Unlimited Connection
The article “A Gift From the Interwebs” and its supporting articles on Antoine Dodson and Marilyn Hagerty got me thinking about how differences in age, gender, race, and geographic location no longer exist as limitations in the new era of “internet sensations.” Here, one article links together three individuals of different ages, genders, races, and geographic locations: a 30- year- old African American man from “the hood,” an 85- year- old Caucasian woman from North Dakota, and a young African American man from Lincoln Park. At surface level, it may seem that these individuals have little or nothing in common, however, thanks to the internet they all appear in the same news story and hold the same title of infamy, otherwise known as “internet sensation.” Not only are these three individuals of different ages, genders, races, and geographic locations, but they also would appeal to vastly different target audiences if not for the internet. Without the internet Dayum Drops’ audience would probably be non-existent or limited to his friends and family; Marilyn Hagerty’s audience would be limited to those who subscribe to the Grand Forks Herald; and Antoine Dodson’s audience would primarily be the police or whoever else was at the scene of the crime. Clearly, the internet allowed each of them to overcome certain limitations and to reach the same, general audience. What I found most interesting is how Marilyn Hagerty, a woman who presumably grew up without the internet and technology we have today, has managed to assert her name right alongside a slew of youngsters who have grown up with the luxury of the internet perhaps for their entire lives, including Dayum Drops, Antione Dodson, and the Gregory Brothers. The article shows how the internet is an immensely powerful tool that can be used to connect users and audiences all across the globe, regardless of age, gender, race, or geographic location. I think that is pretty amazing.