Lady Gaga's Oreos show how selling out became cool
Stop Eating Lady Gaga's Oreos
A cultural history essay traces how the stigma against selling out vanished, using Lady Gaga's Chromatica-themed Oreos as a symbol. It argues that the decline of art criticism and the rise of internet fame made shameless brand tie-ins acceptable. The piece contrasts 1990s rock bands like Pearl Jam, who refused music videos, with today's artists embracing corporate partnerships.
Selling out no longer carries a stigma—if anything, fans are excited for tie-ins between their favorite bands and their favorite brands, no matter how shameless.