Black Friday

While catching up on the news, I came across a story about Rebecca Black, who made a music video called "Friday".  The video was an instant success on youtube receiving millions of views in a few days. What struck me was that the interview with Ms. Black was about all the people who now hate her and have written all kinds of nasty things about her because of her video. I searched for the her video on Youtube, and found it took a little bit of searching to get the "official" video that had over 16 million views when I found it a about 12:10 pm this afternoon — http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD2LRROpph0 — by 9:00 pm it had nearly 18 million views. What was coming up instead of the official video were all the parodies that had already hit Youtube.

I didn't find the song objectionable and the video is well-produced, so why all the hate? I suppose the main reason is because Ms. Black has an instant success. After that she's a very attractive young woman. Instant success of a normal, everyday, attractive 13 year old really hit a nerve with the Youtube wannabes who put up their trash videos and got 10 views after 8 months. Envy brings out the fighting spirit in a lot of people who spend endless hours complaining and making parodies. I wonder what would happen if these people put as much time and effort into, let's say, studying math and science or being productive at their jobs as they put into hating the success of other people and making parodies about them? 

We saw a young woman at the grocery store the other day who was dressed in black with spring-loaded Goth boots, various chains about her, white makeup on her face, with black accents to create a skeleton look. She was with her mom, looked depressed, and besides a few sideways looks, everyone in the store ignored her. Laurie wondered how long it took her to do up her makeup and costume and bet that she doesn't put near the same time into studying math. I get the feeling that young woman hates just about everything, especially herself. At least the person I believe most people would like to see as a "normal", happy young woman — like Rebecca Black in her video.

If Ms. black was dressed like a depressed Goth, acted like a freak, and railed against the "establishment" would she be more accepted by those who envy success? Probably, but then again, a goth-like, depressing video probably wouldn't have gone "viral!" The vast majority of people who find the upbeat music and smiling faces appealing, simply enjoy the video, giving a monopoly to the discontents.

There are videos that ask if Rebecca Black is the next Justin Bieber. I hope she is. I wish her total success and that she ultimately makes lots of money. Does it matter whether she has a great voice? Does in matter whether she has "talent"? No! If she produces music and videos that people like, she is deserving of the benefits derived from success.