Week 6 - March 3rd -Youtube Scavenger Hunt!

My first reaction/thought of seeing Alex Bag's "Untitled Fall '95" reminded me of this viral youtube clip that gained massive popularity awhile back. It echoes Alex Bag in the sense that it seems impromptu (Crocker's make-due blanket as background is much like seeing Bag's hand come into the frame while shooting with the stuffed animals) Both give the "confessional" direct address feel also, only Bag's seems very satirical and analytical, while Crocker’s actually seems serious. Both however aren’t completely clear as to whether or not they should be taken seriously. Bag frequently changes wigs/personas that gives a feel that “this isn’t authentic,” but at the same time the confessionals contradict that with how personal it sounds. Crocker’s confessional seems like it could be real but its absurdity of topic and over-emotional crying over that topic also make it seem less authentic and staged. Maybe Crocker was being serious; maybe it was all an act? Both Bag and Crocker flirt along the lines of “is this authentic, or am I staging this?” In some ways Crocker’s video could be seen like how Bag portrays her characters as this satirical stereotype. Maybe Crocker is just portraying the overly compassionate media-hyped/celebrity obsessed homosexual? I’m not sure. The main facts however of how they are similar remains in the use of direct address towards the camera and flirtation with authenticity, as well as the idea of persona.