The Harlem Shake: fun fad or social decay?

[Valley Oak]

What is, exactly, "The Harlem Shake?" Is this fad simply another example of innocent fun? Or is this "meme" in reality the manifestation of something much deeper and sinister, exposing social decay, which should serve as a wake up call before it's too late?

Why do people engage in this bizarre behavior? Why is it considered recreational? Why are people imitating this "prank" all over the world? Is this indicating some social-psychological disease like a cultural cancer or generalized decadence? What does it mean? How did it happen and why? Should we simply have a laugh or be concerned? Why does an entire swim team do the Harlem Shake underwater? Why does a Swedish police force do it in public? Why does a European army unit do it in the snow? Why does a group of thousands of college students do this on campus? Why do some people feel compelled to take their clothes off in public, touch themselves or others when they participate in this fad? Etc, etc, etc?

Does anyone here on this forum have any answers or ideas as to the why's?

I have seen several examples of The Harlem Shake on Youtube in order to better understand this cultural phenomena. Here are just 3 short videos:

[Sebtown1968]

Spoken like an out-of-touch oldster.

Something Deeper? Sinister? Should serve as a wake up call before it is too late?

Too late for what?

The "Harlem Shake" is just one in a long string of fads that people are enjoying right now. Like "Planking" a few years ago or "Streaking" which has been going on forever.

Not wanting to burst your bubble here, but most things in life are not some big conspiracy or being created and controlled by some sinister group- no matter how bad many of the people who populate this board want it to be.

Some things in life are happening just to be happening. Some things are exactly as they appear.

Lighten up go outdoors and enjoy your life a little.

What is, exactly, "The Harlem Shake?" Is this fad simply another example of innocent fun? Or is this "meme" in reality the manifestation of something much deeper and sinister, exposing social decay, which should serve as a wake up call before it's too late?

Why do people engage in this bizarre behavior? Why is it considered recreational? Why are people imitating this "prank" all over the world? Is this indicating some social-psychological disease like a cultural cancer or generalized decadence? What does it mean? How did it happen and why? Should we simply have a laugh or be concerned? Why does an entire swim team do the Harlem Shake underwater? Why does a Swedish police force do it in public? Why does a European army unit do it in the snow? Why does a group of thousands of college students do this on campus? Why do some people feel compelled to take their clothes off in public, touch themselves or others when they participate in this fad? Etc, etc, etc?

Does anyone here on this forum have any answers or ideas as to the why's?

I have seen several examples of The Harlem Shake on Youtube in order to better understand this cultural phenomena. Here are just 3 short videos:

[Valley Oak]

Dear Mark,

I agree with you 100%. The tone of my post was facetious.

Edward

Spoken like an out-of-touch oldster.

Something Deeper? Sinister? Should serve as a wake up call before it is too late?

Too late for what?

The "Harlem Shake" is just one in a long string of fads that people are enjoying right now. Like "Planking" a few years ago or "Streaking" which has been going on forever.

Not wanting to burst your bubble here, but most things in life are not some big conspiracy or being created and controlled by some sinister group- no matter how bad many of the people who populate this board want it to be.

Some things in life are happening just to be happening. Some things are exactly as they appear.

Lighten up go outdoors and enjoy your life a little.

[Sebtown1968]

I am very happy to know this now..made me smile to read this!

I agree with you 100%. The tone of my post was facetious.