The Connection Between TikTok Videos and Victorian Parlour Games

The Connection Between TikTok Videos and Victorian Parlour Games

In today's digital age, TikTok videos have taken the world by storm, captivating millions with their short, creative, and often entertaining content. But what is it about these videos that makes them so appealing? Surprisingly, the answer may lie in the similarities they share with Victorian parlour games.

Both TikTok videos and Victorian parlour games have a common thread – they promote the formation of social groupings that last long after the game or video has ended. In the 1840s, amateur play took hold in the United States with the rise of "home amusements." These ranged from elaborate theatrical performances to simple charades and optical illusions. Similarly, TikTok videos allow users to transform familiar circumstances into fantasies, providing an opportunity to try on new ways of being and interacting with others.

The transformative power of play is not limited to the digital realm. In fact, authors in the 19th century praised amateur theatricals for their ability to teach a certain knowledge of the emotions and passions of humanity. This idea holds true for TikTok videos as well – they allow users to explore and express a wide range of emotions and experiences.

But what sets TikTok videos apart is their ability to create bodily transformations, especially grotesque ones. In times of social uncertainty, these transformations take on new meaning, expressing fears and anxieties that breach the limits of the body. While this may seem unsettling, part of the appeal of watching young people at play may lie in their blissful disregard for the consequences. It's a way to escape the boundaries of reality and explore the limits of self-expression.

The connection between TikTok videos and Victorian parlour games goes beyond the realm of entertainment. It also reflects a larger cultural shift – the desire for liberation and the pursuit of long-withheld dreams. During the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages have been reduced to amateur players, struggling to learn their roles in a world turned upside down. TikTok has provided an outlet for individuals to express themselves, to break free from the constraints of their everyday lives, and to imagine a different future.

To make the most of this transformative power, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace Play as a Means of Self-Expression: Whether you're creating TikTok videos or participating in a Victorian parlour game, embrace the opportunity to try on new roles and explore different facets of your personality. Play allows us to tap into our creativity and express ourselves in ways that may not be possible in our everyday lives.

2. Use Play to Build Social Connections: Just as Victorian parlour games brought communities together, TikTok videos have the potential to create lasting social connections. Engage with others in the TikTok community, collaborate on videos, and support one another's creative endeavors. By building social ties, you'll not only enhance your experience on the platform but also create meaningful relationships that extend beyond TikTok.

3. Push the Boundaries of Play: Don't be afraid to push the boundaries of what is considered "normal" or "acceptable." Play allows us to challenge societal norms and explore new possibilities. Let your imagination run wild and experiment with different styles, themes, and ideas in your TikTok videos. By embracing the unconventional, you'll stand out from the crowd and captivate audiences with your unique perspective.

In conclusion, TikTok videos and Victorian parlour games share a common thread – they both provide a platform for play and self-expression. Whether it's through the transformative power of bodily expressions or the opportunity to try on new roles, play allows us to escape the boundaries of reality and explore different facets of ourselves. By embracing play, building social connections, and pushing the boundaries of what is considered "normal," we can tap into the liberating and transformative power that both TikTok videos and Victorian parlour games offer. So go ahead, create, explore, and let your imagination run wild – the possibilities are endless.