Common Sense “That Could Only Mean 1 Thing”

Based on the virtually of social media in the 18^th century and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense pamphlet, the 21^st century version of this can be displayed through meme’s including Drake’s Hotline Bling music video. The song that was put on iTunes several months ago released a music video that instantly went viral. Copycats of the video, memes, and various video compilations were created and posted on the Internet for viewers to like, comment, and share a good laugh. One main difference between this famous video and Paine’s pamphlet is the outlet in which it was shared and distributed. Viral versus hard copy.

According to Kevin Allocca, 3 things must happen for media content to go “viral”, for instance, 1. Drake as the “taste maker” releasing his content to viewers on YouTube; 2. the participation of world viewers in creating a transformed version of Hotline Bling such as all of the memes and compilation videos essentially making fun of Drake’s dance moves; and lastly, 3. the novelty of this never being done before – people live for the unexpected content and to be entertained by something as small as a meme.

Whereas in historical context and the 18^th century, Thomas Paine produced a pamphlet titled Common Sense, which was a huge success among individuals of the American Revolution. The pamphlet elucidated the urge for independence from Great Britain in the mid to late 1700’s. As technology was slim and remote in the 18^th century the pamphlet had been read to troops, and circulated via print copies. From paperback novel copies to being quoted in numerous newspapers Paine’s Common Sense was delivered to the masses via printed copies and being read out loud to the masses. Similar to Drake’s Hotline Bling meme’s the Common Sense pamphlet was viewed by millions of people. Yet, with the advancement in technology and the use of social media, Drake’s music video would have circulated way faster to a larger audience. It is with this that we see the increase in digital technology and how it has the ability to distribute to millions, even billions of people with the click of a button.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVMoMRUifCY