CarolinaCast

CarolinaCast: The ‘cultural currency’ of Taylor Swift

Time magazine has named Taylor Swift its “Person of the Year” for 2023, and the Washington Post and Research company QuestionPro found that she was responsible for nearly $4.6 billion in consumer spending in the U.S. But there’s more to Swift than her music. For some fans, she represents a new concept of modern femininity, in which women can talk about their emotions, wear glitter, be hurt by a breakup, and still be strong, financially literate, politically influential, and unapologetic about their accomplishments.

On this edition of CarolinaCast, Samatha Hoffman talks with Sierra Pfeifer about the Swift phenomenon.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Dec. 2, 2023

UNC students are navigating the emotional toll of the Israel-Hamas war. As Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz considers a job as president at Michigan State University, UNC reacts to his potential departure. The Town Council rejects a proposal for what would have been the tallest residential building in Chapel Hill. Ph.D. students at UNC and NC State work to save birds from window collisions. College students spend thousands of dollars on Taylor Swift.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Oct. 18, 2023

Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz is considering leaving UNC; he’s a finalist for the presidency at Michigan State. Students say UNC’s recreational facilities are overcrowded. Some people are boycotting Starbucks because of their labor practices.  Carrboro’s Film Fest is featuring work by UNC students and faculty. The Town of Chapel Hill is encouraging residents to put aside their rakes and leaf blowers and leave their leaves in their yards.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Nov. 11, 2023

North Carolina’s Attorney General says social media illegally hooks and harms kids. Chapel Hill Mayor-elect Jess Anderson says she’ll try to balance the concerns of both students and permanent town residents. Inflation is easing, but a lot of people at UNC are still dealing with food insecurity. Student veterans reflect on their transition from military life to college life. A UNC student is serving on the board of education of Boise, Idaho.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Nov. 4, 2023

A new law requiring a photo ID presents challenges to Chapel Hill residents heading to the polls. Some business owners complain about Franklin Street’s bike lanes. A WRAL documentary explores the racist past of Kenan Stadium’s original namesake. UNC researchers find that certain Chapel Hill neighborhoods have higher temperatures than others. Students are finally starting to feel the change in season.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Oct. 28, 2023

The U.S. senate unanimously passes a resolution condemning UNC’s chapter of  Students for Justice in Palestine. Scammers are targeting UNC students with bogus emails. A university committee creates AI guidelines for students, embracing the new technology rather than shying away from it. A 48-year old Halloween mainstay returns to campus for a sold-out performance.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Oct. 14, 2023

The UNC community reacts to the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee, who represents Orange and Durham Counties in Congress, shares her frustration over the Republicans’ struggle to choose a new Speaker of the House. The U.S. Supreme Court decision to end affirmative action means changes to the UNC admissions process. The Tar Heel men’s basketball team hopes to improve after underperforming last year. A prominent historic building on Franklin Street comes back to life after a challenging renovation.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Oct. 7, 2023

As some schools around the country ban books, UNC commemorated First Amendment Day by reading them out loud. A local member of Congress bemoans the “chaos and confusion” this week as the House removed Speaker Kevin McCarthy. A new roadside marker remembers when UNC was a World War II flight school. Students with dietary restrictions share their struggles eating at UNC’s dining halls. University officials promise to upgrade the “ugly” class registration system.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Sep. 30, 2023

Students react to a new North Carolina law that restricts gender affirming care. North Carolina’s House Speaker says UNC’s campus should no longer be a gun-free zone. US News ranks UNC the fourth best public university in the country. Screenwriting students mark the end of the Hollywood writers strike. UNC’s newest art installation helps add color to a parking deck.

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2023

Carolina Connection – Sep. 23, 2023

Campus lockdowns can be especially hard for grad students, who face unique pressures. Vice President Kamala Harris visits North Carolina A&T as part of an effort to energize young voters. A UNC initiative is hoping to reduce suicide statewide. A Carrboro Farmers Market program teaches young people about where their food comes from. ACC officials continue to defend their decision to expand the sports conference to the west. For some local families, the start of fall means it’s pumpkin-carving season.