2024-11-24 21:36:00
A new trend has appeared in Germany. To pay homage to rapper Jul, internet users have started using his famous sign with his fingers… on fire. Yes, yes, you read that right. The principle consists in immersing your fingertips in alcohol, perfume or hydroalcoholic gel before bringing them close to the flame.
In these videos, spotted by Konbinisome people grimace, panic and… get burned. And the Germans are not the only ones who have followed this challenge. The challenge has crossed the Rhine, where videos of French people taking up the trend are multiplying on Chinese social media.
“If I could stop you…”
Faced with the scale of the trend, the Marseille rapper ended up reacting. “I saw the trend you’re doing on TikTok… It’s cute, but I think it’s a little dangerous for you,” Jul explained in a message posted on Instagram on Saturday. “If you could stop it it would help me,” he insists to his 4.2 million subscribers before adding “if you could spread the word it would calm me down.”
The idea for the challenge came from the desire to reproduce the cover of the work Free album vol. 2 of the rapper, on which we see the famous gesture of the Marseillaise, his fingers on fire.
What are the psychological factors that drive fans to engage in extreme behaviors to show their support for artists?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rap Culture Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, everyone! Today, we have a fascinating phenomenon to discuss that has recently taken the internet by storm—an homage to the popular French rapper, Jul. Joining us is Dr. Lisa Hartmann, a cultural anthropologist and expert in music trends. Welcome, Dr. Hartmann!
Dr. Lisa Hartmann (DLH): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to dive into this trending topic.
TNE: Let’s jump right in. We’ve seen a new trend in Germany where fans are using Jul’s famous finger sign, but with a twist—they’re setting their fingers on fire! Can you explain how this started and what it says about fan culture today?
DLH: Yes, indeed! This bizarre trend appears to have originated from a blending of admiration for Jul and a social media challenge mentality. Fans are not just using the gesture for recognition; they’re intensifying it by setting their fingers ablaze, which creates a viral spectacle. This dramatization amplifies their expression of devotion and brings in elements of danger and thrill that are appealing in today’s digital age.
TNE: That’s a fascinating observation. Jul has a strong following, and his music resonates with many. How does this type of homage reflect the relationship between artists and their fans in the modern era?
DLH: It really highlights a more performative aspect of fandom now. In the past, fans might have simply expressed their support through merchandise or social media posts. Today, they seek to create memorable experiences that they can share online, thus performing their fandom for a wider audience. This method of engagement transforms the way fans relate to the artist, as they participate in a kind of co-creation of the artist’s image and narrative.
TNE: With the risk involved in this particular trend, have there been any discussions about safety? I mean, setting your fingers on fire doesn’t sound very safe!
DLH: Absolutely, safety is a major concern. While many might see it as harmless fun, it can lead to serious injuries. There are always discussions within social media platforms about promoting safety alongside challenges. Some influential figures are stepping up to warn against dangerous behaviors, but it’s a tough balance between encouraging creativity and ensuring fan safety.
TNE: That’s an important point. In your opinion, what could be the next step for this trend? Do you think it could evolve further?
DLH: Trends like this often have a short-lived peak, but they can evolve in unexpected ways. Perhaps, we might see alternative, safer interpretations of the gesture emerge. It could lead to more artistic expressions—creative videos or challenges that emphasize the gesture without the fire, thereby keeping the homage alive while promoting safety.
TNE: It sounds like there’s a rich landscape of cultural interplay here. Do you think this trend will have an impact beyond just the fans of Jul, potentially influencing other artists and genres?
DLH: Definitely. Artists often watch what resonates within the fanbase and can draw inspiration from it. If this trend expands, we may see other artists engaging with similar gestures or concepts as a means of connecting with their audiences. It reflects a generation that thrives on unique and sometimes extreme forms of expression, pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a fan in the digital space.
TNE: Well, Dr. Hartmann, this has been an enlightening conversation. It’s exciting to see how cultural trends evolve through music and fan engagement! Thank you for sharing your insights with us.
DLH: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to discuss this fascinating topic.