“Make a circle / Let him up” - analysis of the TikTok trend
With its capacity to reach millions of users across the globe, TikTok has become a fascinating subject for anthropological study. An epitome of this emergent digital culture is the ongoing "Make a Circle / Let Him Get Up" trend. This TikTok phenomenon takes users on an intriguing journey through socio-cultural contexts, humorous self-replication, and interactive digital storytelling.
Unpacking the Trend: What is "Make a Circle / Let Him Get Up"?
The "Make a Circle / Let Him Get Up" trend uses audio taken from a fight scene in which the commands "make a circle" and "let him get up" are repeatedly given. A typical video within this trend involves a TikToker "fighting" against an insurmountable challenge, often represented metaphorically, then abruptly falling in defeat. Superimposed text is added to contextualize the battle, lending itself to a range of creative, personal, and humorous expressions.
An archetypal example of this trend shows a TikToker struggling against the "Indian stereotype." The accompanying text reads, "When you're trying to fight the Indian stereotype but your dad is a doctor and your mom manages her hotels and gas stations." The battle here is against societal expectations, stereotypes, and the limitations they impose. The defeat is inevitable and immediate, reflecting the difficulty of breaking away from entrenched stereotypes.
The Multiplicity of Expressions: Diverse Narratives within the Trend
One of the more offbeat uses of the "Make a Circle / Let Him Get Up" trend deals with the enigmatic case of disappearing socks. A TikToker might stage a battle against the infamous sock thief, with the caption reading, "When you're trying to pair your socks but one always disappears in the wash." As the audio clip plays, the TikToker feigns a boxing match against an invisible adversary, and then dramatically falls in defeat. This whimsical portrayal amplifies the everyday struggle of lost laundry into an epic battle, providing a shared chuckle at a universally baffling phenomenon. The imaginative interpretation points to the Gen Z and Gen Alpha's ability to transform ordinary frustrations into an occasion for collective humor and connection.
Equally intriguing is a TikToker portraying the universal conflict over television remote control. In this video, the text overlay reads, "When you're trying to watch the big game but your partner wants to catch the latest reality TV episode." The user energetically shadowboxes, only to fall abruptly, symbolizing defeat in the struggle for shared screen time. This example not only demonstrates the humor these generations find in everyday relationship challenges but also reflects their awareness of shared narratives and experiences. Through the medium of humor, they acknowledge the negotiation and compromise inherent in relationships, thus allowing for a shared laugh over these commonplace yet nuanced struggles.
Larger Lessons: A Glimpse into Gen Z and Gen Alpha Culture
Looking beyond the individual narratives, the trend offers deeper sociological, psychological, and anthropological insights into the cultures of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
Sociologically, the trend underscores the increasing ability of these generations to democratize cultural production. It demonstrates their ability to collaboratively construct and modify digital culture, transforming personal struggles into collective humor and shared narratives. Furthermore, it illuminates the manner in which they navigate societal pressures, stereotypes, and expectations. The inevitability of defeat in these videos underlines a poignant awareness of systemic challenges.
From a psychological perspective, the trend reflects the resilience of these generations, using humor as a coping mechanism to deal with overwhelming situations. The theatrics of the fight scene and the exaggerated defeat serve as a comic deflection of struggle and disappointment, allowing creators to express vulnerabilities while maintaining emotional distance.
Anthropologically, the trend offers a glimpse into how Gen Z and Gen Alpha communicate and build community. Through shared trends and mutual storytelling, they cultivate a sense of belonging and understanding, despite geographic or cultural divides. The trend also showcases their adeptness at symbolic representation and their nuanced understanding of digital cues, which have become integral parts of their social languages.
