Donald Glover is a genius. He accomplished his ultimate goal; he got everyone talking about it and their interpretations of it, which ultimately makes you think about what is going on in America at a much deeper level than what the msm does. If everyone who could influence people did something like this, the world could change for the better. Here’s to hope!
Man kills mankind. Society under pressure will turn violent and survival will turn peaceful people into anarchy. In the end he was running/ he/we all (humans) run in the face of terror. Flight/fight/freeze. We can learn and evolve to a higher understanding. Demand better, while I may be nothing more than a bar- code to some I choose kindness. Power corrupts term limits are essential. Those who choose protect/serve must wear body cameras with audio. Trust but verify. PS. I" m so pretty.....
Death riding the Pale white horse while he is followed by Hell (represented by police) going totally unnoticed because of dancing and pop culture in the foreground is the single greatest cinematic message I’ve seen in a music video to date. #ThisIsAmerica
The White horse is usually seen as either disease or conquest by empire. Thus, it could also be interpreted as referring to the high rates of preventable disease which affect the African American community disproportionately as compared to other populations, or the colonialization of Africa and the Mid-Atlantic slave trade, backed up by the authority of the State. Either way it may be the best symbol in there other than the 17 seconds of silence.
america is the same as the roman empire, they had gladiators and theatre, america has pop culture, or cheap entertainment so that you remain stupid. and the role of entertainment is to brainwash you to be a good consumer. money and narcissism
This is a perfect example of what Art is and supposed to do... thought provoking piece , that stirs up internalizing emotions , that’s left to interpretation. Amazing work , Gambino!!!
Charlemagne: “I wish that when he shot the choir it would have been a white person instead of him” disagree. I get the point of not wanting to reinforce the stereotype of black on black crime, but the way I interpreted the video was, Childish Gambino himself represented America. He was playing the role of America and the culture of racism in America. The message wasn’t supposed to be, “white people kill black people” or even blacks kill other blacks, it was supposed to be, America and it’s culture of racism is killing black people. That is how I saw it anyway.
CTG is a hardcore Gambino hater.. seriously if MBJ wasn't so adamant hed've found other nonexistent holes to poke in that masterpiece of s video.. so I wouldn't take him or his critique too seriously tbh.
Yes. That was total projection on CTGs part. I think he missed a big part of the message because he is trying to deny it and instead commenting on what he wanted to see.
Childish Gambino, you excellent job! You have everyone from all walks of life, black, white, old, young, male, female, talking about U.S and the society within. Your art speaks for itself!
Everything thing Donald Glover did in this video was significant. Check out the Confederate Pants, he wore from Jim crow era" this young man is phenomenal and "yes " I had to watch it over 7xs and still finding something new....This is a magnificent work of art that's profound while he took my attention but had to focus on back ground,and the White horse. So much of interpretation of mind is Simple Genius He open the dialogue to talk...💕🙏👏👏👏
Insane Sharks , honey..he said: The shooter is 'America', not just black on black violence. Meaning: I'm hearing him say, (responding to Charlamagne's comment about the shooter needing to be a white person). Snap....you know what - in the middle of me responding to you, trying to reinforce why I think I am right, I re-read your stance, now I fully get where you are coming from & I fully agree ♥️
As a white woman in Australia, this film clip touched me. I forget what America goes through honestly. This woke me up. I love him and what he did. Stand up and speak for what you believe in.
Danny Glover, has a great video that covers a lot issues. Black, guns, history, biblical, our value system, the impact of social media. The video is call "This is America". OUTSTANDING!
Aldin Hurko Well they are used as both a tool to defend, and a tool to kill, and if you don’t outlaw them many killers will have an easier time killing, but if you do outlaw them many criminals will get them anyway and we won’t be able to protect ourselves from them. That’s a very complicated situation and certainly an issue
Anthony Barnes I only like the beat of the song the whole meaning behind just pisses me off, music is not incorporated with politics and shit like gun violence and racism, that shit shouldn't be represented in music or even a music video
Brennan Perdue that's been music for a long time. Where have u been? Music from every genre and time period has spoken on the times. Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Lauryn Hill, Sam Cooke, Beyonce, J Cole, Nas etc etc...artists speak about life not just party and bullshit. If u don't like it then go listen to Taylor Swift. 🤷🏾♀️
He’s been the best for awhile, I’ve absorbed everything he has done in recent years, he’s just now getting the recognition he’s more than deserving of.
That's his point to be a distraction because it shows the weakness in the crumble in today's society everybody else wants to talk about bulshit and what does it do nothing but his videos speaks to the heart of America
These analyses are soooooooooooooooooooooooooo weak. It’s painful. This man put all of these images together and this is all people got out of it. Distraction is nooooottttt the only message. My thoughts though.... The whole point of the video is found in the first minute of the video. It tells how amerikkka, a society built on the concept of commerce, had to find a product to sell. The only product that could accomplish this goal was the slave. This is why after the title shot, the video opens with an empty warehouse which symbolized amerikkka at its founding; the warehouse being a symbol of capitalism. Notice that the first image you see of Childish is with his back to you, dressed in “slave garb” standing still (not animated) behind a pillar. At this point he represents the concept of slavery, not the living manifestation of it. amerikkka, at this point in its history was still searching for an exploitable people that could bring the concept of slavery to life. As the music begins, African celebratory music, Childish starts to move as if he is coming to life. By this point, a Black man enters the scene and begins playing an accompaniment to the African celebratory music, a gentle guitar-driven riff that gives you the feel of flowing water or circulating blood. This represents freedom and is intended to illustrate the freedom, humanity and dignity of the African before his introduction to amerikkka. Remember, at this point, Childish still represents the concept of slavery. He comes to life when the African is introduced. Keep in mind that slavery in amerikkka started in fits. They tried with white indentured servants (e.g. English, Irish, Dutch), then Native Americans and eventually the African because they were better suited for the work in the harsh early colonial climate. As Childish takes on life and the institution of slavery is born in amerikkka, Childish begins to dance his way over to the Black man who falls out of the shot. While he is dancing over to him, he is contorting his face as if he is really vibing to the music but in fact, I think that this represents a Frankenstein-like transformation of the African from a free people with culture, humanity and dignity into the tragic Jim Crow figure that ultimately kills the African with a shot to the back of the head. Notice, when the Black man re-enters the shot he is no longer playing the guitar because his hands are bound and his head is covered with a hood symbolizing his loss of identity. This makes him easier to kill. Notice though that the guitar music continues to play even though he’s not the one playing it which may symbolize the appropriation of Black culture. After the shooting, Childish says “this is amerikkka” and continues on as the embodiment of the slave; the essential pillar of amerikkkan society. This all happens in the first minute or so of the video and sets up the chaos that follows. He basically captured the whole period of enslavement and the creation of the slave in the opening sequence. The rest is a commentary on how we as African-Americans have lost our way and become willing participants in the bloody commerce of amerikkkan capitalism while our bodies, our culture and our souls remain the most valuable commodities for sale in the amerikkkan economy. By the end of the video, the phrase “Black man get your money” has completely replaced the guitar music even though the hooded guitar player re-enters the scene. Basically, amerikkka has replaced his song of freedom with a song of bondage; the bondage produced from the pursuit of money at all costs. There’s a lot more there and every Black person in amerikkka should really stretch themselves to figure out the layered meanings. This is a really important piece of social commentary on the founding of amerikkka and the legacy of slavery. Just my thoughts....
Man i was reading your takes on this and its really detailed. When I first watched it the thing that i didnt get was the last part when he was running scared. People think its a reference to "get out" but i think its much more deeper than that.
Regardless of what your takes are of the video, your assumption that black people need should pay more attention to nuanced meaning of the video is so fucking tone deaf. Black people don't need to dissect that shit because they literally live it every day. So when you see a black person say "this is America was well shot and well timed etc etc" that IS the commentary, the only commentary they need because they already see and recognize the messages as a shared experience. And please don't come at me with "I'm black" bullshit cuz I don't care if you're black or not.
As a white woman living through the 60's I found this video extremely intense and compelling. So much symbolism. You really need to see it many times to catch everything. Gun violence and mass shootings, violence against black community, black stereotypes and caricatures, profiling, capitalism and status, desensitization, fear ...all while wearing Confederate style pants. One word, brilliant.
I think the reason Childish/Glover used himself as the shooter of the choir because he was America. From the pants, to the dancing, to the shooting & even his hair as a representative of what slaves looked like. He was really on point.
That, and I also think he was speaking to black on black crime. The choir didn’t only represent the church shootings as CTG wanted it to be,but also the innocent victims, such as children and bystanders. The choir I think is being taken too literally
I like that they say this did nothing to change/increase their love for Gambino....I wasn't surprised that he came out with this. I've been a fan forever. He's amazing.
Then you are definitely American! because no-one else anywhere would care to see that ----- you imagine Trump to be different and somehow worse and the rest of us see that he's typical but a much, much more honest and direct representation of what Americans act and think like..... might want to watch this video again and again friend. The one living exception might (might?) be Carter and the one dead one might be Lincoln ---- the rest are immoral filth.
H H I don't know. I think I'd like to see all the living Presidents react to it. Trump's opinion would obviously be glaringly different than those of his more prestigious predecessors, but I'd still like to see what they'd get from it. The video is pure art. CG/DG is a genius. That being said, I kind of doubt any of them (pres) would really see what so many of us have seen in it.
This music video to me shows something much deeper than the gun topic. I see a reference to the way America presents itself to the rest of the world vs the its true nature. America presents itself as the heroes spreading freedom and democracy when the truth is that it only spreads debt and death. On the surface it's all baseball games and hot dogs, but underneath it's a rotten culture reminiscent of a dying empire in its last inning. The fish rots from the head down meaning the people are a product of their environment and that environment is created by the rulers with power and authority. Much like the Roman rulers used the colosseum and gladiator battles to distract the people from their corruption and "unconstitutional" actions, in today's world the public are being distracted with endless entertainment, sport, pornography, debt based spending, social media and celebrity gossip. Only in this environment, can the US empire and their rulers get away with stealing wealth from the public, false flag terror attacks, erosion or basic rights and freedoms, distortion of reality and history and generally preventing people from becoming conscious and their best selves. This video encapsulates all that perfectly. Especially how the entire tone of the song changes when he says the words "this is America"
Man kills mankind. Society under pressure will turn violent and survival will turn peaceful people into anarchy. In the end he was running/ he/we all (humans) run in the face of terror. Flight/fight/freeze. We can learn and evolve to a higher understanding. Demand better, while I may be nothing more than a bar- code to some I choose kindness. Power corrupts term limits are essential. Those who choose protect/serve must wear body cameras with audio. Trust but verify. PS. I" m so pretty.....
I'm really Happy Donald Glover hasn't explained, in his mind, the full meaning of his music video in every detail. If he did fully explain it, that would strip away any potential feelings or thoughts that one of his listener would have with the song. So in other words, the power of interpretation and understanding is made on a more personal level for the audience and therefore allows more appreciation for the unknown.
Michael said it perfectly, Childish is the distraction. You can tell by his lyrics (because the dude is very lyrical) but he made his sound like the average mumble rapper and here we have stuff happening in the background but how he did it was spectacular, you can either watch him move or you can see the symbolism that he's trying to present. He's a genius.
When I watch This is America, I feel like for the first time in a long time I want to see the music video even more than I want to hear the song. It’s been so long since music videos have had this effect on me. Childish Gambino is an introverted genius hands down.
All the bullets (literally, not an exaggeration, literally) that soar up through my mother's neighborhood from the projects at the bottom of the hill aren't from the media or anyone's imagination.
An interpretation if it hasn't been recognized yet: Childish Gambino is illustrating the influence rap culture has on it's audience, he demonstrates this when he gets the school kids to follow suit with him in his dance move. The school kids predates to the 50's and 60's I'm sure if not earlier, when schools were still segregated, and the influence black icons had on them since he still is embodying Jim Crow. He has confederate pants on and hes shirtless, back working as a slave (like today) in extreme heat males would be shirtless, where it brings us back to reality, he still has nice shoes though, even with the slave mentality he still copped those fresh kicks. He illustrates the controversy over the gun laws. Another idea to consider is that the guitarist in the beginning isn't wearing a bag over his head until he gets shot, as if he's trying to say, when they don't need you anymore, your disposable i.e. Prince, Michael Jackson, Tupac, Biggie. One key part nobody is paying attention to though, is after the church gets shot up (Charleston) and he's dancing in the warehouse again and the camera changes angles, there is a white male white collar worker committing suicide, while people exploit the tragedy as entertainment when they peer over the edge pointing at his body, even white collars can't deal with the overworking stress. In and around this time you hear "Black men, get your money", and with relation to the suicide, it's no different whether you get it or not, because it's a burden to work in the environment (depression from overworking to compete). One scene that caught my attention was when he gestures having a gun, and everyone runs. It's a clever way of saying the unarmed black man is a bigger threat then when he actually has a weapon, because it has a subtle way saying the America supports gun violence. When hes dancing on the car, the guitar player with the bag on his head again, represents a starving artist not getting recognized to me. As well before this scene, it shows him lighting a spliff, as if Americans disregard all the injustice, or it goes unnoticed, and we get on with our day and use weed as another distraction when the entertainers stop entertaining. In the end when he's running, you almost think the white folk are chasing him, but if you notice to the left, there is a black girl running away but not cutting towards him, and the white folk aren't diverting towards her either, which leads me to believe they're all running in the same direction but were fed a misconception that there is this race war that exists. Everybody is in this struggle together ignoring or being distracted from the bigger picture. There are riots, police violence, a white horse. I think the empty cars, very far off opinion, but I think that represents Detroit, or abandoned neighborhoods, if you think about it Detroit manufactured auto motives, and went bankrupt leaving parts of the city near abandoned. Food for thought.
*This Is London* ruclips.net/video/AIn2qmUIX0k/видео.html I made a ART VIDEO comedy super close to this a while back including with a few minute of silent for you to get your composure back together. I really do appreciate for everybody to take a look at it., ♥️
As a white man, I disagree with the man saying they should have had a white guy for the church scene. I just don't think race had anything to do with that(those) sikos. And I don't think the video was strictly a movement against racism. Its satire for the the country itself (in which racism is a problem). I'm just saying that most people viewed this video similarly regardless of skin color. Lets do our best not to use this genius' work against each other. Lovya
As a black woman, I disagree with it too. He's a lunatic. I mean....if he'd said it shouldn't happen at all then fine...but to say it should've been a white person, is just clueless and asinine.
For the scene with the chior shooting, I immediately knew the social reference being displayed, and knew who the actual shooter was. I also feel that Donald Glover in this video is America, if that was mentioned then I agree with you saying that. But in him being America and me understanding that I'm now looking at him as an entity rather than a black man. I Also feel like if that isn't clear to you then a lot of this video would be lost on you which is unfortunate. Awesome upload!
Instead of talking about the powerful and potent imagery and themes that the video and song put out there, the guys on the Joe Budden Podcast would rather talk about "who's the most talented person in the game rn"?? I'm sorry I don't know these guys but man I feel like thats just about the least important thing to be thinking about in response to this art that he presented. It's addressing some serious injustices and maladies of our society and it could have a lot of power and effect if it sparks deep conversations among people in our country, so I'd much rather talk about that!
Jacob Salas not the 3 guys on the Joe Budden podcast, they didn't. The people on the Breakfast Club and the people on the View did. But those guys for some reason completely diverted how they "were gonna cover" it into how talented Donald Glover is.
I wonder this question. But i honestly don't think it needs a right or wrong answer: The vid he did was extordinary. It was art we havent seen in awhile. However, that a side; if someone has a strong message as he illustrated does he get full credit 🤔 (hear me out for a sec) he illustrates a message as a black man from various angles of "life imitating art- art imitating life" perspective. When asked to explain the vid he says it's not for hime to do. Is it becuz he does not want to be responsible outside of the artist? In his real life isn't his wife white? Should we only veiw this vid as entertainment and tomorrow forget the message, if there is one. Bcuz the artist- alter ego "childish gambino" did the vid and he gets to exclude himself from it. 🤔 it kinda reminds me of how ppl were on this "my president is black" thing but yet Obama had no Lineage 2 African American slavery🤔.
How am I a piece of shit but Joe Budden wanna put Drake in his top 3 😂 Joe Budden over here sounding like a douche nozzle but still sound better than most his raps even complaining like "how we gonna cover this Donald Glover shit since we been on it since day 1 son" then goes on to ask who top rappers are and waits to co-sign somebody on Gambino? Never mentioned Em. Wants to talk about Jamie Fox like he's even in the fuckin game. listen just cuz Jamie is talented, what the fuck does that have to do with Donald Glover. Hold up, Joe Budden, quick point: I'm still wondering how you decided to cover that Glover shit cuz all I heard was nonsensical nonsense.
He literally said Jamie Foxx Donald Glover and Chris Brown as his top 3, then mentioned that Drake was somewhere up there. Someone needs to learn comprehension.
This is a surrealistic message to all living in a society divided by anger, frustration,a message to polititians who seems not to understand the social environment.
I disagree with CTG only because maybe Donald Glover decided from the beginning to take the responsibility for all the violence in the video. What if everyone hated it and he was treated like Kathy griffin? Maybe Donald has integrity and said let me do it. If it goes south I’ll take the blame. Not that I know personally just a thought! Childish Gambino has always been amazing. Congrats to him on a well thought out video. Truly amazing artwork!
imo introducing different race into that video would imply racism of some kind. My guess Gambino wanted to show gun violence and media facade without racism being the biggest problem.
Jamie has acted out scripts written by other people. Sang songs written by other people. What did he create? What thought provoking piece of art did he make? He's a great entertainer though.
Please don't lump all white people together. I search for my racial shortcomings everyday and have called other people out on theirs every time I see it. Work in progress.
Thanks for informing me that I'm a prideful, egotistical and violent man. Now I know I'm a bad man because you showed me the light. I shall cease my evil manly ways.
What a stupid comment, another turbo charged social justice warrior, yawn!!! Addressing your racial shortcomings while living in a country built by the absolute and unequivocal genius of your race.
All good observationss by the commentators. Donald Glover like many of our other artists, actors, performers etc. already know I think, what is important and is trying to disassemble this social construct that we are living like it is real, when it isn't. What I mean is, that I think it's when we are leaving this world (that we entered into for no apparent reason), just before we leave, when that portal is opening to receive us into our next phase, that we see "the light" and realize "what is real" and what matters, and it's none of the stuff that we thought it was. Some people know this way ahead of others and try to tell us through their art.
Honestly,(just speaking on what I've seen personally.) I haven't seen any reactions, articles or reviews from non black people that thought anything on the line of the video showing black on black crime. I've only seen some black people assume that non blacks would see it as black on black crime.
"we treat the guns better than we treat the people who get shot", no, you move the NARRATIVE from the actual tragic event to constitutional and gun politics
Childish is America, as long as your with the materialism bullshit not paying attention to real life.. the kids dancing with him are unharmed.. go along with puppeteers and tyranny and your ok.. masterpiece video and such a true reflection of society today .. give love people coz there’s not enough of it..
Pro Tip: If you’re on The View, you have to explain to the audience that there are parts of the This Is America video you can’t show because whiteness.
HoWdY what the hell is whiteness? Blackness is being absent of color or light. I've never heard the term whiteness & am genuinely confused, is that some Hollywood slang for censorship or something?
My son showed me this video yesterday. I watched as if I were an innocent child. Wow! I found myself thinking, Times Sure have changed; yet stayed the same. I thought of how society in tv, went from removing cigarette commercials, in the 70's, to keeping so called kids from buying cigarettes before 19, in the 90's, to Now Anything Goes in America. I can see how this artist was showing how America is Lost and Confused. Thank God he sent his Only Son to be The Redeemer of My Soul. I Know Heaven And HELL Are REAL.
Frank Wave you misunderstood Budden... He said the newfound love people have for Glover does nothing for him because he has always loved Glover as an artist. So, the video doesn't do anything for him from the aspect of increasing his respect for Glover since he has always had Glover at the top of his list as most talented.
B H you might feel he isn't talented and that's your opinion.. but he is a rapper, an actor, a producer (music, movies, and T.V.), director, has written for a few shows, was hired by marvel to write a comic book, hired by fox to write a Deadpool show... His previous album are good to me but, from a talent standpoint, his resume is legit. You might not like the song, again, your opinion and your personal truth. But, when Budden said he is the most talented... What part of his resume can you actively question and say he isn't full of talent?
B H I agree with you. One of his most critically acclaimed albums is “because of the internet”. Wasn’t a fan of it and I don’t find him funny either but he has a likable personality judging from his interviews so he’s cool but not a fan of his work.
Donald Glover is a genius. He accomplished his ultimate goal; he got everyone talking about it and their interpretations of it, which ultimately makes you think about what is going on in America at a much deeper level than what the msm does. If everyone who could influence people did something like this, the world could change for the better. Here’s to hope!
Derek Carr I think this is the spark that will ultimately get gun laws passed
Derek Carr The video is genius but Jesus tits the song is trash.
Man kills mankind. Society under pressure will turn violent and survival will turn peaceful people into anarchy.
In the end he was running/ he/we all (humans) run in the face of terror. Flight/fight/freeze. We can learn and evolve to a higher understanding. Demand better, while I may be nothing more than a bar- code to some I choose kindness. Power corrupts term limits are essential. Those who choose protect/serve must wear body cameras with audio. Trust but verify.
PS. I" m so pretty.....
Derek Carr II
Derek Carr riiiiight and none of this nonsense was planned beforehand.
Genius? Youd give that title aqay to anyone
Death riding the Pale white horse while he is followed by Hell (represented by police) going totally unnoticed because of dancing and pop culture in the foreground is the single greatest cinematic message I’ve seen in a music video to date. #ThisIsAmerica
The White horse is usually seen as either disease or conquest by empire. Thus, it could also be interpreted as referring to the high rates of preventable disease which affect the African American community disproportionately as compared to other populations, or the colonialization of Africa and the Mid-Atlantic slave trade, backed up by the authority of the State. Either way it may be the best symbol in there other than the 17 seconds of silence.
america is the same as the roman empire, they had gladiators and theatre, america has pop culture, or cheap entertainment so that you remain stupid. and the role of entertainment is to brainwash you to be a good consumer. money and narcissism
This is a perfect example of what Art is and supposed to do...
thought provoking piece , that stirs up internalizing emotions , that’s left to interpretation.
Amazing work , Gambino!!!
Charlemagne: “I wish that when he shot the choir it would have been a white person instead of him” disagree. I get the point of not wanting to reinforce the stereotype of black on black crime, but the way I interpreted the video was, Childish Gambino himself represented America. He was playing the role of America and the culture of racism in America. The message wasn’t supposed to be, “white people kill black people” or even blacks kill other blacks, it was supposed to be, America and it’s culture of racism is killing black people. That is how I saw it anyway.
CTG is a hardcore Gambino hater.. seriously if MBJ wasn't so adamant hed've found other nonexistent holes to poke in that masterpiece of s video.. so I wouldn't take him or his critique too seriously tbh.
Yes. That was total projection on CTGs part. I think he missed a big part of the message because he is trying to deny it and instead commenting on what he wanted to see.
All this talk and people still will not change, the hype around this video will die down and everyone will go to the next hot viral new thing.
Maceo Moore most realistic comment I’ve read..💡💡💡people need to realize..this comment was saw by many but went over a lot of ppls heads..
Maceo Moore
Exactly
Ochosi my point exactly! We're so distracted it ain't funny..
marcus richardson I mean we aren’t, but lots of others are 🤷🏾♂️..#smokescreen#livingInTheMatrix
Maceo Moore sad but true
Donald Glover is just a genius
No he is not.
Cable Vamp yea he absolutely is
Cable Vamp Yup. Nothing Childish about the way that man’s mind works.
Once you figure out what a "genius" ( geni, jinn, janus, janis) is, I wonder would you still feel positive about him?
Phil Perry y isn’t he?
Childish Gambino, you excellent job! You have everyone from all walks of life, black, white, old, young, male, female, talking about U.S and the society within. Your art speaks for itself!
i need Ja Rule to make sense of this..... Where is Ja....
Davion Mohammed Save me Ja Rule!!
Davion Mohammed Only the real will get this 👌
Lmfao
Chappelle!
Dez, I'm a white guy in Australia. I am not "real" in the slightest, I got it. Chappelle is a genius
The video is a magnificent work of art. Brilliance at it's finest!
Kayla Merkel The song is rather trashy though.
D WG That might just be the point actually
Everything thing Donald Glover did in this video was significant. Check out the Confederate Pants, he wore from Jim crow era" this young man is phenomenal and "yes " I had to watch it over 7xs and still finding something new....This is a magnificent work of art that's profound while he took my attention but had to focus on back ground,and the White horse. So much of interpretation of mind is Simple Genius He open the dialogue to talk...💕🙏👏👏👏
Not true.... I'm white & took him representing all of America as the shooter , not just black on black violence
Ashlyn Stiff it had nothing to with black on black violence. Smh
Mark Home & Insane Shark, you clearly misunderstood what Ashlyn Stiff is saying in his/her statement.
Orlane Motla he said “not just black on black violence” meaning that he saw black on black violence but saw other things too.
Insane Sharks , honey..he said: The shooter is 'America', not just black on black violence.
Meaning: I'm hearing him say, (responding to Charlamagne's comment about the shooter needing to be a white person).
Snap....you know what - in the middle of me responding to you, trying to reinforce why I think I am right, I re-read your stance, now I fully get where you are coming from & I fully agree ♥️
Orlane Motla it’s all good no worries lol ❤️
It’s art and it’s indescribable.
if it's art then there are hundreds of descriptions of it, if there's only one; then it's propaganda
Slurp
As a white woman in Australia, this film clip touched me. I forget what America goes through honestly. This woke me up. I love him and what he did. Stand up and speak for what you believe in.
I watched the video probably like 10 times. Amazing artistry
Danny Glover, has a great video that covers a lot issues. Black, guns, history, biblical, our value system, the impact of social media. The video is call "This is America". OUTSTANDING!
Angela L Kennedy Why do you classify guns as an issue? Would you please elaborate more.
Danny Glover isn't in this video. I dont think you know who your talking about here.
Aldin Hurko Well they are used as both a tool to defend, and a tool to kill, and if you don’t outlaw them many killers will have an easier time killing, but if you do outlaw them many criminals will get them anyway and we won’t be able to protect ourselves from them.
That’s a very complicated situation and certainly an issue
*Donald Glover
Donald is gonna be number 1. He’s damn near perfect
He’s been number 1. Y’all catching up
Anthony Barnes I only like the beat of the song the whole meaning behind just pisses me off, music is not incorporated with politics and shit like gun violence and racism, that shit shouldn't be represented in music or even a music video
Brennan Perdue that's been music for a long time. Where have u been? Music from every genre and time period has spoken on the times. Bob Marley, Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Lauryn Hill, Sam Cooke, Beyonce, J Cole, Nas etc etc...artists speak about life not just party and bullshit. If u don't like it then go listen to Taylor Swift. 🤷🏾♀️
Perfect n what????
He’s been the best for awhile, I’ve absorbed everything he has done in recent years, he’s just now getting the recognition he’s more than deserving of.
That's his point to be a distraction because it shows the weakness in the crumble in today's society everybody else wants to talk about bulshit and what does it do nothing but his videos speaks to the heart of America
These analyses are soooooooooooooooooooooooooo weak. It’s painful. This man put all of these images together and this is all people got out of it. Distraction is nooooottttt the only message.
My thoughts though....
The whole point of the video is found in the first minute of the video. It tells how amerikkka, a society built on the concept of commerce, had to find a product to sell. The only product that could accomplish this goal was the slave. This is why after the title shot, the video opens with an empty warehouse which symbolized amerikkka at its founding; the warehouse being a symbol of capitalism. Notice that the first image you see of Childish is with his back to you, dressed in “slave garb” standing still (not animated) behind a pillar. At this point he represents the concept of slavery, not the living manifestation of it. amerikkka, at this point in its history was still searching for an exploitable people that could bring the concept of slavery to life. As the music begins, African celebratory music, Childish starts to move as if he is coming to life. By this point, a Black man enters the scene and begins playing an accompaniment to the African celebratory music, a gentle guitar-driven riff that gives you the feel of flowing water or circulating blood. This represents freedom and is intended to illustrate the freedom, humanity and dignity of the African before his introduction to amerikkka. Remember, at this point, Childish still represents the concept of slavery. He comes to life when the African is introduced. Keep in mind that slavery in amerikkka started in fits. They tried with white indentured servants (e.g. English, Irish, Dutch), then Native Americans and eventually the African because they were better suited for the work in the harsh early colonial climate. As Childish takes on life and the institution of slavery is born in amerikkka, Childish begins to dance his way over to the Black man who falls out of the shot. While he is dancing over to him, he is contorting his face as if he is really vibing to the music but in fact, I think that this represents a Frankenstein-like transformation of the African from a free people with culture, humanity and dignity into the tragic Jim Crow figure that ultimately kills the African with a shot to the back of the head. Notice, when the Black man re-enters the shot he is no longer playing the guitar because his hands are bound and his head is covered with a hood symbolizing his loss of identity. This makes him easier to kill. Notice though that the guitar music continues to play even though he’s not the one playing it which may symbolize the appropriation of Black culture. After the shooting, Childish says “this is amerikkka” and continues on as the embodiment of the slave; the essential pillar of amerikkkan society. This all happens in the first minute or so of the video and sets up the chaos that follows. He basically captured the whole period of enslavement and the creation of the slave in the opening sequence. The rest is a commentary on how we as African-Americans have lost our way and become willing participants in the bloody commerce of amerikkkan capitalism while our bodies, our culture and our souls remain the most valuable commodities for sale in the amerikkkan economy. By the end of the video, the phrase “Black man get your money” has completely replaced the guitar music even though the hooded guitar player re-enters the scene. Basically, amerikkka has replaced his song of freedom with a song of bondage; the bondage produced from the pursuit of money at all costs.
There’s a lot more there and every Black person in amerikkka should really stretch themselves to figure out the layered meanings. This is a really important piece of social commentary on the founding of amerikkka and the legacy of slavery.
Just my thoughts....
Great analysis! One of the best. Thank you
Man i was reading your takes on this and its really detailed. When I first watched it the thing that i didnt get was the last part when he was running scared. People think its a reference to "get out" but i think its much more deeper than that.
Regardless of what your takes are of the video, your assumption that black people need should pay more attention to nuanced meaning of the video is so fucking tone deaf. Black people don't need to dissect that shit because they literally live it every day. So when you see a black person say "this is America was well shot and well timed etc etc" that IS the commentary, the only commentary they need because they already see and recognize the messages as a shared experience.
And please don't come at me with "I'm black" bullshit cuz I don't care if you're black or not.
I second that...
This is why people should stop listening to celebrities. No one added anything of substance.
Michael P Jordan explained it perfectly.
One of the best videos Brilliant.
"it has over 50 million hits"
Currently sitting at 750m and still underrated
Donald is a very talented and conscious artist. He is AWAKE and his message has been heard. - Hermano, que talento el de usted! Gracias !!
I don't see it only happened in America. I see it all around the world.
Andika Satria who said it only happened in America?
man j cole and childish gambino had great timing with their new stuff kod was perfect timing
where is kanye's reaction though?
Malcolm Spencer he was on it
He probably would’ve said that being victim to gun violence is a choice
kwfown haha facts!!
"Donald Glover is a free thinker"
Malcolm Spencer no one cares about his reaction
Loooove this !! Song is arranged beautifully.... but never been so confused and conflicted about whether i should dance to a song or not
I wonder if glover realizes how profound what he created is? I wonder if people tell him every day that he is a genius now.
legit ive watched it repeatedly since released
The ending of him running in the video was a "get out " reference to me
I've had love for glover since the community. Been growing and growing. Love bonfire and freaks and geeks!! LIT,!
As a white woman living through the 60's I found this video extremely intense and compelling. So much symbolism. You really need to see it many times to catch everything. Gun violence and mass shootings, violence against black community, black stereotypes and caricatures, profiling, capitalism and status, desensitization, fear ...all while wearing Confederate style pants. One word, brilliant.
Kayne killed it! Glad to see he's finally doing something good.
I think the reason Childish/Glover used himself as the shooter of the choir because he was America. From the pants, to the dancing, to the shooting & even his hair as a representative of what slaves looked like. He was really on point.
That, and I also think he was speaking to black on black crime. The choir didn’t only represent the church shootings as CTG wanted it to be,but also the innocent victims, such as children and bystanders. The choir I think is being taken too literally
The video is deep & meaningful.
Clapping for the wrong reasons.
They were probably shining the 'applause' sign.
Because it’s “deeper than rap.”
I like that they say this did nothing to change/increase their love for Gambino....I wasn't surprised that he came out with this. I've been a fan forever. He's amazing.
Would LOVE to see past US presidents (the Obamas, the bushs, the Clintons) reactions. NOT THE CURRENT ONE because he’ll miss the point completely
H H ignorant much
Obama lmfaooooooo. Bush? Hahahajajshwhwhhaha ...clinton??? 😂😂😂😂😂😂
aj b nope I’m a human....☺️
Then you are definitely American! because no-one else anywhere would care to see that ----- you imagine Trump to be different and somehow worse and the rest of us see that he's typical but a much, much more honest and direct representation of what Americans act and think like..... might want to watch this video again and again friend.
The one living exception might (might?) be Carter and the one dead one might be Lincoln ---- the rest are immoral filth.
H H I don't know. I think I'd like to see all the living Presidents react to it. Trump's opinion would obviously be glaringly different than those of his more prestigious predecessors, but I'd still like to see what they'd get from it. The video is pure art. CG/DG is a genius. That being said, I kind of doubt any of them (pres) would really see what so many of us have seen in it.
I watched that video about 14 times.
This music video to me shows something much deeper than the gun topic. I see a reference to the way America presents itself to the rest of the world vs the its true nature. America presents itself as the heroes spreading freedom and democracy when the truth is that it only spreads debt and death. On the surface it's all baseball games and hot dogs, but underneath it's a rotten culture reminiscent of a dying empire in its last inning. The fish rots from the head down meaning the people are a product of their environment and that environment is created by the rulers with power and authority.
Much like the Roman rulers used the colosseum and gladiator battles to distract the people from their corruption and "unconstitutional" actions, in today's world the public are being distracted with endless entertainment, sport, pornography, debt based spending, social media and celebrity gossip. Only in this environment, can the US empire and their rulers get away with stealing wealth from the public, false flag terror attacks, erosion or basic rights and freedoms, distortion of reality and history and generally preventing people from becoming conscious and their best selves.
This video encapsulates all that perfectly. Especially how the entire tone of the song changes when he says the words "this is America"
michalsavatar
Man kills mankind. Society under pressure will turn violent and survival will turn peaceful people into anarchy.
In the end he was running/ he/we all (humans) run in the face of terror. Flight/fight/freeze. We can learn and evolve to a higher understanding. Demand better, while I may be nothing more than a bar- code to some I choose kindness. Power corrupts term limits are essential. Those who choose protect/serve must wear body cameras with audio. Trust but verify.
PS. I" m so pretty.....
So glad seen him blowing up in this level. Still remember the Sicki Boy mixtape.
i love this dude
Love the moves and tha beat,,it has a meaning but fun to watch also
I'm really Happy Donald Glover hasn't explained, in his mind, the full meaning of his music video in every detail. If he did fully explain it, that would strip away any potential feelings or thoughts that one of his listener would have with the song. So in other words, the power of interpretation and understanding is made on a more personal level for the audience and therefore allows more appreciation for the unknown.
Michael said it perfectly, Childish is the distraction. You can tell by his lyrics (because the dude is very lyrical) but he made his sound like the average mumble rapper and here we have stuff happening in the background but how he did it was spectacular, you can either watch him move or you can see the symbolism that he's trying to present. He's a genius.
He was definitely speaking to fads, at least imo, which is why those references were included.
When I watch This is America, I feel like for the first time in a long time I want to see the music video even more than I want to hear the song.
It’s been so long since music videos have had this effect on me.
Childish Gambino is an introverted genius hands down.
Childish Gambino is the best ! Been had love for his incredible mind 👌💕👑
All the bullets (literally, not an exaggeration, literally) that soar up through my mother's neighborhood from the projects at the bottom of the hill aren't from the media or anyone's imagination.
An interpretation if it hasn't been recognized yet: Childish Gambino is illustrating the influence rap culture has on it's audience, he demonstrates this when he gets the school kids to follow suit with him in his dance move. The school kids predates to the 50's and 60's I'm sure if not earlier, when schools were still segregated, and the influence black icons had on them since he still is embodying Jim Crow. He has confederate pants on and hes shirtless, back working as a slave (like today) in extreme heat males would be shirtless, where it brings us back to reality, he still has nice shoes though, even with the slave mentality he still copped those fresh kicks. He illustrates the controversy over the gun laws. Another idea to consider is that the guitarist in the beginning isn't wearing a bag over his head until he gets shot, as if he's trying to say, when they don't need you anymore, your disposable i.e. Prince, Michael Jackson, Tupac, Biggie. One key part nobody is paying attention to though, is after the church gets shot up (Charleston) and he's dancing in the warehouse again and the camera changes angles, there is a white male white collar worker committing suicide, while people exploit the tragedy as entertainment when they peer over the edge pointing at his body, even white collars can't deal with the overworking stress. In and around this time you hear "Black men, get your money", and with relation to the suicide, it's no different whether you get it or not, because it's a burden to work in the environment (depression from overworking to compete). One scene that caught my attention was when he gestures having a gun, and everyone runs. It's a clever way of saying the unarmed black man is a bigger threat then when he actually has a weapon, because it has a subtle way saying the America supports gun violence. When hes dancing on the car, the guitar player with the bag on his head again, represents a starving artist not getting recognized to me. As well before this scene, it shows him lighting a spliff, as if Americans disregard all the injustice, or it goes unnoticed, and we get on with our day and use weed as another distraction when the entertainers stop entertaining. In the end when he's running, you almost think the white folk are chasing him, but if you notice to the left, there is a black girl running away but not cutting towards him, and the white folk aren't diverting towards her either, which leads me to believe they're all running in the same direction but were fed a misconception that there is this race war that exists. Everybody is in this struggle together ignoring or being distracted from the bigger picture. There are riots, police violence, a white horse. I think the empty cars, very far off opinion, but I think that represents Detroit, or abandoned neighborhoods, if you think about it Detroit manufactured auto motives, and went bankrupt leaving parts of the city near abandoned. Food for thought.
kanye still in scoop d woop town
That must be his choice.
Sub Killer 😂😂😂
*This Is London*
ruclips.net/video/AIn2qmUIX0k/видео.html
I made a ART VIDEO comedy super close to this a while back including with a few minute of silent for you to get your composure back together. I really do appreciate for everybody to take a look at it., ♥️
As a white man, I disagree with the man saying they should have had a white guy for the church scene. I just don't think race had anything to do with that(those) sikos. And I don't think the video was strictly a movement against racism. Its satire for the the country itself (in which racism is a problem). I'm just saying that most people viewed this video similarly regardless of skin color. Lets do our best not to use this genius' work against each other. Lovya
evan g Who does all of the mass killings in America?! Who has shot up churches, schools, movie theaters, music events? Are you blind and in denial?
As a black woman, I disagree with it too. He's a lunatic. I mean....if he'd said it shouldn't happen at all then fine...but to say it should've been a white person, is just clueless and asinine.
Dylan Roof was a proud white supremacist who targeted a black church and killed nine people. That's specifically what the scene was referencing.
🤣🤣🤣🤣 you not thinking race has nothing to do with any of that, means you're the issue of America.
For the scene with the chior shooting, I immediately knew the social reference being displayed, and knew who the actual shooter was. I also feel that Donald Glover in this video is America, if that was mentioned then I agree with you saying that. But in him being America and me understanding that I'm now looking at him as an entity rather than a black man. I Also feel like if that isn't clear to you then a lot of this video would be lost on you which is unfortunate. Awesome upload!
I liked the video and the song
The song this is America id distracting us right now but also waking us up
Childish Gambinos character represented ''America'' in this masterpiece... he wasn't a representation of ''black on black'' crime
Donald Glover is a genius in so many ways, lyrically, comedic brilliance u name it.
I can not stand Charlamane! He irritates my whole spirit! Acts like he is so woke when he is a skin bleacher!
msluvlee717lol
msluvlee717 he's his own negative stereotype.
What the fuq is a skin bleacher?
You explained it perfectly!! He vexes my entire spirit. It's like he enjoys being as unlikable and adversarial as humanly possible. Lol
I never did liked or Respected Charlemagne..
He is So Discussing to my Eyes.
I need Real People and Not Fake ones..
I enjoy the dancing. Didn’t think deeply at all when I first saw it until the internet told me so lol.
Instead of talking about the powerful and potent imagery and themes that the video and song put out there, the guys on the Joe Budden Podcast would rather talk about "who's the most talented person in the game rn"??
I'm sorry I don't know these guys but man I feel like thats just about the least important thing to be thinking about in response to this art that he presented. It's addressing some serious injustices and maladies of our society and it could have a lot of power and effect if it sparks deep conversations among people in our country, so I'd much rather talk about that!
Adot Burr They did...
Jacob Salas not the 3 guys on the Joe Budden podcast, they didn't. The people on the Breakfast Club and the people on the View did. But those guys for some reason completely diverted how they "were gonna cover" it into how talented Donald Glover is.
I love how true the ACTUAL meaning is
I wonder this question. But i honestly don't think it needs a right or wrong answer: The vid he did was extordinary. It was art we havent seen in awhile. However, that a side; if someone has a strong message as he illustrated does he get full credit 🤔 (hear me out for a sec) he illustrates a message as a black man from various angles of "life imitating art- art imitating life" perspective. When asked to explain the vid he says it's not for hime to do. Is it becuz he does not want to be responsible outside of the artist? In his real life isn't his wife white? Should we only veiw this vid as entertainment and tomorrow forget the message, if there is one. Bcuz the artist- alter ego "childish gambino" did the vid and he gets to exclude himself from it. 🤔 it kinda reminds me of how ppl were on this "my president is black" thing but yet Obama had no Lineage 2 African American slavery🤔.
The interpretation I get from the video is the phrase "we are romans".
Joe Budden shhhhhhhh
you're a piece of shit.
Joe is not a celebrity
How am I a piece of shit but Joe Budden wanna put Drake in his top 3 😂 Joe Budden over here sounding like a douche nozzle but still sound better than most his raps even complaining like "how we gonna cover this Donald Glover shit since we been on it since day 1 son" then goes on to ask who top rappers are and waits to co-sign somebody on Gambino? Never mentioned Em. Wants to talk about Jamie Fox like he's even in the fuckin game. listen just cuz Jamie is talented, what the fuck does that have to do with Donald Glover. Hold up, Joe Budden, quick point: I'm still wondering how you decided to cover that Glover shit cuz all I heard was nonsensical nonsense.
Fulcanelli is that what that smell is? Check ya diaper
He literally said Jamie Foxx Donald Glover and Chris Brown as his top 3, then mentioned that Drake was somewhere up there. Someone needs to learn comprehension.
This is a surrealistic message to all living in a society divided by anger, frustration,a message to polititians who seems not to understand the social environment.
It's ironic. That these people are singing the praise of this video. Like entertainment is blinding us from reality.... Let that sink in.
yeah truth always sounds so sus coming from like the mainstream
Legendary
It's true: celebrity opinions are more important than our opinions. Our opinions aren't interesting or even valid; only what celebrities think.
Donald glover is a true genius, one of the most talented people of our generation and the best entretainer of all time
Donald for president
Donald Glover in a genuis!! Amazing actor and creative mind trying to make people realize what is happening
I disagree with CTG only because maybe Donald Glover decided from the beginning to take the responsibility for all the violence in the video. What if everyone hated it and he was treated like Kathy griffin? Maybe Donald has integrity and said let me do it. If it goes south I’ll take the blame.
Not that I know personally just a thought! Childish Gambino has always been amazing. Congrats to him on a well thought out video. Truly amazing artwork!
yeah if we have to wait we have to wait
imo introducing different race into that video would imply racism of some kind. My guess Gambino wanted to show gun violence and media facade without racism being the biggest problem.
Yes gambino is a genius
Jamie Foxx is not nearly as artistic as Donald Glover
donald glover is a pretentious hack.
Im sorry you misspelled "i have no taste". I hate autocorrect as well
Not as original or controversial, but I'd not say "not nearly".
Jamie has acted out scripts written by other people. Sang songs written by other people. What did he create? What thought provoking piece of art did he make? He's a great entertainer though.
Django was lit
america is a young country.. they are starting to see... just facts.
Please don't lump all white people together. I search for my racial shortcomings everyday and have called other people out on theirs every time I see it. Work in progress.
Janice Bendig-Tuznik funny i dont see or hear white say , not all black or not all hispanic, not all asians, not all native americans.
Nobody lumps all white people together, but let it be known that a lot of whites are full of bull.
Joseph Xavier when you use absolutes you lose your credibility.Nobody? Really.
Thanks for informing me that I'm a prideful, egotistical and violent man. Now I know I'm a bad man because you showed me the light. I shall cease my evil manly ways.
What a stupid comment, another turbo charged social justice warrior, yawn!!! Addressing your racial shortcomings while living in a country built by the absolute and unequivocal genius of your race.
All good observationss by the commentators. Donald Glover like many of our other artists, actors, performers etc. already know I think, what is important and is trying to disassemble this social construct that we are living like it is real, when it isn't. What I mean is, that I think it's when we are leaving this world (that we entered into for no apparent reason), just before we leave, when that portal is opening to receive us into our next phase, that we see "the light" and realize "what is real" and what matters, and it's none of the stuff that we thought it was. Some people know this way ahead of others and try to tell us through their art.
Honestly,(just speaking on what I've seen personally.) I haven't seen any reactions, articles or reviews from non black people that thought anything on the line of the video showing black on black crime. I've only seen some black people assume that non blacks would see it as black on black crime.
Amazing video and song.
"we treat the guns better than we treat the people who get shot", no, you move the NARRATIVE from the actual tragic event to constitutional and gun politics
Childish is America, as long as your with the materialism bullshit not paying attention to real life.. the kids dancing with him are unharmed.. go along with puppeteers and tyranny and your ok.. masterpiece video and such a true reflection of society today .. give love people coz there’s not enough of it..
Pro Tip: If you’re on The View, you have to explain to the audience that there are parts of the This Is America video you can’t show because whiteness.
HoWdY what the hell is whiteness? Blackness is being absent of color or light. I've never heard the term whiteness & am genuinely confused, is that some Hollywood slang for censorship or something?
It's been done before in the 60s and 70s a lot in music form, Stevie wonder (living just enough for city )and Jimmy Hendricks (national anthem).
That guy who does the donkey of the day is a racist
I need every one to talk to childish and have an interview with him about the whole video I mean he can't be that damn busy can he lol
He will always be Troy to me. I can't take him seriously. I just don't get it, I guess.
Troy and abed in the morning!!!!.
"They" like to say its violent imagery instead of saying real life or true events of violence. DONT MINIMIZE IT, OWN IT!!!
5,4,3,2,1..... Forgotten !
My son showed me this video yesterday. I watched as if I were an innocent child. Wow! I found myself thinking, Times Sure have changed; yet stayed the same. I thought of how society in tv, went from removing cigarette commercials, in the 70's, to keeping so called kids from buying cigarettes before 19, in the 90's, to Now Anything Goes in America. I can see how this artist was showing how America is Lost and Confused. Thank God he sent his Only Son to be The Redeemer of My Soul. I Know Heaven And HELL Are REAL.
Joe budden is not a celeb
You are correct
He said he didn't need this song to love Childish Gambino he already did .
Irma so?
Rapper/Reality Star/Media/News Figure/Entrepreneur
Please elaborate on how Joe is not a celeb?
For people who are still confused by the video, I suggest listening to the song first pay attention to the lyrics
Donald Glover > Donald Trump
And, thats America.
Not a fan of the video and wondering why people seem so infatuated by it. Joe Budden said it best, “did nothing for me” lol.
Frank Wave you misunderstood Budden... He said the newfound love people have for Glover does nothing for him because he has always loved Glover as an artist. So, the video doesn't do anything for him from the aspect of increasing his respect for Glover since he has always had Glover at the top of his list as most talented.
B H you might feel he isn't talented and that's your opinion.. but he is a rapper, an actor, a producer (music, movies, and T.V.), director, has written for a few shows, was hired by marvel to write a comic book, hired by fox to write a Deadpool show...
His previous album are good to me but, from a talent standpoint, his resume is legit. You might not like the song, again, your opinion and your personal truth. But, when Budden said he is the most talented... What part of his resume can you actively question and say he isn't full of talent?
B H I agree with you. One of his most critically acclaimed albums is “because of the internet”. Wasn’t a fan of it and I don’t find him funny either but he has a likable personality judging from his interviews so he’s cool but not a fan of his work.
They're right great video Donald rules.
Without the video the song is trash
Brian Mcminn 🤨
Ain’t that the truth
That's fine. The whole experience is a message. Separating it into sections breaks the story being told.
Brian Mcminn purposefully so. The song, the dancing etc... all served as a distraction to what’s happening in the background...
Facts. I love the message, the symbolic visuals, & the video in general.. but I will never bump that shit in my G35 lmao 🙄
I discovered the guy who sat down to play the guitar was Trayvon's Martins father....
I like how Michael B. Jordans picture on the thumbnail is him in his F4 suit like that's what he's known for lmao
Donald is A Jack of All Trade ( Song/Comics writer and Actor etc) 👏🏾