Saturday, August 7, 2010

Baffling Internet Phenomenon of the Day

Today’s baffling internet phenomenon (henceforth referred to as “BIP”) comes from a likely source. In fact, Youtube is quite possibly the epicenter of BIPs. While I’m sure you’ve already thought of some choice videos, sometimes the comments overshadow the inanity of the videos themselves. Such is the case with the following example.

The video in question is entitled “Christopher Hitchens Farts on Live Television! Ewww!” uploaded by JQisAwesome. Now, I fully acknowledge the entertainment value of people farting on live television. I also acknowledge the marked increase in entertainment value that occurs if the person in question is British (although I’m not sure how dual-citizenship status factors into the overall comedic weighting).

HOWEVER, none of this has anything to do with why this clip was selected as the BIP of the day. The really interesting thing here is the fact that JQisAwesome has an inordinately strong desire to establish the legitimacy of the clip. I refer you to his comment:
Many people think this is FAKE. Here are 5 other clips from the same broadcast. If anyone can find me a clip without the fart noise, I will send you 1,000 dollars via Paypal. Seriously.

watch?v=8ISylK4g6UM

watch?v=SJNsWN-QGW8

watch?v=LZUPtdWyijw

watch?v=UqFyMTf-BoM

watch?v=z1LZP8OHCMA

It's real!!!!!!!!!!

First of all,

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, just consider the adamant, if not maniacal, conviction of JQisAwesome. And remember, this is all in reference to a mere fart captured on television:
  • He makes use of caps lock and exclamation point spamming.
  • He includes no less than five links (which aren’t actually clickable links - thanks for forcing me to copy and paste, JQ!) to duplicate videos.
  • He explicitly references the seriousness of the matter when the implicit seriousness is readily felt by all who read his words.
and to top it all off...
  • The psychopath offers 1,000 US dollars to anyone who can produce a video of the interview sans farting noise.
    Truly, this is a baffling Internet phenomenon. By the way, do you have any comment on this issue Mr. Hitchens?