Susan Sontag and List-Making

Known for publications like “Against Interpretation” and “On Photography,” New York City-native Susan Sontag burst onto the writing scene in the 1960s. A sharp wit, approachable style and direct tone of voice quickly gained her popularity with readers of all kinds. In more recent years, Sontag’s essay, Notes on “Camp,” served as inspiration for the 2019 Met Gala and its accompanying exhibition. In addition to her larger works, Sontag published lists entitled “Things I like” and “Things I dislike” in 1977. On her list of “likes:” tequila, staying in hotels, microscopes and ship models. On “dislikes,” she includes couples, wearing a wristwatch, standing and paperback books. Ranging from broad to specific, Sontag’s lists state seemingly trivial information as worthy of the permanence inherent to writing. To declare something by writing it down puts life into it; it gives the thing a place and a purpose. The process of making lists like Sontag’s is self-reflective and feels almost like divulging secrets–ones that seem obvious, yet very personal. The idea that something does not exist unless it is written down is at the root of Sontag’s philosophy, and, in turn, emboldens the reader to take part in the act of list-making. Below, two lists that I created with the help of my friends are titled “Things that are cool” and “Things that are uncool.” In honor of Sontag, I encourage you to make your own. 

Things that are cool:

Bilingualism

Colorful boots 

House plants 

Karaoke 

Running long distances

Kindergarten teachers

Walking into a room and everyone greeting you

Kaleidoscopes

A gin and tonic 

Reciprocity 

Eye contact

Yearbooks 

Water that’s really blue 

A tree in the midst of changing colors

Puffy stickers 

Trampolines 

Five Below 

Lemonade stands 

Porch swings 

Lunchboxes 

Photo booths 

Espresso martinis

Dancing in a crowded room 

Varsity sweaters

Tic-tac-toe 

Bouncy balls

Velcro shoes 

Swimming pool torpedos 

Restaurants with made-in-house pasta 

Saxophones

School supplies

Homemade lemon drops

Diving under a big wave 

Revolving doors 

Voicemails 

Norah Jones 

Bay windows 

P.E. games specific to your school 

Farmers’ markets  

A big tote bag 

Keeping the tab open 

Corduroy 

Makeshift paint palettes 

A glass of wine with ice

Things that are uncool:

Tape that isn’t sticky anymore

Melted candy 

Expired feelings 

Messy dressing rooms

Feet still being cold inside socks 

Walking on an escalator

Nightmares 

Mayonnaise 

Staying because of familiarity 

People who don’t use turn signals 

The term “working out” 

Soggy bread 

Having to wear a belt 

Crocs 

Not tipping the server 

Stasis

Whoppers (candy)

Chewing gum 

American cheese 

Lint left in the dryer

Putting feet on pillows 

Keds

Amy Schumer 

Corroded batteries

Laziness