The Power of Social Media
by Kawaun Harvey, Project SET alumnus
What started as a simple news story soon elevated into a shocking social media phenomenon. If you haven’t heard already, Antione Dodson and The Gregory Brothers has swept the nation with the widely popular autotune song, “The Bed Intruder Song.”
The song originated from a traumatic event in the life of Dodson and his family. A man had climbed into the window of Kelly Dodson, Antione Dodson’s sister, entered her room and attempted to rape her. Dodson stated that he entered the room to find the suspect’s hands around the neck of his sister. Dodson then scared off the intruder.
It was then that Dodson’s road to fame had began. His rant about the attacker was a hit with YouTube viewers. Just hours after, the interview was posted onto YouTube. In minutes Dodson’s rant had become the most watched video on YouTube. Dodson became a YouTube star, and now has 2 songs on iTunes. All proceeds go to the Dodson family and the Gregory Brothers, producers of the song.
The most amazing aspect of this entire spectacle was the direction it spun in. What would normally be considered an “ignorant” black man’s rant, was transformed into an outlet for entertainment. Though, few disagree with the endeavor and describe it more as an exploitation than entertainment. Furthermore, how will this look on the Black community?
African Americans already have a negative appeal, being described as “ghetto” or “ignorant.” Will this event display to america that instead of being respected and honored for our ability to speak properly and handle ourselves in a professional manner in front of the media, some’s lack of education and improper grammar structure could be exploited? Or is this just something funny that will pass eventually?
Regardless of the perspective you take from Dodson’s 15 minutes of fame, there is some good coming from it. Dodson states that he will use his newfound fortune not only to buy a new house for his family, but to help rape victims find peace with the traumatic events in their lives. Dodson stated in an interview that he was a rape victim himself.
