If you’ve spent any time scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve come across the viral ‘of course’ videos. Creators highlight a part of their identity—like married, LGBTQ+ or educator—and the everyday situations they encounter. The formula is simple: I’m *insert characteristic,* of course I… Since early December, these videos have been circulating the web, offering a comedic and light-hearted take on the stereotypes often linked to different aspects of one’s identity.
Media creators in Denver have taken a stab at this trend using it to show their shared experiences with living in the city. The “I’m from Denver, of course I…,” videos have gained traction amongst fellow Denverites for their satire and relatability. In one video, TikTok influencers Rayna King and Maiya Mindoro touch on the laid-back lifestyle, unusual weather patterns and unique social scenes based on their own experiences with living in Denver.
“We’re from Denver, wearing jeans is dressing up,” King said in the video. Mindoro later says, “We’re from Denver, when it’s 60 and sunny we’re going to say it’s hot out.”
There are a plethora of stereotypes about people from Denver and the surrounding state that we just can’t seem to shake for creators to broach. Folks from other states believe every Coloradan is outdoorsy, craft beer is our collective preferred beverage and everyone owns a dog. But Mindoro said she doesn’t identify with many of these chichés.
“I don’t feel super connected to most Denver stereotypes and in that video, I focus on redirecting the stereotypes based on my own experiences,” Mindoro said. “I feel more connected to the examples I gave, but what’s shown on social media is never the whole story.”
While some creators have focused on things all Coloradans can associate with, others have added a spin to the trend, making it more specialized. Digital creator Kossi Tchenawou and private user @chasemclear made two “We’re Denver guys” videos playing into the stereotype that all Denver guys are flannel-wearing and Tacoma or Subaru-driving bachelors.
“We’re Denver guys, of course we wear flannels,” @chasemclear said. Tchenawou follows this up with, “We’re Denver guys, of course I’m going to take you out on three dates and then ghost you. I only moved out here to explore, be free, go camping in nature—come on now. But don’t worry. We’re Denver guys, of course we will pick you up in a Subaru.”
Some videos mention the notoriously bad dating scene in Denver as shown in a video by creator Ky Adventures and some friends. They made a three-part series discussing the dating struggles specific to “Denver girlies” among other topics.
“We’re Denver girls, I’ve already deleted my Hinge like eight times,” one girl said in the video.
Similar to the “of course” videos, online personality Matt Lyons, has his own series titled “Every person who…” where he playfully pokes fun at stereotypes by pretending to be characters from specific places. His videos mostly feature outdoor-oriented comedy skits, emphasizing the stereotypes associated with various activities and destinations. Because of the nature of his videos, many are indirectly and sometimes directly associated with Denverites.
In Lyons’ “Every Person Who Goes to Red Rocks” video, he embodies the stereotype of the Red Rocks enthusiast through the character “Sandstone.” In the video, the character shows their deep appreciation for the venue’s culture and history, making it part of their identity. The character brags about the multiple concerts attended, fitness routines at the venue and insider knowledge. Lyons even displays superiority over individuals who have never been to Red Rocks and show no interest in bands that haven’t performed there.
“What’s up? My name is Sandstone and this will be my 847th show at the world-famous Red Rocks. Well, famous to some people. To me, it’s just another day in the office,” Lyons said in character. “Sure, you’ve seen your favorite band in Denver. But you haven’t lived until you see their Red Rock set.”
Lyons told Backpacker Radio in an interview he enjoys poking fun at stereotypes, and in some cases real people we may come across at a show, outdoors or elsewhere. He said he hopes his videos encourage people to look within, assess their elitism and get off their high horse.
“I just kind of see these concepts in these cultures of people, and I think how can I embody that in a video and maybe make them realize ‘oh, I might be taking this a little too seriously,” Lyons said in the interview.
Denver, like any other city, has its fair share of stereotypes, on full display in these videos. While stereotypes like these can be humorous and contain elements of truth, they also serve as a unique way for locals to connect over their shared experiences. In embracing and exaggerating the stereotypes that make this city truly one-of-a-kind, a source of shared laughter and connection has come about.