This is not a response to any specific comment or recent event, just a general response to a question I've wanted to officially answer for years. I know some of this material has been in parts of other videos, but I thought it would be nice to have one video properly explain the "Black Nerd Comedy" origin story so that I or any of you ever see this questions asked again, we now have the official video to point them to. Also hope you just appreciate a little trip down memory lane. Enjoy and thank you!
THIS SO u know I don't have any problems with u Calling your videos Black nerd .....Im a subscriber ..O Btw don't forget New Power.Rangers start tomorrow morning at 8an
Bro, you would not believe how similiar we look. And the fact we're into the same stuff blows my mind! I'm 28, a 90s kids, but I always figured you were an 80s kid! One day I hope we can cross paths! *the fact you have to say SO MANY disclaimers, shows how soft and trigger happy people are nowadays
Nice. Thanks bro as black people we do go hard on each other sometimes for certain things that we don't understand about each other so this helped a lot. I actually got into it with another RUclips brother about why he calls himself random black gamer so in short ...I feel you. Thanks great video
As a black person I get it. And black people today are way more open to being proud of Anime and video games etc. Black community a lot try to put us in a box. We have to talk and walk this way. Because we are black but that is not the fact and we understand that more that ever now. We are free to be proud to be.. ourselves and versatile. And I love that now. This doesn’t make you less black and we need to remember that.
Yup, I remember being in middle school and being mocked by neighbors (kids my age) for still liking action cartoons.... But by the time we graduated from HS (2008) we were all playing YuGiOh and watching Avatar:TLA. Crazy times man. I'm 28, so I'm glad I'm a mid-gen millenial who's still "barely kinda" young enough to soak up how being a nerd is mainstream. I don't even feel old since I'm always around people from different ages/generations!
But also It's not just our community it's the world outside of our community as well that's trying to put us in the box. There has only been a recent influx of black characters in scifi but yet still aren't any in fantasy. In the horror genre we just started making it into the end of the story and those are narratives we never originally controlled.
I've been following you since 2013, and I NEVER had a problem with the channel being called Black Nerd Comedy. I was actually happy because I found out that I wasn't the only Black Nerd that had the same interests as you, and I was like "This dude is legit me but a few years older."
"Black is not one thing." That touched my soul, holy crap dude. Yeah you definitely were one of the reasons I own the title of nerd. Thanks man. One day, you gotta lay waste into this Power Ranger love. The world need to know. #BeastMorphers
Woah! I did not expect to see you here man! I've seen a couple of your animations over the years and I genuinely think you're an amazing creator! Some day I hope I can make content that reaches people like you and Andre. Keep up the amazing work man!
Hey Andre! I've literally been watching your channel since I was TEN (I'm 17 now), and let me say you definitely inspired me express my nerdy side more openly, and you DEFINITELY played a huge role in my experience as a "black nerd"! As a black nerd myself, sometimes being a black nerd sounds like an oxymoron to some people, and just isn't common. But I remember when I first discovered your channel I felt like I had finally found someone who understood what it was like from my perspective. If it wasn't for me finding your channel in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL I definitely wouldn't of been able to even THINK that my nerdy side had a voice. I've realized my love for entertainment is shared, and I'll always be thankful! I've met some of my best friends through my love for entertainment and the arts. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't of had the confidence to even openly share my interests in the first place. I made this channel last summer, and after a LOT of trial and error, I've found a way to try to show people the same joy you've shown me over the years! Thanks Andre, you really did change my life in a lot of good ways! Hi, I'm Introverted Controller and I'm a BLACK NERD!
@@Goldstar_ sub4sub? And if you have videos I'll watch comment and like one. If you want I can give constructive criticism or just say something generic.
Speaking for myself you name Black Nerd Comedy did bring me in. I also grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood but I didn't have many people to share in my nerdy interests. I kind of hide my more nerdy interests in an effort to seem cooler or at least less strange to others. Sometimes with some of my friends regardless of what their race were would find it odd. They would make it seem because I was into comics or manga or anime it 'it made me less black' somehow. I stopped caring in highschool and now where my black nerd badge with honor as an adult. Your channel was kind of a nice validation when I found it. Reminded that shy nerdy black girl in me that she wasn't all alone. Thanks for the video Andre. And thanks for being a black nerd so proudly.
I thought it obvious. I'm black (though from the whitewashed suburbs) and a nerd. In school, there were like maybe 30 black people out of 1500. 5 of us were nerds but we were all the token black kids in our group and we never hung out together. It was worse before that. I wasn't until college (7% black). That I met other black nerds. They introduced me to you. I subscribed because I really appreciate your perspective on nerd stuff of course, but also I love to listen to you when nerdy stuff and black stuff intersect like in Dope, black panther, or into the spiderverse. It's just nice to hear from someone who's coming from a similar place. I feel that same about woman nerds. Your background affects how you see the world including the nerd world. I'm proud to be a nerdy black girl. Glasses optional.
Damn I feel bad for you bro. I'm white and I go to school where only like 5 percent of it is white and I'm straight with everybody and nobody really treats me different. I feel bad for anyone who goes to a white school because those people there are always rich and nasty, they always treat everyone, including me like shit
Andre I just want you to know you are amazing. We don't have a lot of people like you who are very passionate about their geekdom. As a fellow geek of color, I appreciate everything you do and you my friend are really making a name for yourself
I think you may have explained this a bit over the years and I have always loved the fact that you are simply genuine. Regardless of monikers, keep doing what you do. You are always welcome in geek culture!
Puerto Rican Nerds represent! 🙋🏻♀️🇵🇷🌴🤓☀️ Gracious of you to explain Andre. Your comedy & content are so much more than just your moniker. Later to the haters✌🏼 It should never be taboo to represent what you identify with, especially when it hurts no one. The name Black Nerd is as appropriate as Weird Al, LL Cool J, and Prince. The group's name Black Sabbath isn't offensive, nor are the Black Eyed Peas or Blackstreet. No one got bent outta shape on the names of Fat Joe, Twisted Sister, Lady Gaga, or Andre the Giant. Bottom line, it's not that serious. You could be blue as a Smurf or purple as Synergy and I'd still LMAO. 🖤💙💜
“There’s just no one way to be black.” I wish more people thought that way. People tell me things like I’m not black enough not only because of my skin tone, but because of how I act and the things I like. I’m me no matter what, and being black and is part of me as well as being being somewhat nerdy. If anyone doesn’t like that, oh well.
The name black nerd comedy is the reason I found you. You’re the first black nerd I ever saw representing us out here on RUclips! You’re one of the reasons I got started doing my own stuff. I think it was an awkward talks with girls video that I first watched from your channel, but I loved seeing how open you were with your neediness and it made me feel Comfortable to show my neediness to others too. Thanks for just being you bro! ✊🏾
The way you break it down, it's a new way of seeing you being a black nerd, I never put race into why you used the name but I never knew this was the reason. I understand now, Andre you're really something, this is why I respect you so much, why I look up to you, you are so much more then just a gamer or nostalgic guy, this is who you are, your life, what you do. Man this video is so deep. This video is you: Andre "Black Nerd"
All I know is Andre is a nice guy. When I saw him at San Diego Comic-Con I said hello to him in a sea of people and he was nice enough to say hi back. He’s a genuine guy and that’s why I subscribed. He does the things he does cause he loves them and not for clickbait.
Growing up I was "Acting White" for liking rock music (specifically Jimi Hendrix lol) and being into comics. I I also got made fun of because I made and still make wire sculptures of superheroes, and pop culture things and for some reason it was considered "gay-y". I agree 100% about what you're saying about the Black Nerd name don't change it!!
Andre I've been watching you for 6-7yrs now and I will say that your name definately drew me in. Not only because I'm drawn more towards channels that aren't named after the person but because I felt this would be different from other nerdy channels which was hard to find in 2012.
This was awesome. I've always been in that "black guy grey area" in life. I've been told by friends that people often look surprised whenever they hear me speak. I've never really been black enough to be considered black, or really smart enough to be considered a nerd. I'm still trying to figure out what my place is in life in my late 30's. Love your channel. Keep being you, and doing what you do.
Interesting to get some of the specific background details. I always assumed it was simply a response to the fact that the general stereotype we have in our culture of what "black people are like" doesn't allow for things like watching DuckTales or playing Mario games, and you just trying to raise awareness that there's no contradiction in liking those things and being black. Glad to hear it's less of an issue among the younger generation; I'm old enough (raised in the '80s) that I remember when even admitting to being a nerd at all was socially questionable, let alone if you're also black and expected to maintain "street cred". Maybe that's why I never questioned the name. To me, the underlying message of "Yeah, I'm black, and also a nerd; it happens" made sense as a statement someone would choose to make.
I feel ya Andre. As a Black male most Black males are only considered to like Basketball, Football, Rap and what not. Nothing wrong with that stuff but never turned me on as a specific hobby. I was pretty much the only black nerdy kid in the class. Of course that means you may sacrifice having the pretty girlfriend but you get to be yourself and enjoy it... Inspired by you I've been developing my own RUclips channel (Jehblue68) expressing the things I enjoy with the world. Keep doing what you're doing and enjoy it. Screw the idiots! Peace!
The funny thing is that the people that ask you "why you gotta make it a race thing?", are themselves the ones making a race thing out of it by even asking. I never even gave it a second though until now. Would they ask me the same question if I made a channel called Hispanic Nerd? It's a stupid thing to ask if you're trying stop racism related issues.
Same. Never gave it a second thought. But I gotta say, as a white dude, I've always found it weird when other white people (or just people in general) get all weird about race and stuff. Maybe due to the way I was raised, I wasn't taught by my parents to care about these things (politics, religion, race and stuff were NEVER discussed in my house growing up), so I never really cared, but as I've gotten older and talked to more people, it's very clear that some people get very weird about this shit (I'm only 22).
When I listen to you talk about how things were for you growing up, Andre, I can relate to you. Many of the shows, movies, and music, etc., you watched, listened to and enjoyed, were the same things I watched, listened to and enjoyed. Even certain experiences you talk about--I've had similar things happen to me. I'm beyond glad you created your channel and am proud to also be a black nerd!
As a long time fan, I think this is also about Normalizing that anyone can be Nerdy and nerd out on nerdy thangs 🤓 I hope we’re getting to a better space where anyone can be into anything (legal)
Dude! When you mentioned the Venn Diagram it was like a lightbulb moment! I realised that’s exactly how I would explain my interests and life but with ‘girl’ as the other option to nerd. Like I play video games and read comics etc but I also watch rom-coms and loved Hannah Montana etc. I sometimes don’t understand some nerd points, but I have no clue about the Kardashian’s! I’m an equal blend!
The name of your channel is the reason I started watching. I came across from me of your movie reviews and been hooked ever since. Your channel is one of the first stops I make after new content drops that needs reviewing from someone who would digest and consume it from the same perspective I have. BLERDS UNITE! ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
I’ve been watching your videos since middle school and now I’m in college. Thank you for showing black and nerdy culture so proudly. It is very inspiring
I've been watching you for better part of a decade Andre and when I was younger I never really got your name either. It made me uncomfortable because I didn't understand race. Now I realize that you honestly, through no fault of your own, were one of the few nerds of color I grew up watching on RUclips (and probably introduced me to all the others). Nowadays I'm really happy that you named yourself such because though I was many years late it made me realize the problem RUclips and nerd spaces have with diversity. I think you provided me with someone like me growing up and that allowed me to be a lot more social. Growing up in the city and being online most on the time my race and nerdiness was very distinct and separate. But your venn diagram was relatable. Thanks.
Your venn diagram is a perfect way to explain it! I'm a proud black nerd. I'm 39, so growing up being nerdy wasn't cool. So I was kinda a closet nerd. When I got to college in 1997, it was like a fresh new start. People didn't know me so there was no expectations (unlike growing up in my hometown). I decided to fully embrace my inner nerd and I haven't looked back. It's been wonderful to see nerdiness/geekiness being so accepted in popular (and black) culture. Great video!!!
Thank you for speaking so eloquently and genuinely on this topic Andre! Much appreciated. And you are so right, it's really not that complicated! Continue doing great work and enjoying what you do, because we certainly are!
This is a nice explanation. As a Black Jewish female nerd... I understand being an only in some spaces. I was a math major too... Some times you have to address your Blackness before ppl can listen. It is sad. But it is reality. Enjoy your moments...
I'm a 5 year subscriber and a 50 year old black nerd. I too grew up in 95% black city in East St Louis, IL. I understand how it is to be that one kid who liked comics, comedy and science fiction TV (even the cheesy stuff). I was a often accused of "Talking White" in grade school (Way too much TV too young). It was so cool to find my tribe when I went college. I get you dude. Love your channel.
My best friend from college was a black nerd, he just passed away, watching your videos reminds me of our conversations all the time. My wife and I love you Andre, when ever I ask her about going to see a movie she asks what your review had to say about it.
This made me realize how much time passed since I started following your videos. In the beginning, I was intrigued by the "Black Nerd Comedy" label - as back then, you were also doing more music videos and I loved them (talking about f.ex. for Bad Romance cover) and actually miss them. But I also like your reviews etc. so I stayed along.
Fantastic video Andre! You are definitely one person that helped me fully embrace my nerd/geek side. Thank you and I appreciate you and others in our community who are open about it too. 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I've always just taken your channel name at face value. I mean, you said it yourself: you're a black guy. You're a nerd. You do funny stuff and seem like a fun and funny guy in general. The name is straight-forward and self-explanatory. Does anything else really need to be said about it? The big problem with subverting stereotypes isn't the act of subverting them itself: it's the fact that the stereotypes have to be there to be subverted in the first place. People should just like what they like and do what they do and shouldn't have to feel guilty or weird because of it. You seem like you've learned to be confident in who you are without concern for what others think, and that's about the most admirable attitude anyone can have. Also, we should totally exchange Switch friend codes. I don't play anything online so it'd never amount to anything, but just being able to tell people I was friends with ya on there would be really cool :)
I''ve been subbed to you for years, and really, beyond being Black and Nerdy, your Comedy has always drawn me in the most. You're very funny and I like you as a person.
I was thinking the same thing but idk, I come from Alabama and despite the South's reputation there are a lot of white and black people who get along down here, like the cities I've been to are more segregated. And if you talk to people then you can understand them. I didn't need an explanation for his name but I'm getting treated like I'm stupid for asking "why?"......lol
as a black nerd from the 90s, being into the things that we're into, there was a significant disconnect that didn't come full circle until we were graduating from high school and realizing how similar we all were
I liked hearing the story of how your channel came to be. I found you because of Crash Course Games and stuck around because I love the nerdy stuff and your humor! My kids LOVE your channel and when new movie trailers drop, they come to your channel to see what you think about them. I like that simply by being yourself, I have a way to show my kids that diversity is awesome AND that there’s lots and lots of overlap in the entertainment we love. Instead of only hearing lip service about it, my kids can SEE the commonalities. I have kids that don’t think anything about having friends of various backgrounds all liking the same stuff. There’s no border around specific kinds of entertainment based on skin color in their minds and that has a lot to do with the example you have set. Thanks Andre! Thanks for being your hilarious self and for building a channel that I can let my kids watch. We think you’re awesome!
ATTENTION!!!!ALOT OF PEOPLE DONT KNOW THIS BUT EACH TURTLES WEAPON SYMBOLIZE THEIR PERSONALITY 1.LEO=TWIN KATANA BLADES(STUDYING TO BE A MASTER 2.DONNIE=STAFF BO(TACTICAL FIGHTER MEASURES AND SIZES UP HIS OPPONENT FROM A DISTANCE) 3.RAPH=TWIN SAI( UP CLOSE FIGHTER THAT LOVES TO GET IN WITH HIS OPPONENT EITHER TO STAB OR PUNCH 4.MIKEY:NUNCHUCKS(QUICK,WILD AND ALL OVER THE PLACE NOW YOU KNOW TMNT FANS!!! I MADE A FUNNY HA HA HA HA
I just realized I’ve been watching your channel and have been subscribed for like 5 years and never once questioned your name in my head since it’s self explanatory lol.
I found you on Movie Mob way back in the day and thankfully I've been impressed and entertained/informed ever since. As a black nerd who grew up loving cartoons, hockey and life, it's great to see more people embrace and accept that people don't fit into the boxes others try to put them in, life you life, be a decent person and be thankful for each day with friends and family. Black nerd! say it loud say it proud! Thank you and please keep up the great work.
I can't remember how I stumbled upon your channel, but I'm so glad I did. Never questioned the "Black Nerd" name. I got it immediately. I love your content. I love your honest videos like this. Keep your joy. Keep doing what you're doing.
The people that need to hear this for the sake of changing their perspective won’t listen and you definitely don’t need to justify yourself, but the people who need to hear the message to understand how ok it is to be themselves will hear it with open ears. As a fan, it is really inspiring to see you open up. I appreciate your perspective.
Didn't know what to expect when I clicked on that RUclips thumbnail those years ago, but I wasn't disappointed and I was very much entertained by the nerdy awesomeness. That has not changed since then.
This was an amazing video! Thank you for being so open and honest about your story. My brother and I are both nerds and have been watching you for years.
Bruh, you are SO RELATABLE! I'm loving this right now. Maybe talk about being a nerd back in the day vs now a little more often. I'm feeling like we'd be friends IRL.
I really like how you've been taking deeper dives into things like fandom and personal branding, as well as where those things collide. I don't think it's easy to generate coherent and entertainment discussion on these things, but you're doing it. Good video.
Never questioned your name!! Your channel name is Awesome... and you’re awesome!! You’re always yourself, always smart, always sounds like you’re such a humble guy!! You are the perfect representation of an... AMAZING human being!! Keep going!! And thanks for the great content!! 😊
This is not a response to any specific comment or recent event, just a general response to a question I've wanted to officially answer for years. I know some of this material has been in parts of other videos, but I thought it would be nice to have one video properly explain the "Black Nerd Comedy" origin story so that I or any of you ever see this questions asked again, we now have the official video to point them to. Also hope you just appreciate a little trip down memory lane. Enjoy and thank you!
THIS SO u know I don't have any problems with u Calling your videos Black nerd .....Im a subscriber ..O Btw don't forget New Power.Rangers start tomorrow morning at 8an
please do more anime reviews~~~
Yes! Andre. This should be a Channel Challenge! Accepted! 😎
Bro, you would not believe how similiar we look. And the fact we're into the same stuff blows my mind! I'm 28, a 90s kids, but I always figured you were an 80s kid!
One day I hope we can cross paths!
*the fact you have to say SO MANY disclaimers, shows how soft and trigger happy people are nowadays
Nice. Thanks bro as black people we do go hard on each other sometimes for certain things that we don't understand about each other so this helped a lot. I actually got into it with another RUclips brother about why he calls himself random black gamer so in short ...I feel you. Thanks great video
who would ever use their real name as the name of their youtube channel
Ohhhh.. I dunno. :) Ive been subscribed to you since you were using your stage name, ahem.. Nostalgia Chick.
:D
Literally thought of you when he said that!
♡ brilliant
Nobody, Nostalgia Chick.... nobody.
As a black person I get it. And black people today are way more open to being proud of Anime and video games etc. Black community a lot try to put us in a box. We have to talk and walk this way. Because we are black but that is not the fact and we understand that more that ever now. We are free to be proud to be.. ourselves and versatile. And I love that now. This doesn’t make you less black and we need to remember that.
Yup, I remember being in middle school and being mocked by neighbors (kids my age) for still liking action cartoons....
But by the time we graduated from HS (2008) we were all playing YuGiOh and watching Avatar:TLA.
Crazy times man. I'm 28, so I'm glad I'm a mid-gen millenial who's still "barely kinda" young enough to soak up how being a nerd is mainstream.
I don't even feel old since I'm always around people from different ages/generations!
But also It's not just our community it's the world outside of our community as well that's trying to put us in the box. There has only been a recent influx of black characters in scifi but yet still aren't any in fantasy. In the horror genre we just started making it into the end of the story and those are narratives we never originally controlled.
sexyEros you are completely right!
Well said
AJI KA Big Facts!
This is legitimately a perfect video. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I love ur channel dude
I've been following you since 2013, and I NEVER had a problem with the channel being called Black Nerd Comedy. I was actually happy because I found out that I wasn't the only Black Nerd that had the same interests as you, and I was like "This dude is legit me but a few years older."
"Black is not one thing." That touched my soul, holy crap dude. Yeah you definitely were one of the reasons I own the title of nerd. Thanks man.
One day, you gotta lay waste into this Power Ranger love. The world need to know. #BeastMorphers
Woah! I did not expect to see you here man! I've seen a couple of your animations over the years and I genuinely think you're an amazing creator! Some day I hope I can make content that reaches people like you and Andre.
Keep up the amazing work man!
@@IntrovertedAnalogue Aw dude, thanks so much! I hope to see you make waves very soon!
@@VTAnimation - Everyone know the original OG Black Ranger is the best. 😎
I subbed to your channel because of "Hi I'm Andre, and I'm a black nerd and I'm ANGRY! GRAAAAAAGHH BLACKNERDRANTS!!!!"
Hey Andre! I've literally been watching your channel since I was TEN (I'm 17 now), and let me say you definitely inspired me express my nerdy side more openly, and you DEFINITELY played a huge role in my experience as a "black nerd"!
As a black nerd myself, sometimes being a black nerd sounds like an oxymoron to some people, and just isn't common. But I remember when I first discovered your channel I felt like I had finally found someone who understood what it was like from my perspective.
If it wasn't for me finding your channel in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL I definitely wouldn't of been able to even THINK that my nerdy side had a voice. I've realized my love for entertainment is shared, and I'll always be thankful! I've met some of my best friends through my love for entertainment and the arts. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't of had the confidence to even openly share my interests in the first place.
I made this channel last summer, and after a LOT of trial and error, I've found a way to try to show people the same joy you've shown me over the years!
Thanks Andre, you really did change my life in a lot of good ways!
Hi, I'm Introverted Controller and I'm a BLACK NERD!
What's your MBTI type?
Dang it! You making me cry dude! That was beautiful 😭
I'm a black nerd too. I'm proud.
Jalen Payton Say it loud!
Me too
Black girl nerd here
I'm a black geek who hopes to have his own video channel one day.
@@Goldstar_ sub4sub? And if you have videos I'll watch comment and like one.
If you want I can give constructive criticism or just say something generic.
I am a Black Girl Nerd ( or more appropriately geek). I can understand EVERYWHERE you are coming from. I can totally relate.
Would you say that "nerd" is more of a left-brain vibe, whereas "geek" is more of a right-brain vibe? What do you call someone who's both?
Is the username available???? You do you hahaha
Speaking for myself you name Black Nerd Comedy did bring me in. I also grew up in a predominantly black neighborhood but I didn't have many people to share in my nerdy interests. I kind of hide my more nerdy interests in an effort to seem cooler or at least less strange to others. Sometimes with some of my friends regardless of what their race were would find it odd. They would make it seem because I was into comics or manga or anime it 'it made me less black' somehow. I stopped caring in highschool and now where my black nerd badge with honor as an adult. Your channel was kind of a nice validation when I found it. Reminded that shy nerdy black girl in me that she wasn't all alone. Thanks for the video Andre. And thanks for being a black nerd so proudly.
This is still being asked after more than a decade?!?! Glad you addressed it for those who "needed" it. Keep doing you Andre
Always have, always will. Miss you, man!
Exactly I just rolled with it
Andre "Black Nerd" Miss you too brother
I thought it obvious.
I'm black (though from the whitewashed suburbs) and a nerd. In school, there were like maybe 30 black people out of 1500. 5 of us were nerds but we were all the token black kids in our group and we never hung out together. It was worse before that. I wasn't until college (7% black). That I met other black nerds. They introduced me to you.
I subscribed because I really appreciate your perspective on nerd stuff of course, but also I love to listen to you when nerdy stuff and black stuff intersect like in Dope, black panther, or into the spiderverse. It's just nice to hear from someone who's coming from a similar place.
I feel that same about woman nerds. Your background affects how you see the world including the nerd world.
I'm proud to be a nerdy black girl. Glasses optional.
Damn I feel bad for you bro. I'm white and I go to school where only like 5 percent of it is white and I'm straight with everybody and nobody really treats me different. I feel bad for anyone who goes to a white school because those people there are always rich and nasty, they always treat everyone, including me like shit
Og Loc 42091169 Oh no! My high school was fine. I'm proud of my suburban roots. They are part of who I am as surely as my race is.
Andre I just want you to know you are amazing. We don't have a lot of people like you who are very passionate about their geekdom. As a fellow geek of color, I appreciate everything you do and you my friend are really making a name for yourself
I completely understand because im 36. Back then being a nerd wasn't cool especially in our culture. Hell even Urkel couldn't save us lol
Gotta love a branding story! Great video!
I know how you chose your name, too! Ha ha ha! #perfume
I think you may have explained this a bit over the years and I have always loved the fact that you are simply genuine. Regardless of monikers, keep doing what you do. You are always welcome in geek culture!
Puerto Rican Nerds represent! 🙋🏻♀️🇵🇷🌴🤓☀️ Gracious of you to explain Andre. Your comedy & content are so much more than just your moniker. Later to the haters✌🏼 It should never be taboo to represent what you identify with, especially when it hurts no one. The name Black Nerd is as appropriate as Weird Al, LL Cool J, and Prince. The group's name Black Sabbath isn't offensive, nor are the Black Eyed Peas or Blackstreet. No one got bent outta shape on the names of Fat Joe, Twisted Sister, Lady Gaga, or Andre the Giant. Bottom line, it's not that serious. You could be blue as a Smurf or purple as Synergy and I'd still LMAO. 🖤💙💜
Represent!
@Robert Mitchell #allnerdsmatter 😜
I identify with your Venn diagram so much.
I always got your channel name. I relate, too. And your breakdown of it here is still pretty cool.
“There’s just no one way to be black.” I wish more people thought that way. People tell me things like I’m not black enough not only because of my skin tone, but because of how I act and the things I like. I’m me no matter what, and being black and is part of me as well as being being somewhat nerdy. If anyone doesn’t like that, oh well.
Don't even worry about it. Just be you. The end. :)
Andre "Black Nerd" Amen ✊
Amen brother!
Glad to see you doing a video like this. Much love, Andre.
And that’s why Andre is called “Black Nerd”
The name black nerd comedy is the reason I found you. You’re the first black nerd I ever saw representing us out here on RUclips! You’re one of the reasons I got started doing my own stuff. I think it was an awkward talks with girls video that I first watched from your channel, but I loved seeing how open you were with your neediness and it made me feel Comfortable to show my neediness to others too. Thanks for just being you bro! ✊🏾
Thank you Andre. Black Nerds Unite!
I'm white, but you don't need to explain, dude. Love your stuff.
The way you break it down, it's a new way of seeing you being a black nerd, I never put race into why you used the name but I never knew this was the reason. I understand now, Andre you're really something, this is why I respect you so much, why I look up to you, you are so much more then just a gamer or nostalgic guy, this is who you are, your life, what you do. Man this video is so deep. This video is you: Andre "Black Nerd"
All I know is Andre is a nice guy. When I saw him at San Diego Comic-Con I said hello to him in a sea of people and he was nice enough to say hi back. He’s a genuine guy and that’s why I subscribed. He does the things he does cause he loves them and not for clickbait.
Growing up I was "Acting White" for liking rock music (specifically Jimi Hendrix lol) and being into comics. I I also got made fun of because I made and still make wire sculptures of superheroes, and pop culture things and for some reason it was considered "gay-y". I agree 100% about what you're saying about the Black Nerd name don't change it!!
“It’s amazing how the simplest thing, can feel complicated”
-RUclips- (Andre, “Black Nerd”)
I felt that
Andre I've been watching you for 6-7yrs now and I will say that your name definately drew me in. Not only because I'm drawn more towards channels that aren't named after the person but because I felt this would be different from other nerdy channels which was hard to find in 2012.
This was awesome. I've always been in that "black guy grey area" in life. I've been told by friends that people often look surprised whenever they hear me speak. I've never really been black enough to be considered black, or really smart enough to be considered a nerd. I'm still trying to figure out what my place is in life in my late 30's. Love your channel. Keep being you, and doing what you do.
Interesting to get some of the specific background details. I always assumed it was simply a response to the fact that the general stereotype we have in our culture of what "black people are like" doesn't allow for things like watching DuckTales or playing Mario games, and you just trying to raise awareness that there's no contradiction in liking those things and being black. Glad to hear it's less of an issue among the younger generation; I'm old enough (raised in the '80s) that I remember when even admitting to being a nerd at all was socially questionable, let alone if you're also black and expected to maintain "street cred". Maybe that's why I never questioned the name. To me, the underlying message of "Yeah, I'm black, and also a nerd; it happens" made sense as a statement someone would choose to make.
I feel ya Andre. As a Black male most Black males are only considered to like Basketball, Football, Rap and what not. Nothing wrong with that stuff but never turned me on as a specific hobby. I was pretty much the only black nerdy kid in the class. Of course that means you may sacrifice having the pretty girlfriend but you get to be yourself and enjoy it... Inspired by you I've been developing my own RUclips channel (Jehblue68) expressing the things I enjoy with the world. Keep doing what you're doing and enjoy it. Screw the idiots! Peace!
Also there are some who like both aswell and that’s gray too
The funny thing is that the people that ask you "why you gotta make it a race thing?", are themselves the ones making a race thing out of it by even asking. I never even gave it a second though until now.
Would they ask me the same question if I made a channel called Hispanic Nerd? It's a stupid thing to ask if you're trying stop racism related issues.
Same. Never gave it a second thought. But I gotta say, as a white dude, I've always found it weird when other white people (or just people in general) get all weird about race and stuff. Maybe due to the way I was raised, I wasn't taught by my parents to care about these things (politics, religion, race and stuff were NEVER discussed in my house growing up), so I never really cared, but as I've gotten older and talked to more people, it's very clear that some people get very weird about this shit (I'm only 22).
@Tesla-Effect hispanic isn't a race, is an ethnicity.
When I listen to you talk about how things were for you growing up, Andre, I can relate to you. Many of the shows, movies, and music, etc., you watched, listened to and enjoyed, were the same things I watched, listened to and enjoyed. Even certain experiences you talk about--I've had similar things happen to me. I'm beyond glad you created your channel and am proud to also be a black nerd!
As a long time fan, I think this is also about Normalizing that anyone can be Nerdy and nerd out on nerdy thangs 🤓 I hope we’re getting to a better space where anyone can be into anything (legal)
Dude! When you mentioned the Venn Diagram it was like a lightbulb moment! I realised that’s exactly how I would explain my interests and life but with ‘girl’ as the other option to nerd. Like I play video games and read comics etc but I also watch rom-coms and loved Hannah Montana etc. I sometimes don’t understand some nerd points, but I have no clue about the Kardashian’s! I’m an equal blend!
#BlackNerdPower! The high of scoring well on Tests back in my school days was exhilarating! ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽
The name of your channel is the reason I started watching. I came across from me of your movie reviews and been hooked ever since. Your channel is one of the first stops I make after new content drops that needs reviewing from someone who would digest and consume it from the same perspective I have. BLERDS UNITE! ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
So were finally getting into this huh , well here we go 😁👌
You inspire me. You are one of the reasons I've decided to embrace being a Blerd and officially enter Blerd culture. Thanks for this. 😊❤️
Andre chooses name that angers people for no reason
Andre: Did III DOO thayttt????(in urkle voice)
Ha ha ha ha ha!
BEAUTIFUL Rose 🤣👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I’ve been watching your videos since middle school and now I’m in college. Thank you for showing black and nerdy culture so proudly. It is very inspiring
Bruh!! You aint gotta explain why to NOBODY !lol
I loved this. As a black female nerd when i first saw your videos i subscribed immediately
I've been watching you for better part of a decade Andre and when I was younger I never really got your name either. It made me uncomfortable because I didn't understand race. Now I realize that you honestly, through no fault of your own, were one of the few nerds of color I grew up watching on RUclips (and probably introduced me to all the others). Nowadays I'm really happy that you named yourself such because though I was many years late it made me realize the problem RUclips and nerd spaces have with diversity. I think you provided me with someone like me growing up and that allowed me to be a lot more social. Growing up in the city and being online most on the time my race and nerdiness was very distinct and separate. But your venn diagram was relatable. Thanks.
Your venn diagram is a perfect way to explain it! I'm a proud black nerd. I'm 39, so growing up being nerdy wasn't cool. So I was kinda a closet nerd. When I got to college in 1997, it was like a fresh new start. People didn't know me so there was no expectations (unlike growing up in my hometown). I decided to fully embrace my inner nerd and I haven't looked back. It's been wonderful to see nerdiness/geekiness being so accepted in popular (and black) culture.
Great video!!!
*reads title*
.... Beacuse you're black nerd who does comedic content.... Was that not clear???
Thank you for speaking so eloquently and genuinely on this topic Andre! Much appreciated. And you are so right, it's really not that complicated! Continue doing great work and enjoying what you do, because we certainly are!
This is a nice explanation. As a Black Jewish female nerd... I understand being an only in some spaces. I was a math major too... Some times you have to address your Blackness before ppl can listen. It is sad. But it is reality. Enjoy your moments...
I'm a 5 year subscriber and a 50 year old black nerd. I too grew up in 95% black city in East St Louis, IL. I understand how it is to be that one kid who liked comics, comedy and science fiction TV (even the cheesy stuff). I was a often accused of "Talking White" in grade school (Way too much TV too young). It was so cool to find my tribe when I went college. I get you dude. Love your channel.
i feel this so hard
My best friend from college was a black nerd, he just passed away, watching your videos reminds me of our conversations all the time. My wife and I love you Andre, when ever I ask her about going to see a movie she asks what your review had to say about it.
“Black is not one thing” I felt that.
Thanks for being open Andre, your fans appreciate it
Can we get a cover of "Weird" Al Yankovic's "White & Nerdy" but it's changed to "Black & Nerdy"
Sung by Andre? PLEASE!
You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. We love you.
Black nerds unite ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
This made me realize how much time passed since I started following your videos.
In the beginning, I was intrigued by the "Black Nerd Comedy" label - as back then, you were also doing more music videos and I loved them (talking about f.ex. for Bad Romance cover) and actually miss them. But I also like your reviews etc. so I stayed along.
Andre always makes my day better than ever.
Fantastic video Andre! You are definitely one person that helped me fully embrace my nerd/geek side. Thank you and I appreciate you and others in our community who are open about it too. 👍🏾👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾
It fits your personality 👍.... *origins of the black nerd*
Thanks, Andre ur story gives me hope man. Anytime I saw you in a movie or tv it made me feel there are more people that a black and nerdy thanks.🙌🏾✊🏾
I've always just taken your channel name at face value. I mean, you said it yourself: you're a black guy. You're a nerd. You do funny stuff and seem like a fun and funny guy in general. The name is straight-forward and self-explanatory.
Does anything else really need to be said about it?
The big problem with subverting stereotypes isn't the act of subverting them itself: it's the fact that the stereotypes have to be there to be subverted in the first place. People should just like what they like and do what they do and shouldn't have to feel guilty or weird because of it. You seem like you've learned to be confident in who you are without concern for what others think, and that's about the most admirable attitude anyone can have.
Also, we should totally exchange Switch friend codes. I don't play anything online so it'd never amount to anything, but just being able to tell people I was friends with ya on there would be really cool :)
I''ve been subbed to you for years, and really, beyond being Black and Nerdy, your Comedy has always drawn me in the most. You're very funny and I like you as a person.
Why why why would you have to explain it!!!
Wypipo
I was thinking the same thing but idk, I come from Alabama and despite the South's reputation there are a lot of white and black people who get along down here, like the cities I've been to are more segregated. And if you talk to people then you can understand them. I didn't need an explanation for his name but I'm getting treated like I'm stupid for asking "why?"......lol
@@phatdookie4207 nahh its wypipo
as a black nerd from the 90s, being into the things that we're into, there was a significant disconnect that didn't come full circle until we were graduating from high school and realizing how similar we all were
I always just thought it was cause your favorite Marvel character is Black panther. I mean you're wearing a Black panther shirt! 👍
I liked hearing the story of how your channel came to be. I found you because of Crash Course Games and stuck around because I love the nerdy stuff and your humor! My kids LOVE your channel and when new movie trailers drop, they come to your channel to see what you think about them. I like that simply by being yourself, I have a way to show my kids that diversity is awesome AND that there’s lots and lots of overlap in the entertainment we love. Instead of only hearing lip service about it, my kids can SEE the commonalities. I have kids that don’t think anything about having friends of various backgrounds all liking the same stuff. There’s no border around specific kinds of entertainment based on skin color in their minds and that has a lot to do with the example you have set. Thanks Andre! Thanks for being your hilarious self and for building a channel that I can let my kids watch. We think you’re awesome!
ATTENTION!!!!ALOT OF PEOPLE DONT KNOW THIS BUT EACH TURTLES WEAPON SYMBOLIZE THEIR PERSONALITY
1.LEO=TWIN KATANA BLADES(STUDYING TO BE A MASTER
2.DONNIE=STAFF BO(TACTICAL FIGHTER MEASURES AND SIZES UP HIS OPPONENT FROM A DISTANCE)
3.RAPH=TWIN SAI( UP CLOSE FIGHTER THAT LOVES TO GET IN WITH HIS OPPONENT EITHER TO STAB OR PUNCH
4.MIKEY:NUNCHUCKS(QUICK,WILD AND ALL OVER THE PLACE
NOW YOU KNOW TMNT FANS!!! I MADE A FUNNY HA HA HA HA
I love some of the new topics and explorations you're bringing to the channel! Loved watching this story and gaining insight
*F#$k the haters! It is fine that you are proud to be black and a nerd!* ✊
@2 much meme for because it is yellow and not black?
I just realized I’ve been watching your channel and have been subscribed for like 5 years and never once questioned your name in my head since it’s self explanatory lol.
That was interesting. I like watching this channel.
I found you on Movie Mob way back in the day and thankfully I've been impressed and entertained/informed ever since.
As a black nerd who grew up loving cartoons, hockey and life, it's great to see more people embrace and accept that people don't fit into the boxes others try to put them in, life you life, be a decent person and be thankful for each day with friends and family.
Black nerd! say it loud say it proud! Thank you and please keep up the great work.
I’m sorry you had to do this, Dre. :(
I can't remember how I stumbled upon your channel, but I'm so glad I did. Never questioned the "Black Nerd" name. I got it immediately. I love your content. I love your honest videos like this. Keep your joy. Keep doing what you're doing.
The two dislikes are from the people annoying Andre about his RUclips channel name in the first place.
The people that need to hear this for the sake of changing their perspective won’t listen and you definitely don’t need to justify yourself, but the people who need to hear the message to understand how ok it is to be themselves will hear it with open ears. As a fan, it is really inspiring to see you open up. I appreciate your perspective.
That moment when a username you picked a decade ago becomes political.
Didn't know what to expect when I clicked on that RUclips thumbnail those years ago, but I wasn't disappointed and I was very much entertained by the nerdy awesomeness. That has not changed since then.
So you were Miles Morales from Into the Spiderverse then?
I appreciate this video. I was drawn to this channel because of the name and stayed because of the perspective offered. Peace, Andre.
Wait you’re BLACK Nerd? I thought you’ve been BLANK Nerd (I’ve been following since 2012 and I’m just being facetious)
This was an amazing video! Thank you for being so open and honest about your story. My brother and I are both nerds and have been watching you for years.
Because black nerd comedy sounds better than nerd comedy
I found you channel by actually searching for black nerds. It's always good to have a voice that looks like forget the haters
Andre got that driving joke from a classic SIMPSONS episode.
I love you
That's a very clear and understandable explanation! Now be prepared to link back to this video every time someone asks again. Which they will.
HELLO MY NAME IS DARIUSH..AND...I LIKE YOU! EVEN THOUH WE NEVER MET IN PERSON I STILL REALLY LIKE YOU, YOU ARE REALLY REALLY LIKE YOU.
Bruh, you are SO RELATABLE! I'm loving this right now. Maybe talk about being a nerd back in the day vs now a little more often. I'm feeling like we'd be friends IRL.
Awesome video and origin Andre I'm a proud nerd too!
You wrote this before even watching the video lol
@@BROJANGSTER oops...
I really like how you've been taking deeper dives into things like fandom and personal branding, as well as where those things collide. I don't think it's easy to generate coherent and entertainment discussion on these things, but you're doing it. Good video.
Too bad the trolls who have a problem with your brand arent going to bother to watch this. But I love and support all my fellow blerds.
blerds!! 😂🙌🏽
He protecc . . . He attacc . . . But most importantly . . . He a nerd that’s blacc
True cuh.
Never questioned your name!! Your channel name is Awesome... and you’re awesome!! You’re always yourself, always smart, always sounds like you’re such a humble guy!!
You are the perfect representation of an... AMAZING human being!! Keep going!! And thanks for the great content!! 😊
Can you do a video on where I love ya like a play cousin. I'm out in 5,000 came from
😂🤣 I always thought he was saying "I'm Audi 5000" like the car 😂🤣 assuming that's an actual car model, which I'm now thinking isn't 😂🤣
"I dunno, is the username available?"
Biggest mood takeaway from this video like 40 seconds in.