Podcast Summary: The Stacks Episode 351 – "Tacky" by Rax King with Nora McInerney

Host: Traci Thomas
Guest: Nora McInerney
Release Date: December 25, 2024
Book Discussed: Tacky Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer by Rax King

1. Introduction and Overview

In episode 351 of The Stacks, host Traci Thomas welcomes author and fellow podcaster Nora McInerney to discuss the book club pick, Tacky Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer by Rax King. The episode delves into King's exploration of pop culture deemed "tacky," blending memoir with cultural criticism to examine how seemingly shallow interests shape personal identity and societal norms.

2. Defining 'Tacky' and 'Trashy'

Traci and Nora begin by unpacking King's definition of "tacky." According to King, as highlighted at [10:39], "Tackiness is joyfulness. To be proudly tacky, your aperture for all the too much feelings, angst, desire, joy must be all the way open. You've got to be so much more ready to feel everything than anyone probably wants to be. It's a brutal way to live." This definition positions tackiness not merely as a superficial aesthetic but as an expression of unabashed emotional openness.

3. Personal Reflections on Tacky Culture

The conversation shifts to personal anecdotes about tacky cultural elements. Traci shares a poignant memory related to the scent "warm vanilla sugar," recalling how it was tied to a high school crush and now connects her to her children's experiences at school ([08:32]-[09:01]). Nora echoes this sentiment, expressing a fondness for maximalism and shiny objects, which she associates with personal joy rather than societal judgment ([13:35]-[14:56]).

4. Gender and Cultural Gatekeeping

A significant portion of the discussion addresses the gendered aspects of what is considered tacky. Both hosts critique the gatekeeping inherent in cultural criticism, where tastes traditionally associated with women—like certain fragrances or pop culture interests—are often dismissed or devalued. Nora remarks, "They are the only people who have to defend just the things that we like for the sake of liking them." ([45:00]-[45:30])

5. The Attachment to Tacky Things and Nostalgia

Traci and Nora explore how tacky items often hold nostalgic value, serving as portals to one's past and formative experiences. For instance, Traci reminisces about dance costumes and glitter from her childhood, tying these memories to her current appreciation for their expressive value ([14:56]-[16:04]). Nora adds that such attachments are crucial for self-development and belonging ([29:16]-[30:07]).

6. Critical Analysis and Essays in the Book

The hosts delve into specific essays from King's book, highlighting their strengths and shortcomings. Traci appreciates the Jersey Shore essay for its heartfelt depiction of her father-daughter relationship, noting how it intertwines cultural critique with personal loss ([52:22]-[53:03]). Conversely, both express disappointment with essays that veered into memoir territory, such as discussions about abusive relationships, which they felt detracted from the intended cultural commentary ([05:06]-[07:18]).

Nora highlights the critique of mainstream media, particularly praising the Hot Topic essay for capturing the essence of specific subcultures and their significance ([24:22]-[28:56]).

7. Emotional Connections and Memoir Elements

The conversation touches on the emotional depth introduced through memoir elements in the book. Traci shares how reading about King's relationship with her abusive husband during Thanksgiving intensified her own feelings of loss and connection ([50:03]-[52:22]). Nora acknowledges the challenge of balancing memoir with essay-style cultural criticism, admitting that her own writing often grapples with maintaining thematic focus ([59:13]-[60:43]).

8. Upcoming Works and Final Thoughts

Towards the end of the episode, Traci announces Rax King's upcoming book, Sloppy, set for release in July 2025. The subtitle, Doing It All Wrong, suggests a continued exploration of personal flaws and cultural habits with King's trademark humor and honesty ([60:25]-[61:57]). Both hosts express excitement for the new material and discuss their anticipation for its themes, particularly regarding sobriety and self-improvement.

Notable Quotes

• Rax King on Tackiness: "Tackiness is joyfulness. To be proudly tacky, your aperture for all the too much feelings, angst, desire, joy must be all the way open." ([10:39])

• Traci on Tacky Nostalgia: "I do love the nostalgia of my childhood. I love all the old stuff I do still love." ([15:52])

• Nora on Cultural Gatekeeping: "They are the only people who have to defend just the things that we like for the sake of liking them." ([45:00])

• Traci on Good vs. Perfect: "Good work commands respect, even if it isn't to your personal taste. Not so with perfect." ([47:57]-[49:45])

Conclusions

The episode offers a rich exploration of what it means to embrace tacky culture, advocating for a more inclusive and joyful understanding of personal tastes. Traci and Nora challenge societal gatekeeping, emphasizing the importance of celebrating diverse interests without shame. Through their candid discussion, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own perceptions of tackiness and its role in shaping cultural identity.

Next Episode Preview:
Stay tuned for the January book club pick, The Ministry of Time by Calie Ann Bradley, a debut novel blending science fiction, historical fiction, and romance. Join the discussion on Wednesday, January 29th.

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