Baby behind the couch, and the narrative function of cute videos
We've previously discussed our inherent mammalian appreciation for cute things. Today I'd like to talk about the narrative function of a very cute video.
Urlesque found "baby stuck behind couch."
The video instinctually draws us in with its cuteness. We are at first curious: Why is there a kid stuck behind a couch? His initial "I don't want to tell you" draws us into the story. Almost like that confrontation scene in Chinatown, the audience is confused and compelled to solve this mystery.
The parents eventually proclaim an ultimatum: "you have to tell me if you want to get out." This eventually convinces the toddler to go into a roundabout diatribe on the events leading to his entrapment. The parents continue to interrogate with questions they already know the answers to.
"Well how'd the police cars get back there?"
Matter-of-factly, realizing he has no other options the baby admits: "I throw them back there." The mother mildly reprimands the boy.
He thinks for an extended moment, then resorts back to the whimper of urgency: "I want to get out of here." The inquisition continues, then the child begins to cry. It is with this rhetorical technique that the baby is able to trick his parents into extracting him.
"You promise not to go behind the couch anymore." Even though the mother recognizes his "mmhmm" is insincere, she sends the father to facilitate the release. The mother notes "I'm a horrible mother to be laughing." But the baby is freed unscathed. He finally remarks "thanks for saving me, now can you get the police car out."
This is real life playing out like a sitcom. It's not the real life of reality television, mediated through multiple cameras, story editors, and executive producers. This is a glimpse into the tiny narratives we live everyday. Like television, this video was created for public consumption. This story becomes more meaningful, because more people share this experience. This shared experience make things feel more real.
I'd like to believe that this video makes others appreciate the small narratives in their own lives. Owning meaning, empowers people.
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