cool and stupid are closer than you think...
The white and gold dress debate that is currently raging through the internet (Faith, humanity, yada yada yada *ed) is not actually a new and amazing topic of discussion. It's just a bit (alot *ed) silly and the next "big thing" people in scool yards/back gardens/office canteens can discuss and debate about. And to be honest, I am probably 12 hours too late writing this blog as many of you that frequent the internet may already be saying "what the %*&^ are you talking about?!". Such is the nature of these "flash in a pan" viral products. So allow me to back up a touch...
On Thursday a picture became viral on the internet. This picture depicted a simple white and gold dress. Within hours the internet was full of images,memes, and pictures regarding the dress It even appeared on news reports as people debated whether the dress was white and gold or a different combination of colours. Because apparently some people saw black and gold, or blue and gold, or blue and yellow. The picture was a simple trick that sparked a torrent of theories and explanations as to why people saw different colours.
So there you have it. Cool? I don't think so. I think it is a sad day when the world is discussing the colour of a dress. But then again. I am one who guffaws in delight every time I see a Chuck Norris meme.
That has me thinking: What is the difference between something that is truly witty and clever, or something that is clever enough to create a worldwide debate?
I believe its a thin line between the two. Either way the creators of this viral phenomena need to be acknowledged as smart(ass *ed) individuals. Its a stange thing when you think about it as gaining notoriety and being ignored can be an incredibley slim version of the oforementioned thin line.
For example, a Youtube video that went viral a while back entitled "Angry german kid" depicted a young german teenager trashing his computer in frustration while playing a videogame. Around the same time (perhaps even before) this video was released I personally saw a few other similar videos depicting children/teenagers/adults getting frustrated on a video game and doing damage to either the console,the T.V or in one hilarious video, themselves ( I believe its called " T.V drops on stupid kids foot" or something like that) and yet with a fraction of viewers as the "Angry German kid" video. Why is this? What is so special about the German kid video that garnered all the attention?
The same can be said I suppose of many things within pop culture and the media. After all one persons Ying can be another's Yang. And as said before there must be a certain amount of strategy and timing in ensuring the product attracts the public eye.
I enjoy watching the occassional Lets play video (person playing a video game and commentating whilst playing *ed) yet I prefer RadBrad over the hugely popular Pewdiepie. Is RadBrad "better" than Pewdiepie? Thats up for eternal debate and mostly down to preference, as most things in life should be. As long as people understand there is a brilliant and beautiful world away from the internet I see no harm in viral products.
Just please dont let me see that stupid dress again...
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