The concept of certainty is facing challenges in the current climate. Instead of loud declarations on culture, crime, and punishment, the quieter voices seem to be making a bigger impact. As a result, consistent persistence is overshadowing confident proclamations.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk called for a boycott of The Odyssey, labeling it “woke” due to the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy. Despite his protests, the film achieved $124.5 million in domestic earnings. Musk’s influence, even as the owner of a social network, can’t surpass the success of a top Hollywood director.
Joseph Aoun
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun succeeded in reversing a 41-year ban on direct U.S.-Lebanon flights after a meeting at the White House. However, he did not secure what he aimed for—a timeline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. The State Department still advises Americans against traveling to the area.
Tucker Carlson
Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson described Andrew Tate’s 2023 detention in Romania as “pretty obviously a set-up.” He suggested a conspiracy against Tate. Yet, British prosecutors have authorized 38 additional charges against Tate and his brother Tristan, arrested under extradition proceedings. Carlson’s theory seems increasingly off the mark.
Katie Porter
Ex-Congresswoman and unsuccessful California gubernatorial contender Katie Porter is leaving electoral politics behind to pursue a career as a book influencer. Her approach involves focusing on her personal brand, sometimes rudely instructing assistants to “Get out of my f****** shot!”
Rebel Wilson
Rebel Wilson faced a defamation lawsuit from Charlotte MacInnes over posts concerning a bathtub dispute on the set of Wilson’s directorial effort, The Deb. The judge ruled in favor of Wilson, declaring MacInnes as an “unreliable historian” and ordering her to cover Wilson’s legal expenses. MacInnes sought validation but instead received a judgment against her credibility.
Roustan Hockey
Canada’s last major factory producing traditional wooden hockey sticks exports about 100,000 sticks annually to the U.S. from Brantford, Ontario. President Donald Trump’s tariff on Canadian goods, including these hockey sticks, hit the company hard. Yet, the composite sticks favored by NHL professionals are primarily made in China and remain unaffected. Despite the NHL moving past wooden sticks, Trump’s policy targeted them.
Conventional Wisdom emerged as a satirical feature in Newsweek’s print edition, using arrows to indicate shifts in political and cultural figures’ influence. With hyperbole and partisan certainty increasing in the digital age, Conventional Wisdom has renewed its focus. The up, down, or sideways arrows reflect current trends without predicting the future. Amidst partisan media, Conventional Wisdom operates independently, skeptical of both sides, aiming to demystify overinflated reputations and acknowledge truths often overlooked.
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