Antoinette said "Let them eat cake," some historians argue that the phrase may have been a reflection of the general insensitivity of the French nobility at the time, rather than a direct quote.
  • The creation of Marie Antoinette's death mask by Madame Tussaud is a historical fact, but it could be discussed how accurate or representative death masks are of the subjects' appearance, considering the changes that occur after death.
  • Death masks did preserve likenesses before photography, but it's worth noting that they were not universally used and were more common for prominent figures, which could skew historical perceptio ...

Actionables

  • By researching and sharing facts versus fiction, you engage with history in a way that promotes critical thinking. For instance, each post could highlight a common myth, provide the historical evidence that disproves it, and explain the origins of the misconception.
  • Create a DIY art project that involves making a 'life mask' of your own face using safe, household materials like alginate or plaster bandages.
  • This activity connects you to the historical practice of preserving likenesses and gives you a hands-on understanding of the process. You can then decorate the mask or integrate it into a larger art piece, reflecting on the historical significance of capturing one's image before the advent of photography.
  • Organize a virtual book club or di ...

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Song of the Summer (with Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Jackie Tohn)

Miscellaneous Wikipedia trivia

D'Arcy Carden and Jackie Tohn engage in a conversation that emphasizes the quintessence of Wikipedia.

The origins of the CPR training doll "Resusci Anne"

Resusci Anne's face was modeled after a young woman who drowned in the Seine River in the 1880s

The CPR doll known as Resusci Anne bears the face designed after the death mask of an unidentified young woman who drowned in the Seine River in France during the 1880s. The mask of her face was created by a morgue worker taken by her beauty, and it became fashionable to have a copy of it in Parisian Bohemian society.

The doll's design was intended to make male trainees more comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation

When creating the Resusci Anne CPR doll, the designers chose a female face for the mannequin, as they believed that male trainees would be more comfortable practicing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a woman than a man.

The inspiration behind Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal"

The chorus line "Annie, are you okay?" was inspired by the "Resusci Anne" CPR training doll

Interestingly, the iconic refrain "Annie, are yo ...

Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary

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Miscellaneous Wikipedia trivia

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The choice to use a female face for Resusci Anne could be criticized for perpetuating gender stereotypes, suggesting that women are more suitable for passive roles or that men should feel more comfortable practicing on female figures.
  • The inspiration behind the chorus line "Annie, are you okay?" in "Smooth Criminal" could be seen as trivializing the serious nature of CPR training by linking it to a pop song, potentially undermining the importance of the resuscitation technique.
  • Quincy Jones winning a Grammy for "Sum ...

Actionables

  • Explore the history behind everyday objects by researching their origins and sharing interesting facts with friends or on social media to spark conversations and increase collective knowledge.
    • For instance, if you come across an item like a mannequin in a store, use that as a starting point to delve into its history and share your findings. This could lead to discussions about fashion, culture, and technology changes over time.
  • Create a playlist of songs with interesting backstories and host a listening party where each song's history is discussed before playing it.
    • This can be a fun way to engage with music on a deeper level. You might include songs that reference historical events, are inspired by personal stories, or have influenced cultural shifts, and then explain these connections to your guests.
  • Practice empathy and understanding by learning life-saving skills such as CPR, and encourage others to do t ...

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