News: Wired critiques the videos of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, which are available on the German government site and, of course, on YouTube. Wired reports:
“I don’t know who can take these seriously,” says Ivo Smolak, aka Ivo Lotion, a video artist and underground comedian whose spoofs of Merkel’s speeches have become a hit on YouTube. “I like her, but her body language is unintentionally so funny it’s just asking for satire. Maybe she just needs more time in front of the camera.” * * *
“Thursdays or Fridays, Merkel meets with a production crew and shoots for about 15 minutes somewhere in the German executive office building, sometimes using handheld cameras. Topics in the last few weeks have ranged from a heartfelt reaction to the kidnapping and murder of a 2-year-old child last month to snoozers on the “German-Polish relationship” and economic growth.”
Analysis: Unbelievable, the head of a country youtubing! I wish I understood German.
November 28, 2006 at 5:42 am |
This is off topic, and references the post called “You Are Not Alone” from a while back…
A hallmark of depressive symptomatology is the withdrawal from all things social. Why then, are these people drawn to broadcast their sadness on youtube? What is it about this sort of technological sub-community that compels a concerted effort to join? (Aside from the easy, albeit cynical, answer that they really aren’t depressed, just sad—but holding this aside for a moment). This conflicting dichotomy is an interesting one, and the paradigm is especially highlighted by people with depression: an intensely private moment of despair transposes itself into a pseudo-public cry for comfort. What is it about youtube that elicits this type of response? Any thoughts Prof Lee?
July 7, 2009 at 12:24 am |
THis is great!! First of all, it is promoting Germany (and the soccer team) and is a wonderful way for many of us to hear what is happening in Germany’s move to a more modern and and updated Country! (Hopefuly not loosing too much of the culture in the quest!) Wunderschoen! Entlich was auf Deutch!