TLDR;
The video draws a parallel between the Greek tragedy of Icarus and the modern internet meme of the "67 kid." It explores themes of ambition, the pursuit of fame, and the consequences of ignoring warnings. The video also identifies parallels between characters in the Icarus myth and figures involved in the meme's virality, highlighting the tragic undertones of a seemingly lighthearted internet phenomenon.
- The "67 kid" meme is compared to the story of Icarus, with both characters striving for greatness and facing negative consequences.
- Mason's friend, Brad, is likened to Daedalus, who warns Icarus, but ultimately fails to protect him.
- Despite the ridicule, Mason, like Icarus, achieves a form of fame, finding satisfaction in reaching a height that others have not.
The Tragedy of Icarus [0:00]
The story of Daedalus and Icarus is a classic Greek tragedy centered on themes of pride and grief. Daedalus, a skilled inventor, and his son Icarus are imprisoned in a tall tower. Observing birds, Daedalus creates wings for their escape, using feathers, wax, and string. He warns Icarus not to fly too low, where the sea could dampen the feathers, or too high, where the sun could melt the wax, advising him to fly in the middle. They take flight, but Icarus, filled with pride, ignores his father's warnings and flies too close to the sun. The wax melts, his wings fall apart, and he plummets to his death. Despite his fate, Icarus smiles as he falls, knowing he flew higher than any mortal ever had.
The "67 Kid" Meme as a Modern Icarus [2:17]
The "67 kid" meme, featuring Maverick Trailion (referred to as Mason), is presented as a modern retelling of the Icarus story. Mason, like Icarus, seeks to achieve greatness, viewing internet virality as the ultimate accomplishment. In the original video, Mason enthusiastically says "six, seven" while making hand movements, akin to a bird flapping its wings. This moment represents Mason reaching his peak, hoping for admiration and recognition. However, like Icarus, this pursuit of fame comes at a cost, as Mason becomes a target of ridicule and mockery.
Parallels to Daedalus and Icarus's Smile [4:30]
The video draws further parallels between the meme and the myth, identifying Mason's friend, Brad, as the Daedalus figure. Brad's gesture of pushing Mason away in the video is interpreted as a warning, similar to Daedalus advising Icarus not to fly too close to the sun. This is seen as an attempt to protect Mason from going too far, but ultimately, Brad fails to shield him from the negative attention. The final parallel is drawn to Icarus's smile as he falls, representing Mason's satisfaction in achieving internet fame, despite the ridicule. He is memed more than any other teenager, finding a sense of accomplishment in reaching a level of notoriety.