I’d like to start off this blog this week not by referencing a specific YouTube video but by discussing the phenomenon on a holistic basis. YouTube has, in recent years, completely revolutionized the way that thoughts and ideas are shared with friends, family, and others. But more than so, it has been a great source of entertainment for children, teens, and adults. The videos on YouTube reflect the humor of many cultures, and one such is American Humor.
A large portion of videos on YouTube are self-promoting: they are all produced by, starring, and posted by a specific individual. This itself is a reflection on American culture because of our strong belief in individualism. The notion that “anyone can make a name for himself/herself” is strongly represented in this facet of YouTube. Examples of people who have become famous by posting videos of themselves include singing sensations Justin Beiber and Sam Tsui, the lead singer for Yale University’s oldest a cappella group. The success of such artists proves that the American Dream is a possibility. Alternatively, although on the same page, we realize that there are still multitudes of struggling singers who post videos of themselves but are yet to be recognized for their work. In this way, the American Dream is ridiculed and to some extent criticized.
Together, these two facts come together to represent the notion that there is an extent to which the American Dream can be realized. It is not a limitless ideal, yet one with practical boundaries.
Now, what does all of this have to do with American humor?
As analysts have pointed out, cruelty and making fun of the victim in a situation are cornerstones of American humor. Some groups of people find it funny that there are individuals who hope to make names for themselves in the music industry by posting videos of themselves singing or playing an instrument. The true reason behind this humor is the subconscious realization that a limit on the American Dream actually exists. There is a strange enjoyment that people, and Americans in general, receive from witnessing other people’s failures. This is just one of the myriad reasons that online videos are considered “hilarious” by some.
