I've posted up various videos from my favorite YouTubers in the past, but I think this one may be my favorite. Not only does it show how YouTube videos can serve as rhetorically powerful messages, but it garners attention and money towards an issue that's causing a lot of concern right now.
As most of you know, earlier this month, Japan suffered from a life-shattering combination of earthquakes and tsunamis. The country right now is in shambles, with more than 11,000 people confirmed to be dead, 17,000 people unaccounted for, and hundreds of thousands without homes. The issue becomes even more devastating as the country is in danger from nuclear plants causing much disturbance. This particular concern hits closer to home than we think--radioactive waste has been reported to be found in Californian rain. (Although the amounts are not yet large enough to pose any threat.)
In this video, Ryan Higa, the most subscribed YouTuber in YouTube history, creates a video to bring attention to this cause. He begins the video by putting out a little disclaimer about the video. He talks about how he acknowledges that this video is a drastic change from his regular comical rants and gags. While he may have put this up to respond to the potential hateful comments that may come his way, I think that the introduction is a powerful rhetorical technique!
Ryna Higa, as a funny comedian, really rarely puts up anything serious. However, when a funny guy suddenly becomes serious, the impact is enormous. I would compare this situation to the advertisemt for a jewelry store from this past Super Bowl. In the midst of all the chaotic hubbub, the jewelry store created an ad with no sound and no color. It was simply a white screen with lettering. The sudden hush immediately caught the attention of the whole room. Like the advertisement, Ryan Higa was able to catch the attention of all his viewers. "What's up with this guy? If he's being serious, that's gotta mean that something's up..."
As always, I'll emphasize again on how rhetorically influential I think vloggers can be. Yea, companies can pay millions of dollars to professional advertisement planners to create the "rhetorically perfect" message. But there's just something about a homemade video that captures our attentions and our hearts!
Ryan Higa is hilarious, and it is nice to see that you appreciate his comedic stylings on youtube as well. That being said, I always find it interesting when comedians take time for something serious; like the unexpected jewelry commercial I feel like people are more apt to listen to a comedian comment on something serious because we believe it must be a big deal if they aren't making any jokes.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very fresh video. I've never seen or heard of this guy, but he seems to be a great guy. I think anytime someone goes against the standard method to get their message out, is huge. I like the videos that show companies advertising in guerrilla ways. I think it such a fresh new way to get the message out. In this video Ryan Higa doesn't talk about the disaster and then show pictures of the disaster. Instead he goes out into the public and shows that public supports Japan and then he himself gives to the cause.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated this video. His style is unique and truthful. He clearly is an innovative, creative thinker, and we can all learn from him.
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