"…The popularity of a given cultural element (object, person or event) is directly proportional to the degree to which that element is reflective of audience beliefs and values. The greater the popularity of the cultural element – in an era and/or over time – the more reflective of the zeitgeist this element is likely to be. The formula assumes that audiences choose a specific cultural element over other alternatives because they find it attractive in its reassuring reflection of their beliefs, values and desires."
— Jack Nachbar’s pop culture formula
