The first rule for using pop culture references in your writing is to not use pop culture references in your writing. Nothing dates a piece of writing and makes whatever important message you are trying to convey to the world completely irrelevant to future readers more than making reference to pop culture. You might make a powerful statement that will ring true in the hearts and minds of every reader today, for the next ten minutes, but tomorrow it will fizzle out and mean nothing. This is completely acceptable if you are writing for today and don't anticipate anyone in the future ever reading your work. But most writers long for immortality. Including other people's fictional characters or fast food mascots in your own work is the quickest way to thrust your writing into obscurity.

Pop culture fads come and go in the blink of an eye. Even television shows that air for years and go into syndication lose their audience and place in cultural relevance in the course of several months. Movies that make an impact on the film world and take over many aspects of our lives (such as cereal boxes, t-shirts, and children's fast food toys), fall by the wayside when the next big thing covers over it culturally like a wave.

Even now, I fight to list such examples of pop culture at the risk of this piece losing effectiveness. But think of your favorite television program from 5 years ago. Now make reference to it when talking to someone of a younger generation on the street. Take a good hard look at the blank look on their face and remember it. The next time you feel compelled to add a pop culture reference to your writing, think of that face. That is the face of your future readers.

Find other ways to make your point. Use real thought and avoid the lazy impulse to make reference to someone else's contribution to culture. Make your words transcend whatever piece of pop absurdity you feel compelled to mention. Create your own images and let future writers fight to resist referencing you.

Learn more about this author, Mark Hammerschmidt.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to use pop culture references in writing?
We want to hear your view. Write now!