I really enjoy the unique spin on the man-on-the-street style of interviewing that is SubwayTakes. This online series began in 2023 by comedian and host Kareem Rahma and producer Andrew Kuo. The premise is simple. Get on the subway. Ask one simple question, “What’s your take?” Then engage in conversations that develop organically. The series is filled with all sorts of characters from real folks to celebrities to politicians.
Some takes are silly;
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“If you have Botox or filler, I don’t wanna see you in a period piece!”
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“Cat owners are weird!”
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“Red delicious apples are actually disgusting!”
Others are more serious;
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“Expat is a racist as hell term!”
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“Adults should support teens in the arts!”
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“Clean up our toxic sites before building houses and schools on them!”
As entertaining as the interviews themselves can be, it’s the spirit behind the series that shines. The art here is not found in the question itself. After all, there isn’t anything leading about the question. It’s the same question each time. The art is in the way that Rahma listens to and builds on the answer. It shows how engaging in honest small talk reveals that we’re not as different as some would have us think. Even if we disagree.
In this growing artificial world, real face-to-face human interaction can be seen as revolutionary and it is necessary. People walking around with their eyes buried in a screen can be inspired by one simple question. It can make them think. It can even change their outlook on life. Maybe it’s just pure entertainment. Of course, there’s value in that, too.
Cheers!
Stephen
YouTube → youtube.com/@SubwayTakes
Instagram → instagram.com/subwaytakes
TikTok → tiktok.com/@subwaytakes
