Claire and Erica on the internet

Hi everyone! We’re Claire and Erica, and we’d like to welcome you to our lovely column where we talk about internet stuff. This week, we’ll be reviewing and recommending our favorite YouTube videos. While winter term is nearly—but not quite—over, these videos will give you a final boost.Don’t Hug Me I’m ScaredDisturbing and odd, yet kind of funny, this video draws the viewer in by contrasting joyful imagery and music with a distressing message. The creators use puppets and a set made with bright colors to convey the story in a style similar to that used in children’s shows. This is all juxtaposed with the use of raw meat as props and the dark message of creativity being controlled.This video along with the accompanying series continues to entertain us regularly due to the sheer creativity, its solid use of satire and the thoughtfulness displayed throughout it. The musical number is clever and biting and the saccharine childishness is balanced well with psychedelic horror. Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared remains unique in a wide pool of YouTube videos.As mentioned earlier, the accompanying series, Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared 2-5, is also worth a watch. These videos also display the same intelligence and creativity. Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared 3, which satirized organized religion, is particularly compelling.“history of japan” by Bill WurtzThis nine-minute video covers the basics of Japan’s extensive history, from the story about the origination of the islands to the state of Japan’s present day economy. Wurtz utilizes his unique musical and editing skills to compose a meme-filled crash course. Over the course of one week, his video gained over five million views, a drastic increase to his average fifty-thousand per video.We were originally inclined to watch this because we’re both half-Japanese. However, the colorful and unconventional visuals kept us waiting and wanting more. The fast-paced and dynamic transitions between the centuries keeps the viewer engaged. Unlike a Japanese history course that requires hours of reading and class discussion, the main milestones of the country’s growth were clearly communicated.Since watching this video, we’ve investigated Wurtz’s other works, most of which are five to ten second renditions of random and independent topics. A few that we recommend checking out for a moment include “goats” and “it’s okay to have feelings.”Harry Potter Puppet PalsIn light of the announcement of J.K. Rowling’s new book based off of the upcoming play, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” our final review is dedicated to a classic: The Mysterious Ticking Noise. Incorporating three of our favorite things, Harry Potter, stupid humor and musical numbers, this video is a delight.The minimalist design of the puppets enhances the genuine, homemade atmosphere of a video that has captured the ears of all Harry Potter fans. Catchy and short, this video will stick in your head and entertain you every time. Bottom line: If you haven’t watched it yet, watch it. If you have watched it, watch it again.Thanks for reading, we’ll hopefully see you next week.