Is CMEpalooza Brat?

Because we are on the cutting edge of every trend (or more likely because we both currently have teenagers), Derek and I often have discussions about some of the nuanced issues that define the lives of the younger generations. Admittedly, by the time we hear about most of these trends, they are no longer trendy, but it keeps us feeling somewhat hip and modern.

One of my favorite recent trends (which probably stopped being trendy months ago) is the concept of “brat.” I was at a recent play where a Gen Z character tried explaining to the older folks in the cast–and the audience, who were mostly in the AARP demographic–why something is or is not “brat.” For those of you who aren’t quite as trendy as we are, I’ll give you a quick history lesson. Last June, something or someone called Charli XCX released an album called “brat.” It somehow mushroomed into this concept of a “brat summer” and debates over things that are and are not “brat.” Very loosely, something that is “brat” is messy, real, authentic, and fun. It’s essentially the opposite of the “Barbie” concept where things are pristine and everything is just OMG so amazeballs perfect! People can be brat, places can be brat, things can be brat. I guess by labeling something as brat, it earns some sort of authenticity and street cred (note from Derek: Wait…this is a really good explanation. I am stunned. I am typing this with my mouth hanging open. Where did this come from??)

But let’s get to the point of today’s blog where we address the critical question of, “Is CMEpalooza brat?” Since neither of us pretend to be qualified as the arbiter of these kinds of critical debates, I wanted to ask a panel of teens to weigh in. Alas, none of them could hear me over whatever nonsense that was blaring through their AirPods (I imagine it was Charli XCX), so I had to try another route.

The online checklists were kind of worthless, typically asking about personal preferences instead of characteristics of inanimate objects. I am still a bit confused about how various shades of green can and cannot be brat, but I otherwise didn’t learn much from these. I was a bit skeptical about going to one of the various AI chatbots because I feel like they often only tell you what you want to hear, but I couldn’t think of a better approach, so here goes.

“Tell me O wizard of everything that was and is, would you consider CMEpalooza to be brat?”

(Brief interruption while I insert more parameters to avoid responses like “No, CMEpalooza is not a bratwurst” or “You’ll need to ask Derek’s mother if he is a brat”)

CMEpalooza does have a bit of a “brat” vibe in the playful, rebellious, and unapologetically bold sense! It challenges traditional norms in the continuing medical education (CME) industry by offering a fresh, creative, and accessible platform for content… If you’re seeing CMEpalooza as confidently rebellious and playful, then yes—it’s totally brat in the best way possible!

I cut out some of the analysis because it is a little too fawning and self-serving, and probably sounds like some sort of marketing language that our crack team of interns would write. Just to make sure nothing was rigged, I tried two more queries:

“Is the ACCME brat?” (No)

“Is the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions brat?” (No)

OK, so I guess that settles it — CMEpalooza is clearly brat.

So, then what does it mean when two generally curmudgeonly 50-somethings can create and cultivate something that the coolest of the cool consider trendy? Beats me. I’ll ask Charli XCX the next time I see her.