Below you'll see a video documenting real-life Harlem residents reacting to the whole Harlem Shake meme. While you'd not expect a song with the phrase "Do the Harlem Shake" to have anything to do with Uptown, you may be surprised to learn that the Harlem Shake is a real dance.
The Real Harlem Shake
For reference, the original Harlem Shake emerged in 1981, apparently invented by a guy called Al B. It was popularized two decades later in the video for G. Dep's "Let's Get It". Now, though, the good people of Harlem are confronted with what can only be described as a monstrosity. Here's a sample of what they had to say:
- "Oh, no good!"
- "They're dry-humping air!"
- "I feel like they're trying to disrespect us."
- "They don't come from Harlem. They come from... a strange planet."
- "It's an absolute mockery of what it was, because there's actually a sense of... rhythm that goes along with it."
- "Do you see people around here doing that crap?!"
- "That's West 4th Street dancing! People on West 4th Street would do that."
These reactions shouldn't be too surprising, as the respondents were shown a series of videos made by people who probably have no idea where Harlem is. According to Schlepp Films, what you're seeing is every usable response to exposure to the Harlem Shake meme: no cherry-picking for desired reactions.
Harlem has a rich history and a vibrant, relevant cultural scene; yet is treated as a no-go zone by too many visitors to New York City.
Next time you're above Central Park, take a look at all those tour buses. Notice that the tourists don't get the chance to step off the bus. It's not hard to see how real-life Harlem's residents might see the Harlem Shake meme as an extension of that phenomenon.
Oh, and the real Harlem Shake is demonstrated at around 3:40 in the video. As the closing title card suggests, please use the Harlem Shake responsibly.
