Make Pippa Cry

Alix says: Some tears of joy? Anyone? Buehler? Video #25:...

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 22:07:19 -0400

Alix says: Some tears of joy? Anyone? Buehler?

Video #25: “Caine’s Arcade”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

HOLY MOLY, THAT WAS AMAZING. But no, I didn’t cry.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Well first of all, that kid is a genius. So I felt impressed by him and thrilled by his little creative soul. I felt a little sad about the kids at school not believing him, and him not wearing his FABULOUS shirt. But oh, the redemption was so sweet.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

I really do, I have to say. What a delicious human-interest story.

I have never cried at a youtube video either. But do other forms of media ever make you cry?

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 21:50:24 -0400

They do! I have shed many tears over books and movies.

I’m pretty sure the main reason I haven’t cried from a youtube video is that I don’t have the time to get emotionally invested. That’s why I hereby propose an 8 minute time limit on all video submissions.

Ellie says: This makes me bawl everytime I see it. John Key...

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:09:27 -0400

Ellie says: This makes me bawl everytime I see it. John Key won’t make you cry (his NZ accent is hilarious! I’m a Kiwi so I can say that, ha) but everything after that… wowzers. “When Kristian Anderson was diagnosed with cancer he opted for a unique way to show how much he loved his wife on her birthday.”

Video #21: “Rachel’s Birthday Video with Hugh Jackman and John Key”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I didn’t, but if it kept going for a while I might have.

What did you feel while watching this video?

A fluttering in my chest cavity.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Totally.

Lauren says: Really, Pippa. I DARE you not to shed a tear over...

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:03:07 -0400

Lauren says: Really, Pippa. I DARE you not to shed a tear over this.

Video #20: “The Story of a Father’s Love”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Hmm, nope. Not even close.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I thought the concept of the man and his son completing the race together was sweet, but the video itself didn’t move me. The music was over the top and the Bible stuff at the end really lost me.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

In theory, but not so much in practice.

Tumblr truethings submitted: A 10 minute video of soldiers...

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:22:12 -0400

Tumblr truethings submitted: A 10 minute video of soldiers coming home from war and surprising their loved ones. If this doesn’t break you at least once you’re dead.

Video #19: “Troops surprising loved ones”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I got a little misty, but no tears.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I felt an aching in my solar plexus. Yeah, this one got me close to shedding a tear, not gonna lie.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Uhhh yes.

Tumblr babydentures submitted: people are challenged to take an...

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:06:54 -0400

Tumblr babydentures submitted: people are challenged to take an mri while loving someone as hard as they can.

Video #18: “The Love Competition”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No, but that was really wonderful.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Affection for humanity.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yeah, but I don’t see tears being part of the equation.

I also have never cried while watching a Youtube clip. Is that a thing?

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:56:56 -0400

Aha! So I’m not the only one!

Tumblr thesignaturething submitted: Maybe some sports-related...

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:55:41 -0400

Tumblr thesignaturething submitted: Maybe some sports-related tears? Here’s another one that always gets me:

Video #17: “Visa Go World “Dan Jansen” Commercial “

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No tears, but pathetically this commercial DID make me feel something.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Minor heartbreak. Some shivers. A tightening of the vocals cords.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Of course, of course. A special thanks to Morgan Freeman for narrating.

Erica says: I cried within .2 seconds of watching this. Video...

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:41:46 -0400

Erica says: I cried within .2 seconds of watching this.

Video #16: “Tear jerker!!”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I’m sorry, you guys. I didn’t cry.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Well it was definitely heartwarming. The music and the slow-mo recap felt a little inauthentic to me, but I did get a shiver of emotion.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, absolutely. But what’s with all the soldier videos, guys?

Meredith says: I usually cry at the first sight of Kermit, but...

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:36:27 -0400

Meredith says: I usually cry at the first sight of Kermit, but this is just murder.

Video #15: “The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson Close”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No. Not even close.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Kind of restless and bored. I guess I don’t really love the muppets. Damn, there goes my future with Jason Segel.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Not really. I know Jim Henson was a brilliant, creative mind. I don’t dispute that, but this tribute didn’t elicit any emotions from me.

Tumblr nancymartira submitted: This High School Senior had just...

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:24:35 -0400

Tumblr nancymartira submitted: This High School Senior had just finished making a speech at a school assembly, when she was surprised with a visit from her father, who had been serving overseas in Afghanistan for more than a year. Every expression her face strains to conceal gets to me. Would cry again.

Video #14: “High School Senior Surprised by Her U.S. Soldier Father on Stage in Front of Packed Auditorium”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Nope, I didn’t cry.

What did you feel while watching this video?

It was sweet. The expression on her face did really say it all.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yeah, I understand why someone would be moved by this, but I dunno about crying…

Also, I think if I could have seen her face closer up, it might have had more of an effect on me?

Jen submits: I’m hysterically crying at my desk watching...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:01:05 -0400

Jen submits: I’m hysterically crying at my desk watching this video. These beagels see the sun and walk on grass for the first time.

Video #13: “Beagles See Sun and Grass for the First Time After a Life in a Laboratory”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I actually got close this time. The look in that first dog’s eyes when they opened the cage gave me a little heartache.

What did you feel while watching this video?

A subtle devastation.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Definitely.

Tumblr user exexexexexexex says: This clip from the Fresh Prince...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:42:34 -0400

Tumblr user exexexexexexex says: This clip from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air episode “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” is particularly difficult because of the severe reality of the emotions behind it. Will Smith’s own father left him and his mother when he was a child and, as legend has it, this scene had previously been differently scripted. However at the breaking point where his dad walks out, Will let out all his pent up feelings. James Avery who played Uncle Phil described it as the hardest scene he ever had to act, and it is incredibly difficult to watch, particularly if one has experienced parental abandonment themselves. Breaking point: 0:59. If you haven’t broken by 1:26, tsk!

Video #12: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air - 424 - Papa’s Got a Brand-New Excuse (read description).mpg”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I didn’t.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Wow, I really don’t remember The Fresh Prince being so emotionally charged. I am impressed. Also, I believe that something real is going on here. It feels pretty unscripted.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yeah, I do.

Tumblr user exexexexexexex says: This genuinely grateful child...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:36:23 -0400

Tumblr user exexexexexexex says: This genuinely grateful child who understands how difficult it was for his mom to make this happen for him gives a glimmer of hope in this awful, cynical world. Also wonderful that there is something timeless and classic about how happy a new bike can make a kid. Life was so simple…

Video #11: “BoyGetsNewBike-HISAmazing REACTION- Bonnie Hunt Show.flv”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No tears, but what a sweet kid!

What did you feel while watching this video?

Awed by his gratitude. Worried that I was a selfish brat as a kid.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Sure.

Jen says: It’s called “Saying Goodbye to...

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:32:05 -0400

Jen says: It’s called “Saying Goodbye to Mother”, enough said.

Video #10: “Saying Goodbye To Mother”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Nope.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Well I thought it was sweet and sad.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but I’m realizing that the issue is perhaps that I need some context for the tears to occur. I am not particularly moved by these strangers loving each other. I don’t know or connect with the people in this video.

Meredith says: Pippa. PIPPA. WEEP. Video #9:”Seeing my...

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:00:13 -0400

Meredith says: Pippa. PIPPA. WEEP.

Video #9:”Seeing my dog the day I got back from Afghanistan”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

No, definitely not.

What did you feel while watching this video?

That dog is crazy.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

I mean. Again, it’s cute that the dog loves and recognizes its owner, and is squeaking around about it. It just doesn’t move me.

Jen says: Some fodder for Pippa’s tearducts. Video #8:...

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 15:03:59 -0400

Jen says: Some fodder for Pippa’s tearducts.

Video #8: “Kristen Bell’s Sloth Meltdown”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

You’re kidding, right? Hysterical laughter. I didn’t really like Kristen Bell until this moment.

What did you feel while watching this video?

Thrilled. Playful.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but not to tears.

Kirsten says: But she has to watch it all the way through. With...

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:02:24 -0400

Kirsten says: But she has to watch it all the way through. With sound.

Video #7: “Soldier Reunion Dog Crying”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Nope.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I was happy the dog liked its owner so much.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Um, I guess. I kind of felt like “okay, dog, I get where you’re coming from,” but I didn’t like the sound he was making.

Emily says: Pippa—the kids! Singing! A cheesy pop song...

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:06:37 -0400

Emily says: Pippa—the kids! Singing! A cheesy pop song takes on a whole new resonance! the innocence!

Video #6: “PS22 Chorus “VIVA LA VIDA” Coldplay (acoustic guitar version)”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

Oh man, I didn’t, but that was beautiful! Their version is way better than Coldplay’s.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I loved this. I felt uplifted. The children!

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but again, no tears, only joy.

p.s. I liked the girls who were doing the hand-on-the-chest-singin’-ma’-best movements.

Tumblr thethirdway submits: I don’t even know if I...

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:04:28 -0400

Tumblr thethirdway submits: I don’t even know if I “think” this is moving, I just know that it once decimated the office of a local arts non-profit which shall not be named.

Video #5: “Say Marimo”

Pippa’s Response:

Did you cry? If yes, please rate your cry on a scale of 1 to 5 tears.

I didn’t cry.

What did you feel while watching this video?

I felt a stirring in my heart. There were some aspects of the video I found a little weird, but I would definitely say I was moved by Marimo and Mika’s relationship. The last scene was quite bittersweet.

Do you understand why other humans would be moved by this video?

Yes, but the video is trying very hard to produce tears in its viewer.