This work previously appeared by Alicia Maxwell in Alicia’s Mystery Blog on Sept. 14, 2022
I am not really big when it comes to social media, especially with uploading any posts of my own. However, I do like to watch videos and threads made by others such as Vogue, Pink News, Brut.docs, Run Down, and Truth or Dare. My favorite, however, has to be videos by Jubilee.
Here is a little background info: Jubilee is this big media company that has multiple videos focusing on different subjects, usually posted on YouTube, Snapchat, and other platforms. Each subject of their video goes by a different name, so they have videos called “Odd Man Out,” which is just about seven or so people who share something in common and there is one person who is a pretender. My favorite video is called “Middle Ground.” There are two versions, but the one I watch frequently is with two groups that are put into one room where they have to sit in a chair if they agree with the statement. Jubilee essentially works to connect people from different backgrounds like political, racial, cultural as well as backgrounds of class, sexuality, and religion. Jubilee sits these different people together to not debate but discuss their perspectives along with helping them build a unique understanding of one another.
Jubilee has a team of innovators, but it was founded by Jason Y. Lee, who came up with the company after shooting a video in New York City to raise money for charity. That’s when he started a team and continued to make videos “to create a movement of empathy for human good”. Their videos have gained them over seven million subscribers on YouTube, 1.5 million followers on TikTok, and 244k on Snapchat “Middle Ground” videos alone.
While Jubilee has content on Snapchat and TikTok, I often watch their videos on YouTube. When you take a look at their website, they note how the world is “divided, chaotic, and cluttered.” They aren’t wrong; we live in a world that isn’t just divided based on political perspectives, but on religious views, human and animal rights, what’s reality and what’s a conspiracy. There is a lot going on in the world and Jubilee tackles those world issues by taking the most common questions and beliefs and then creating them into a statement to which the volunteers will share their perspectives. For example, during the decision process of Roe v. Wade, Jubilee posted a video with both pro-lifers and pro-choice. I love the video because it really did a great job in connecting to audiences of Roe v. Wade. Statements like, “I have children,” is simple, but it sparked a great conversation that audiences have been wondering about.
Jubilees videos, in general, cover important subjects that have plagued America which is major because videos like these being posted it allows the audience to see a different perspective than their own. Even if they still don’t agree with the opposing side, at least they were able to sit down and really get a better understanding. Nobody really wants to listen, only talk, it is equally as interesting how Jubilee is able to gather such people to be honest with each other and the viewers.
What I love most is they don’t insert themselves into the discussion. They allow the volunteers to talk and listen to each other without Jubilee interfering with commentary. It’s just this big empty room with a small group of people with different views who are willing to listen and talk to each other.
One thing to note, is Jubilee’s videos don’t only target primary audiences who share the same similarities as the volunteers, but it also opens the floor to anyone who is curious or has friends, family, or coworkers who think or identify as those in the videos and they watch to get a better understanding even if they aren’t a part of the conversation.
I have loved Jubilee for years and I will continue to love them. They spare no time in linking opposing perspectives and trying to help the public understand one another. While there have been questionable videos, they do hold true to their values and commitments in trying to connect people on a deeper level. I definitely know there have been a few videos that educated me and changed my perspective.
As I have mentioned the setting in which some of the videos take place, I truly feel the way the videos are captured adds to the effect of the conversation. In the “Middle Ground” videos, the lighting has set the mood, on top of that seats are placed in a circle. Everything about the setting makes it very calming and soothing. The setting helps create a vibe of we are here to share and connect, not argue and disrespect. For the audience like myself, I feel like I can trust what I hear in terms of being able to just understand what’s happening and how one feels when listening to the statements and sharing.
The tone of voice and the words in which the speaker says the statements also sets the mood for a calm conversation. The prompts are serious statements, but not written in a way the audience and volunteers would feel attacked for their beliefs. The tone is very neutral which helps in listening to the statement so we won’t question the speaker about their views. If it had emotion, like anger or annoyance one can definitely hop in and assume bias just by the tone.
With that said, I highly recommend you take a look at the Jubilee videos. I guarantee you will find at least one video you might learn from or feel connected to.
Here is a link to Jubilee website, I recommend taking a look: https://www.jubileemedia.com/vision