🐶 Why is Snoopy a GenZ icon?

It’s Friday, October 27 — people are talking about newly elected House Speaker Mike Johnson, Snoopy as a GenZ icon, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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🏛️ In the news: A Speaker is finally elected

After weeks of chaos without a House Speaker, Mike Johnson was swiftly elected to the position. What got him here, and will he do a good job?

🏛️ National Review says House Republicans were optimistic about his ability to lead, and they think he has what it takes to unite the GOP.

🏛️ But the WSJ is less optimistic: Johnson could run into the same issues his predecessor Kevin McCarthy faced. Leading the unruly GOP is a hard task.

🏛️ And CNN was even less optimistic. Johnson is an extremist who was part of the movement to overturn the 2020 election. His Speakership will be awful for the country.

🏛️ The Atlantic had a different take: Johnson got the speakership because he's avoided making enemies. We'll have to wait and see if he pulls the GOP further to the right.

🐶 Cultural trend: Why is Snoopy a GenZ icon?

Recently, GenZ seems to loves Snoopy, the classic Peanuts character. What’s behind this phenomenon?

🐶 The Atlantic says GenZ loves Snoopy because they see themselves as the little guy, navigating situations that are beyond their control — just like Snoopy.

🐶 Nylon offered a different explanation: Zoomers love him because they're into embracing their inner child. Celebrating Snoopy is a way to celebrate childhood friendship and wonder.

🐶 A Redditor on r/Generationology agreed: GenZ loves Peanuts characters like Snoopy because everyone finds them nostalgic.

🐶 The New Yorker had another take: Everyone (not just GenZ) loves the Peanuts because it gives them a chance to examine big-picture ideas about life.

Quick hits

🍑 A federal judge ordered that Georgia's voting maps must be redrawn before the 2024 election. (The Hill)

🇺🇸 House Rep. Dean Phillips is launching a primary challenge against Biden. He says Biden's done a great job, but it's time for a change. (CNN)

💰 According to the Bloomberg billionaire index, Taylor Swift is now a billionaire with a net worth of $1.1b. (CNN)

🪰 California is dumping millions of sterile fruit flies onto Los Angeles in an effort to curb the spread of an invasive Mediterranean species. (SF Gate)