Since the Covid theater, Stoicism is everywhere: that's why I don't read about it anymore because wherever the mass and Pavlov dogs head, the truth is elsewhere.

That's kind of a narrow take; the mainstream may be directed towards a good thing and just not have the depth to draw a benefit, its attention being superficial and fleeting.

E.g. the Pavlovian dog metaphor is quite a mainstream trope, but doesn't it carry an important message nevertheless?

If anything, I would say that fleeting takes and offhand dismissals are what determines and solidifies the mainstream's superficiality.

If you always walk in the opposite direction of the crowd you are still letting them control where you go.