Let's start today on a positive note. Following my rants from last week, it makes a pleasant change to see someone shooting to fame for actually being talented, especially at such a young age.The person, or should I say child in question is YouTube rapping sensation Kahliyl Iloyi. The video which has attributed to his recognition sees the two-year-old (yes, I said two) dropping some baby lyrics in perfect time to a beat. Although there is no real content to his rap, it's watching Khaliyl nodding his cherubic little face as he utters 'goohs and gahs' to the music, which makes the clip such a gem. Within the space of two weeks, the video had gone viral, with thousands of broody women everywhere practically melting at their computer screens. Not only did the video generate discussions on Facebook and Twitter, but it also made a special appearance on an American chat show. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, then type in 'Khalyil Iloyi rapping at 2 years old' into YouTube. Be warned however; after watching it, you may gain an uncontrollable urge to grab and cradle the nearest infant you can find.Nevertheless, before we all float into the fluffy, candyfloss land of babies, I may have to drag us abruptly back into reality. You see, me being the perpetual over-thinker that I am means I can't let a good thing be and after watching this video (several times, let me admit) my brain went into overdrive. Yes, we may all be blubbering over how cute he is, but could videos like this actually be exploiting young children''Spoil sport' I here all you baby lovers screaming at your newspaper. Nevertheless, hear me out. I have nothing against this video. In fact, I rather enjoy watching clips of children where their extraordinary talents have been showcased or a rare one off moment has been captured. I could sight many great examples here but let's go with a classic hit: 'Charlie bit my finger'. If these four words do not ring a bell, then drop everything you are doing immediately and type them into YouTube. The video in question which stars, yes you guessed it; Charlie and also his older brother, has earned the children world-wide fame. Over the years, the clip has gained many hits on YouTube that even re-posts of the video are well into the millions. Not only have several users made copy-cat clips of the incident, but there have even been songs released as homage to the video. You might as well say that these two boys have become a trademark. But that's the problem. By feeding off cuteness, it is almost as if children are now gimmicks in the hands of fame-thirsty punters.I don't usually like pointing fingers. However in this case, I have to say the fault lies within parents. One or two amusing videos are fine. Nevertheless, when bombarded with thousands of clips pertaining to one child, you begin to sense that mummy and daddy sleep with camcorders in their hands. If you want to spend your time documenting every waking moment of your child's existence, that's fine. But do you really need to share it with the whole of YouTube' I am pretty certain my life will not drastically change if I watch eight seconds of your young one dribbling into his breakfast bowl.It is not about the children however. It has never been. Really, this infatuation with broadcasting the antics of children on YouTube is a ploy used by parents to get famous. Yes, unfortunately, thousands of mothers and fathers everywhere are resurrecting their dreams of stardom and are trying to relive them through their offsprings. Why else would the parents of Charlie and his brother be reeling in the success of the video by agreeing to be interviewed on national television' They have also gone on to sell 'Charlie bit my finger' merchandise such as t-shirts. I actually wish this last statement was a joke but sadly, it's the truth.Let's face it folks, the baby industry is a crude market which many parents aren't ashamed to grab by the horns. My concern however is the fact that it is all being done without the consent of the infants. The poor little toddlers are not aware that as they beam a toothless grin into the camera lens, their faces are about to be sprawled across the internet. Let's see whether they will be smiling in 15 years time however, when they realise that the embarrassing footage of them during bath time has been the amusement of many a YouTube viewer.YouTube Top ThreeWould it be hypocritical of me to end with my top three favourite baby videos' Well, at least these clips actually deserve the attention they have attracted. Video Number One: Talking Twin BabiesThere is something desperately beautiful about seeing baby twins lost in their own world. Although we can't understand what they are saying, the two boys seem to be discussing something highly amusing as they prance around uttering the words 'da da da' to each other.Video Number Two: Daddy and His Scary LaughIt was all going well until Dad scared his little daughter by mimicking an evil cackle. With a frown that can only be described as 'curvier than an upside down banana', his baby's reaction is comedy goldVideo Number Three: YouTube Challenge- I Told My Kids I Ate All Their CandyFollowing a challenge set by television host, Jimmy Kimmel, this is a compilation of clips where parents tell their children that they have eaten all their candy. Cue tears and tantrums all round. The funniest part however is when the parents confess that they are just joking and their moods change quicker than you can say 'tricked you'.Please send comments to +79671678661 or www.moscowmusings.wordpress.com
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