Pop culture, and where mainstream society is headed

[Archie Moses]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35_1tAv6wgE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7YXn-lfHXc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euWatCJB8Vw&feature=related

 

[JazzGal]

I think it is an interesting discussion topic. I don't completely agree with the idea that it is only because of the technology. When I was a teen (a long time ago), we didn't typically find our source of amusement being provided by the embarrassing antics of others, or by the weirdest and grossest thing out there. I guess you could make the argument that we weren't exposed to enough of it to develop the taste, but people were more likely then to avoid such things. Of course there are exceptions to everything, as I'm sure someone will point out.

 

[sirkickyass]

I think it is an interesting discussion topic. I don't completely agree with the idea that it is only because of the technology. When I was a teen (a long time ago), we didn't typically find our source of amusement being provided by the embarrassing antics of others, or by the weirdest and grossest thing out there. I guess you could make the argument that we weren't exposed to enough of it to develop the taste, but people were more likely then to avoid such things. Of course there are exceptions to everything, as I'm sure someone will point out.

Exceptions: The Gong Show, Travelling Circus Side Shows.

Happy to oblige.

 

[moevillini]

I think it is an interesting discussion topic. I don't completely agree with the idea that it is only because of the technology. When I was a teen (a long time ago), we didn't typically find our source of amusement being provided by the embarrassing antics of others, or by the weirdest and grossest thing out there. I guess you could make the argument that we weren't exposed to enough of it to develop the taste, but people were more likely then to avoid such things. Of course there are exceptions to everything, as I'm sure someone will point out.

Exceptions: The Gong Show, Travelling Circus Side Shows.

Happy to oblige.

Queen for a Day predates television and apparently was originally a radio show, it's probably one of the classics of the genre
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen_for_a_Day

 

[C l u t c H 385]

I always assumed people liked the beatles for their stupid accents, haircuts, teeth and faces. Just as freaky lookin as those little people.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

I don't know if anyone has seen the youtube videos of the teen dwarf lip synching top 40 songs and humiliating himself - if you haven't, it's exactly what I described - but I'm beginning to think there's been a fundamental change in America's Youth.

The obsession with fame and celebrity is obvious among the masses. Look how Obama got elected. His marketing people turned him into a "celebrity", not the next President.

But the "average joe" isn't going to be the next president. He has a much better chance of being the next viral video sensation.

Judging by the immense popularity of this midget, and 50 cents subsequent appearance in the kid's latest video, I have come to the conclusion the average kid who wants to be famous will now wish he/she had some repulsive deformity he/she could exploit over the internet.

No longer are the days of, "I wish I was 6'10 so I can be in the NBA,", or "I wish I could sing like Stevie Nicks or Aaron Neville," but rather "I wish I had a massive puss-filled zit on my back that I could have my friend film while someone pops it and put it on youtube" or "I wish I was born with Downs Syndrome so I could make dance videos for Youtube"


Thoughts?

Well articulated opinion. Some people's self hatred can indeed fuel strange behaviors. Perhaps our culture is becoming more cynical and expressing disillusionment in more negative ways. Some people take sarcasm and self-parody to the extreme and consider this to be normal behavior. I see your point. But this isn't necessarily something new.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Um, now that I've seen that these videos involve people with disabilities, I would like to withdraw my comment about 'self hatred.' Thank you.

 

[Jerry Lundegaard]

Kicky raises a good point with the circus side shows over the past couple hundred years. However, they were being presented/exploited by someone else. The three videos my dude Archie posted are all recorded by these people with the intention of having as many people as possible see it.

I started this thread for fun, and am not seriously concerned, but am genuinely curious as to which is the newer phenomenon - The circus freaks of yester-year now seeking attention or the general public's increased infatuation?

For the record, I am emailed at least one youtube video per week from one of my friends telling all of us we must see it because of how funny/gross/etc it is.

The latest?

Some Indian kid (india, not native american) singing and dancing to the club can't even handle me at his computer. Wasn't intended comedy.. Pretty sure the kid thinks he's talented. Oh well!