Maybe I should start a new category for this kind of entry 'cause I write them so often. Yes, it's another "Alan identifies pop culture trend and pretends to be aloof even though he probably enjoys the pleasures of conformity as much as the next guy" entry. Hmm, too long. Anyway...
The trend which I'm pretending to be aloof from this time is that of head-nodding. Apparently head-nodding is all the rage now. Exhibit A is Eminem's "Without Me" video where he's in the Batmobile nodding away, looks over at Dre, Dre hesitates, then Dre joins in with some fierce head-nodding. Exhibit B is the MIIB video in which head-nodding is taken to the next level, with Will Smith leading an entire stadium of people in unison head-nodding, yelling "Just Nod Your Head." If you know what I'm talking about here, just nod your head and read on.
So what gives? Well, (here comes the cynical analysis section) it seems to me that all this head-nodding just caters to our desire to agree with one another, to conform by thinking the same thoughts, across the board, the final culmination of which is the video mentioned as Exhibit B. Instead of arguing or having a rational discussion, let's all just sit around nodding our heads at each other stupidly in mutual agreement. Who wants to be an individual anyway? A stadium full of synched nodding heads--it's a dream come true!
Posted by Alan at July 27, 2002 05:10 PM