Justified aggrievances have been raised of the sparse –or narrowly stereotyped depiction– of Asians in the entertainment media. While recently there’s been slow traction in seeing Asian faces in traditional filmic and televisual roles, Hollywood has been reluctant in portraying multi-dimensionally complex Asian characters. But with the accessibility of YouTube, content production has been much more democratized, allowing particularly Asian-American vloggers to present multi-faceted personas. YouTube allows Asian-American personalities to channel their aspirations, without the consent of the gatekeepers standing watching at the Hollywood studio system. In many ways, Asian-American vloggers are using YouTube as a Third Space. Rejecting traditional forms of media and tritely scripted clichés, they are finding an alternative space through YouTube in expressing the diverse complexion of Asian-American identities.
This piece would absolutely soar if the writer was able to land some interviews with a few vloggers. Even by email would be great -- hearing from them directly would be a sure-fire way to elevate this past your average think-piece. – bloom8 years ago
I would be very interested in seeing this topic put together and agree with bloom that a collection of interviews could potentially bring this piece to the next level. – derBruderspielt7 years ago
Youtube has become a place of community for a wide range of individuals with a multitude of interests that include but are not limited too gaming, nutrition, lifestyle, fashion etc. Many of these video makers have been able to make a career out of their videos, and many viewers are eager now ore than ever to start their own channels. What is the main appeal? Is it the lifestyle? The gratification of subscribers? The seemilngly easy job that stemmed from a hobby? Decide and discuss while including the negative attributes.
A great topic for discussion. I think it would be better for those that want to consider writing on this topic to focus on the younger generation because they are the ones who are constantly influencing and being influenced by youtbers. It would be interesting to have a discussion on the impact of makeup tutorials on young girls. – Nilab Ferozan9 years ago
I feel one important part of the relevancy today is how basically everyone wants to start making a YouTube channel to feature their own specific talents and abilities. The problem with YouTube is that it has no real means of promoting new channels, with the exception of its Creator Academy videos must Youtubers have to learn the way to use YouTube and gain popularity by experience alone. – Kevin Mohammed9 years ago
We've all seen those feel-good viral video's of people finding someone in need and through various means helping to turn their life around. These stories gained popularity and were quickly spread across the web, inspiring others to do the same. I find myself wondering if the people who publicize these processes are really doing it from the kindness of their heart, or merely to gain popularity via social media. If social media didn't exist would the same people perform random acts of kindness without ever seeking accreditation? Is it truly kindness, or just trending?
I feel for the most part, people who do the kinds of things on Youtube generally want to help other people. If they just wanted to get popular on the internet, there are a billion other ways they could do it. With that said, you bring up an interesting point in would these nice people go to these extremes to be nice to other people if it was not for youtube? It may not be to gain more viewers, but instead to show how being kind brings out the best in other people. – Aaron Hatch9 years ago
Another thing to think about: Does it matter? An act that helps someone still helps someone regardless of the intention. Forced community service still helps people, etc. So maybe it's a good thing anyway?
– Tatijana9 years ago
This is an interesting topic. In all honesty, I find that it's really hard to judge the intentions of the people performing the acts of kindness. How will we ever know what was going through their heads? It might be difficult to plot out an article that isn't too opinionated. However, it's still an intriguing topic, so maybe someone would be able to find a way to make this idea work. I'm looking forward to seeing if and what someone will do with this topic! – Dominic Sceski9 years ago
In 2014, there was a viral trend called RAKnominations (Random Acts of Kindness), in which a person would record themselves doing a nice deed for someone and then nominate a few others to do the same. On the topic of YouTubers doing nice things for others, you can also explore people doing kind things just because they're nominated. Would they still do it without the nomination? (Although that all depends on the person.) – YsabelGo9 years ago
The Project 4 Awesome is a wonderful YouTube based fundraiser that happens every year. People create videos about their favorite charities and people donate. It connects the YouTube community as well as give back. This shoes YouTube can be a place for compassion and giving. – mramsden2529 years ago
Analyze YouTube's announcement for a paid service as well as what it could mean for the future of the internet and streaming videos. Describe the already announced programs and mention some of the early criticisms it has received so far. How will it impact the free side of YouTube, will quality go up or stay the same? Could this change hurt YouTube as a whole.
There are already paid services such as Netflix and Hulu, so some people might be hesitant to buy Youtube Red because of the amount of subscriptions they need to pay for. I also don't know many original series Youtube Red has announced other than 'Scare Pewdiepie', which is created by the creators who made 'The Walking Dead.' – YsabelGo9 years ago
Blogging is becoming very common, but video blogging even more so. These days, everyone has their own opinion and feel like it needs to be shared. Is YouTube the right way to express views and opinions? Will YouTube and video blogging one day become the main means of blogging? What effects could this have on written English and the need to read?
How about having a short section to describe and highlight few aspects of YouTube/video blogging. Why it is "special" or "different" from other means of blogging like Tumblr. What make it more appealing for viewers/readers? Many it could be tied to a broader issue of digital culture too. – Camella D. Kim9 years ago
