Something to consider is that pop culture often indulges in those items that are considered risque and slightly forbidden. Consider that in the former Soviet Union, the music of the Beatles, Elton John, and Elvis Presley was actually pretty popular, despite efforts of the censors. As such, the pop culture, might entail, and underground of collectors of "forbidden titles and genres" (e.g. rap/hip-hop/ rock & roll/heavy metal). This would be especially true in the countries wherein frustration over perceived loss is tangible (e.g. Japan, United States, Great Britain, Western Europe).
Underground book clubs were always popular in the former Yugoslavia, Soviet Union, and Czechoslovakia. As such, expect titles from Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Dashell Hammet, Gore Vidal, et al. to be considered popular readings amongst the "truly hip". If you can get a copy of an unedited copy of Mark Twain or Ayn Rand's works, you would be considered "uber-cool!".
In the current People's Republic of China, Vietnam, and Mongolia, people actually are big fans of soap operas and talk-shows. If anything, even in Communist regimes, people like to consider that their lives may certainly be screwed up, but they have a common thread of conversation to talk about. This would also be done in an effort to push certain societal lessons and messages. In the ATL, Days of Our Lives might feature a storyline wherein a young co-worker is taking bribes in a "counter-revolutionary fashion" but has shown genuine affection for the female lead. Also, an episode of The Montel Williams Show might feature a special on "Community Hoarders...They Think Only Of Themselves, Do You Know Them?".
Underground book clubs were always popular in the former Yugoslavia, Soviet Union, and Czechoslovakia. As such, expect titles from Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Dashell Hammet, Gore Vidal, et al. to be considered popular readings amongst the "truly hip". If you can get a copy of an unedited copy of Mark Twain or Ayn Rand's works, you would be considered "uber-cool!".
In the current People's Republic of China, Vietnam, and Mongolia, people actually are big fans of soap operas and talk-shows. If anything, even in Communist regimes, people like to consider that their lives may certainly be screwed up, but they have a common thread of conversation to talk about. This would also be done in an effort to push certain societal lessons and messages. In the ATL, Days of Our Lives might feature a storyline wherein a young co-worker is taking bribes in a "counter-revolutionary fashion" but has shown genuine affection for the female lead. Also, an episode of The Montel Williams Show might feature a special on "Community Hoarders...They Think Only Of Themselves, Do You Know Them?".