I'm not usually swayed by such things, but decided to take a look. I concur with McGrath's summary of the piece: "it’s short, pleasingly weird and so minimal in its content that it’s open to a multitude of interpretations." And this, finally, is what I'm most interested in.
How do we interpret this? Is it a pleasing example of globalization? An apolitical "We are the World" for the 21st century? Is there something inherently problematic in an American traveling the world (with the help of Stride gum), capturing different cultures on camera in this way? Does the fact that this American is a white male make any difference (or, if this were a Native American woman, how might our interpretation change? would it?)? Are there issues of consent -- do the bushmen of New Guinea know in what they are participating? Does that matter? How does the technology, the new media, contribute to the equation? This has over four million views on youtube alone -- what does this tell us?
Clearly the questions can continue -- so let's discuss. But first, take a look:
**Just to complicate this a touch more, I found myself smiling throughout the video -- I do like dancing -- though I was also, at times, quite bothered.
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4 comments:
Before watching this video I was predisposed to think it would be just another example of an American's cultural insensitivity. I just got back from spending two weeks in Italy and I definitely met some Italians that held the stereotype of "rude American" against us.
Though I don't think that this video fits the bill at all and I don't believe that there would be a difference if a women or person of another race had been the one to post the video.
I think it was awesome that in four and a half minutes he could simultaneously capture the world's cultural, ethnic, and natural diversity; but at the same time my overall riding impression was the unity of all the people. The video communicated the joy of each of the groups dancing with Matt Harding, which is great it showed the common experience of all people- a desire to be happy and have fun.
I think that having over four million views on youtube alone also communicates a desire for happiness. People get joy out of watching other people goof-off and have fun.
I completely agree with Beth's comment. While watching the video I could easily see an Indian, African-American, or Asian woman doing the main dancing in this video and my perceptions of it would still be the same. I can't think of a better way to say it other than how Beth did in that it showed the many differences in the people but yet brought everyone together by doing a common thing. I enjoyed the video.
I have to agree with Beth in all that she says. I have been to many countries and I am always stereotyped as the rude and ignorant American and it is hurtful. It is great though to see this guy go around and show all these different culturally diverse people and make them happy in their own way. It is great to see people justy having fun and letting loose. I think that the reason he was able to do this is because he is a white male and that's what is so sad about this. You said that this video has been viewed millions of times and I can see why it is great to see something like this and I know a lot of my friends spend hours at a time just watching youtube. That sad part is that I feel if a woman or someone from another race were doing this then it would not be nearly as popular as it is now and that is quite disturbing on its own part.
After watching the video while pleasant and definitely a means to bring a brief bit of happiness and smiles to others, I think the money spent on the travel alone could have been used in a more productive way. I don't think the gender or nationality of the dancer would have an impact in most places except in those countries where women are not allowed to display themselves.
For me I thought there would be something more to this video (a message of hope/unity which may be an underlying idea)then a guy dancing, many of the areas seemed staged or rehearsed. Again this is just my opinion and I don't want to offend but I didn't get it. Just a guy goofing off and getting others to join in.
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