The Harlem Shake is one of the biggest viral explosions in history. Just over two weeks ago, most people had no idea what that Harlem Shake was. But now, it is all over the internet, the news, and appearing in your work conversations.
The Harlem Shake. Image Source – Wikimedia Commons
If you’ve never heard of the Harlem Shake, it is a viral video sensation. Each video contains 30 seconds of the song “Harlem Shake” by musical artist Baauer (who has seen his sales explode!).
Wikipedia explains the dance in this way:
“Usually, a video begins with one person (often helmeted or masked) dancing to the song alone for 15 seconds, surrounded by other people not paying attention or unaware of the dancing individual. When the bass drops, the video switches to the entire crowd doing a crazy convulsive dance for the next 15 seconds.”
To give you an idea of how popular this is right now, “On February 10, the upload rate of Harlem Shake videos reached 4,000 per day…as of February 15, about 40,000 Harlem Shake videos had been uploaded, totalling 175 million views.” (also from Wikipedia)
This fad won’t last forever of course. Some people are probably sick of it already. But, I think there are a few great life lessons we can learn from the craze that we should continue to apply long past the success of the Harlem Shake. As an added bonus, I’ve thrown in some of my favorites Harlem Shake videos.
1) Life is better when lived in community
The best part of every video is the second half. The first 15 seconds is great, but just because of the anticipation for the next 15 seconds.
What makes it so much better? Community. More people join in, making it crazier and more fun. Life is the same way. I’m an introvert. I need alone time, but I’d be lying to you if I said alone time is better than time with friends or family. It takes effort to get people together, but it is worth it!
2) Don’t Hold Back
During the second half, people go absolutely crazy. Now I’m not suggesting that you walk down the street like you do the Harlem Shake (although that would be hilarious to watch). I do think, however, that we often restrain ourselves because we’re afraid of what other people will think.
The great thing about following Jesus is that we have complete freedom. “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 ESV). You don’t have to worry what other people will think, because you already have God’s approval and love. So be free, and party better than a rockstar.
3) Creativity Counts
With over 40,000 Harlem Shake videos, all of which follow the same 30 second format, you would think they would get boring. And many of them probably are. But the video makers who creatively make their 30 seconds unique and different are the ones that really made an impact.
You may not be incredibly creative, but you are unique. You don’t have to be exactly like everyone else. Sure, you are a human and you need to eat and sleep and follow certain standard rules, but the little creative touches and unique things about you will set you apart. Celebrate those things.
4) Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously
I really look forward to the costumes in the second half. Why? Because they’re hilarious. And people aren’t taking themselves too seriously. In fact, they’re not taking themselves seriously at all.
Life tends to be more fun when you don’t worry about impressing people and looking important. We’re in a broken world, and you’re going to either make mistakes or experience them. Sometimes you should be angry, but more often than not I believe it is better to just laugh about them and move on. If wearing a costume helps you laugh more in life, than by all means go for it.
What is your favorite Harlem Shake video? And how long do you think it will last before people get sick of it?
