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A new book argues that contemporary culture is defined not by innovation, but by a pervasive lack of it. W. David Marx’s “Blank Space: A Cultural History of the Twenty-First Century,” published November 18, 2025, contends that the past quarter-century has seen a shift toward reboots, rehashes, and trends that prioritize virality over originality.
Marx, a cultural historian currently based in Tokyo, Japan, traces this phenomenon from the early 2000s through the rise of K-pop and the dominance of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He identifies a stagnation in pop culture, where established franchises and familiar formulas consistently outperform genuinely new artistic endeavors. The book highlights the enduring influence of artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift, not as exceptions to the rule, but as figures whose adaptability reflects the broader shifts within the cultural landscape.
“Culture has suffered from a perplexing lack of reinvention,” Marx writes, arguing that risk is no longer adequately rewarded. The book dissects the forces driving this trend, examining the interplay of commercial pressures, technological advancements, and evolving cultural norms. According to Penguin Random House, the book combines sociological, economic, and political insights with analysis of art, street culture, fashion, and technology.
The book has already garnered attention, being named a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, a Washington Post Notable Nonfiction Book of 2025, and a People Best Book of November 2025. It was likewise selected as an NPR Most Anticipated Book of Fall 2025. A recent interview on Reddit’s r/CriticalTheory offered a deeper dive into the book’s central arguments.
Marx, a Harvard University alumnus (class of 2001), frames the current situation as a reaction against both indie snobbery and 1990s counterculture, leading to the emergence of a “counter-counterculture” characterized by the celebration of business success and the increasing influence of industry-backed trends. He points to phenomena like the rise of “crypto bros,” “nepo babies,” and AI-generated art as symptoms of this shift.
The book’s central thesis—that contemporary culture is operating within a “blank space”—suggests a period of diminished creative output and a reliance on established formulas. Marx’s analysis extends to the economic forces shaping the cultural landscape, arguing that profit-driven incentives often prioritize predictable success over artistic experimentation. The book’s exploration of these dynamics has sparked debate about the state of creativity in the 21st century.
As of February 20, 2026, W. David Marx has not publicly responded to specific criticisms of his work, but continues to promote “Blank Space” through interviews and public appearances.
