Harlem reacts to the Harlem Shake

Feb 20

Web Only

Harlem reacts to the Harlem Shake

Popular internet meme criticised by residents of the New York neighbourhood.

Warning: The video below contains strong language.

With tens of thousands of spin-offs and millions of views, YouTube's latest dance sensation the Harlem Shake attained "viral" status weeks ago. But what do residents of Harlem think about it? Filmmaker Chris McGuire interviewed residents of the historically-black New York neighbourhood.

The original Harlem Shake is said to have started in the 1980s and looks something like this:

View the story "Harlem reacts to the Harlem Shake" on StorifyHarlem reacts to the Harlem ShakePopular internet meme receives criticism from residents of the New York neighbourhood.Storified by The Stream· Wed, Feb 20 2013 09:11:42How to Do the Harlem ShakemahalodotcomHere are a few of the most popular Harlem Shake videos to date:Harlem Shake v3 (office edition)hiimrawnHarlem Shake (original army edition)kennethaakonsenHarlem Shake (Matt and Kim Edition)mattandkimA growing movement of Twitter users are calling for an end to the meme:I've seen one Harlem Shake video and it was the one saying all Harlem Shake videos need to die. I agree. #StopHarlemShakeLaker Del Rey#YouTube finally has something to play instead of the #HarlemShake #Meteor #Russia http://pic.twitter.com/sKjDJi4KQ107 TorontoFriends don't let friends make Harlem shake videos. #StopHarlemShakeBryndanWhat do you think? Is the Harlem Shake dance trend past its prime?