Words by MC
In the age of social networks, very few have managed to have the rise-of-the-machines-esq impact of Youtube. The idea that millions of people could now entertain themselves and everyone else by finally putting that comp-cam to use (for non-porn purposes) hit society at large like a bomb–loud, fast and with lasting impact.
Pop Culture Moment #1: Chappelle’s Show Premieres
Created in 2005 by founders Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim, the site that allowed users to post videos, homemade or otherwise, has grown from a cool idea by three former PayPal employees into a full blown institution that Google put up over a billion dollars for. Home to blogs, bloopers TV shows, music videos and everything in-between, YouTube content is limited only by the imagination of its users. Adding visuals to what used to be word of mouth, YouTube has been key in leveling the playing field in the entertainment industry to mixed results.
On the one end, talented actors, directors, comics, producers, singers and rappers can all cultivate a following and maintain a career without the help of a major label. Justin Beiber was in fact discovered via YouTube. And who could forget the runaway madness of Tay Zonday’s “Chocolate Rain”? On the other end, because there are very few restrictions, the untalented also have equal time and access to add to the digital landscape. For instance, YouTube is DIRECTLY responsible for the discovery of Antoine Dodson… mixed results indeed.
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