Isn’t it just so timely that I happen to be reliving my teenage years through reruns of Dawson’s Creek just as we learn of the divorce of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise? I’m somewhere in the quagmire of season four, arguably the best season of all. Joey and Pacey are finally together, the gang goes to a rave and Jack and Jen are the teenage version of Will & Grace.
Now, I understand that you’re probably shaking your head at your computer screen right now, wondering how in the world I can subject myself to living through this show all over again. Let me tell you, I sometimes fall asleep half way through the episode, but even so – I’m learning a lot. In today’s television market, this show wouldn’t cut it. It’s as melodramatic as Revenge without enough scandal, and as angsty as Gossip Girl without enough pop-culture one-liners.
Whatever the reason that I continue to subject myself to the drama of the Creek kids night after night, I’ve picked up a few pearls of wisdom that apply perfectly to fashion blogging. No seriously, I have:
You have to be able to make fun of yourself.
- By the time season two rolled around for Dawson’s Creek, they knew what was happening. Critics and viewers were onto the overly verbose, too adult dialog of these hyper-self aware teenage caricatures. The writers started interjecting commentary that made it clear the characters were somehow in on the joke. (At one point Joey utters, “All this subtext is making me tired.”) You simply have to be able to see the lighter side of fashion blogging. You can’t take it too seriously, really! Please don’t mistake this sentiment for me telling you that you shouldn’t treat your blog like a business and work hard to make it amazing. It’s just very important not to lose yourself in the minutia, or forget why most of us got into blogging in the first place – because it’s fun! Fashion is self-expression, and everyone loves a girl (or guy) with a sense of humor.
Just because everyone’s obsessed with Joey Potter doesn’t mean she’s all that great.
- You guys, she was arguably the worst character on the show. Runner up goes to Dawson Leery of course, but really, Joey was pretty depressing. She whined a lot, she was very anti-fun, a bit of a prude, and was always tucking her hair behind her ear and wearing baggy jeans and sweaters. “Why does life experience have to translate into wild parties and random hook ups?” she once asked. It doesn’t Joey, but you don’t have to judge those who enjoy making a mistake or two in life. Ugh. Despite all of this, Joey dated every male character on the show – including the one that turned out to be gay! All I’m saying is that in blogging, you don’t have to like something just because everyone else does. Be proud of who you are, who and what makes you happy and excited, and shout it from the rooftops (or your URL, as the case may be).
Always be the Pacey Witter of your blog, and your life.
- Don’t even try to fight me on this one: Pacey Witter was the best character on Dawson’s Creek. I rooted for him all over again while watching the insufferable Dawson-Joey-Pacey drama of season three, just waiting for him to confess his love to Joey and see them get together in season four. When she finally figures it out, she says what we were all thinking, “Pacey, I think that you’re a daring original; I think you have a talent for flying in the face of conventionality and I think that you were born to break the rules not enforce them. And you know what? I actually admire that in you, I really do.” Yes, Joey – you’re right! Pacey was the only character who grew and changed and made bold moves to do something with his life. We should all adopt the Pacey Witter way, especially with our blogs. There’s no reason not to break a few rules, try something new and establish ourselves as originals in our industry.
[Image credit: teenhollywood.com]
But really, you don’t need an excuse. I remember making fun of that show when it was on, and yet I still watched it every week. I’ve watched a few episodes since it started streaming on Netflix too. Does it drive anyone else crazy how Katie Holmes talks out of the side of her mouth?
I loved Dawsons Creek – so I was super excited when I saw the article; although I would think Jen would be the one we should try to avoid emulating.
Jen projects a desperate, insecure image. She is the typical popular girl, who does a lot of stuff that she doesn’t really want to do – but feels trapped. It’s like the fashion blogger who decides to follow the crowd so she can get more comments, shares and traffic – but is probably miserable and wanting to move in a different direction.
Joey was always the girl who liked art, was hard working (job wise and as a student) and who remained true to herself. I think bloggers can and should take a page out of her book. The guys liked her because she was not ordinary, but special.
However, great point about Pacey! Overall, I really enjoyed the article!