Does Substance Always Matter?

Or Does Style Matter More?

Issue 175, August 29, 2024

Style over substance. This is a matter of debate that keeps social commentators relevant – at least in their own eyes. And it’s the eyes, the optics, that seem to be winning the popularity contest over substance. Think about our political arena. Fashion pundits are weighing in on the candidates’ attire with their deep psychological explanations about the colors of ties, designers of dresses and why navy blue is the new white. We suspect that analysis may get more page views than endless scrolls on policy and economic programs.

In an age where what you see becomes blurred with what’s actually there, style transcends substance. A 60-second TikTok video is hard-pressed to be substantive. Insta moments are built on picture-perfect moments.  And let’s not forget the fantasy stylish lives your friends project on Facebook. Add to that all the new GenAI imaging programs, and we’re all at odds in separating fiction from reality, at least on the surface of things.

So, do…