http://youtu.be/QkNrSpqUr-E
The Internet's current phenomenon of Harlem Shake videos is interesting to explore.
Maybe one way to understand the role the videos serve is to think of Pedro Almodovar, the wild and wonderful Spanish director of films such as "Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" and a long line of films that break boundaries like children break pinatas.
The end of the control of Spain's dictator, Francisco Franco unleashed the artist Almodovar's pent up frustration and fury, and we, Almodovar's fans worldwide are the grateful, if exhausted, beneficiaries.
The song, "Harlem Shake" has simple lyrics, "con los terroristas"-- which lead me to think that since 9-11-2001, Americans have had an unelected dictator of their own, terrorism.
The way Harlem Shake has caught on makes me wonder if the song allows people--mostly young men-- to break free from the serious drone-at-work world that has been largely defined by terrorism.
Good thoughts on a viral meme -- and to me more relevant than any comments about it being cultural appropriation!
ReplyDeletethanks for your comment, Susie. We are going to have an NVC Harlem Shake video next week, which I hope to post.
ReplyDelete