Comments for A Tune to Change the Way We Act

Caption: Catherine Fisher, an avid thrift shopper

Produced by Varun Dhananjaya

Other pieces by KUOW's RadioActive Youth Media

Summary: In late August last year, Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, a Seattle-based rap group, released a single called “Thrift Shop.” This song has topped the charts multiple times. But besides getting people humming along to its catchy melody, Thrift Shop is also creating a lot of interest in thrift shopping. Varun Dhananjaya, a youth producer with RadioActive Youth Media at KUOW, looked into this phenomenon.
 

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A Different Look at Pop Culture

It's great to hear a different side of pop culture. Very relevant topic! I really liked how all the people involved gave a different perspective. The part that stood out to me the most was the wide variety of somewhat professional clips. I am guilty of falling for the song and singing along with all my friends, which is what made this piece so fun to listen to. This piece makes me think about the song as more than just a top 40 song, but instead a meaningful piece that can relate to many people, especially teens. All in all, this piece brought to my attention a new perspective which will make me think twice about doing something that will make me fit in versus something that I actually want to do.

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A Radio Come-Up

I was introduced to the rap song “Thrift Shop,” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, in my third period class. There was a conversation about thrifting when a classmate started singing, “I’m gonna pop some tags, only got twenty dollars in my pocket.” I was hooked. Now when the song comes up on the radio, you bet I’m singing along. “Thrift Shop” doesn’t come off as being the typical rap song. While many rap songs are about spending money on bling, Macklemore raps about saving money.
A Tune To Change The Way We Act is about how the popular song has inspired its listeners to get into thrift shopping. I love this radio story. It’s engaging and fun. Those who don’t thrift shop or listen to rap could find pleasure in the writing.
One thing that strikes me is the professionalism of the piece. With smooth transitions and precise volume levels, this well paced story is made with high quality. It held on to my attention and left me satisfied when it was finished.
In this piece, there were perspectives from a shopper who started thrifting because of the song, a thrift shop employee, and an avid thrift shopper. They share what they think of “Thrift Shop” and what their thrifting experiences have been like.
One idea that was talked about was whether thrift shopping is going to continue to be popular. The way the piece ended, it seemed the producer didn’t think so. As someone who is already a thrift shopper, I hope that thrift shopping can continue being a crave. It is economical on the wallet and sustainable for the environment. Thrifting is just cool all around.