Let me provide some context for you. It was literally my first time watching this....like right after Gambino posted. It was only at 400, 000 views. Me watching this video at 1AM....and he shoots the guy in the head? my brain scatters like any regular person lol after watching 10 times...i fully grasp the video in its entirety....from the kids recording the violence down to the guy jumping from the rails committing suicide. My finally thought? Gambino is TRYING to distract you from everything that is happening, but he doesn't WANT you to be distracted by everything thats happening. In fact, I think I noticed something no one else did....even now....should i do a follow up video?
Yes, follow up. I could listen to you all day. I am in awe of the video after seeing him on SNL. I had NEVER listened to him or watched any of his shows. This is completely new to me. My brain is reeling.
It makes perfect sense. A mass murder/event can happen on a monday, the next day we mourn and come friday we're out partying like nothing ever happened. Rinse and repeat.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this video, and the one thing I find most interesting is no matter how appauled people are by the shocking scenes that take place, 30 seconds later they are back to bouncing there head and vibing out to the song, it never fails. This speaks volumes to the normalization of violence (black on black violence particularly) and the level of our desensitization to that violence. Nevertheless, I think Gambino's main point in the video, given his impersonation of Jim Crow throughout, was to demonstrate that AA's have begun to play the roles reserved for minstrel caricatures, and in doing so have assisted in their own oppression and percieved lack of value. If we don't value ourselves and each other, how can we expect others to do so?
You’re actually a dunce if you think someone’s first reaction is supposed to be them seeing that part, stopping the video and giving a speech on racism. You seem to have absolutely no idea how first reactions to things work despite apparently watching lots of them. I’m SURE this little paragraph is exactly what you thought the second you first saw the video. It is the INTENTION of the song to continue bobbing your head after that point, not to not continue the song and just break down the entire system, it is a FIRST REACTION you’re pretending every music video has deep symbolism every single scene so you can be condescending about people who don’t use their reaction video to talk about what you want them to
😂😂😂😂😂 this is definitely a first reaction 😂😂😂 the first time anyone watch this would have that wtf is up with this not to get the message behind it not till u watch it a few time or someone explain it to you. Love his reaction
Akasha Versy and this is exactly what Gambino is trying to say to us! We are not paying attention to what's happening in the background. Or really right in front of us.
I think...loosely interpreted....that he saying even after all things shootings take place...America just keeps on like nothing has happened...we have lost our ability to mourn...#desensitized....
And the way all the chaos in the background is out of focus but the dancing/singing/entertainment is always at the forefront, a veneer of civility while ignoring what's really happening.
We in the sunken place of desensitization now....that’s why no matter what you believe in....we gotta take time out to cleanse our soul of the stuff that the world feeds us...cut off the tv and phone....meditate, read and write....
And the crazy part is when I first watched the video I only paid attention to his dancing and didn’t even watch the background. The whole point of the video was proven right there! Distracted af smh
What's even more crazy is the dance has meaning too. You got the kids in school uniform following behind him signifying that they learn dance moves faster than their schoolwork smh. This video gives me the chills!
I think the fake gun part was symbolic of how easily people are scared into believing there is a threat when there nothing. But will get over a real murder or threat like it's nothing.
A fact resting inside of a vacuum devoid of context or explanation. I really like the message (or at least the way I interpret the message ) but I dislike the trap aspects of the song as music ( as a part of the message it makes sense ). My only disappointment is that many people, I feel, are really interpreting it wrong, but until Donald actually tells us the true message no one is right for sure.
@@giannisksanthopoulos4300 I saw that we are doing really well under Trump, then Biden has made America a laughing stock, all while the media continues to divide the country for clicks.
This video was a perfect representation of America. The first showing was America/Gambino killing our culture which is the guy with the guitar. That's y the beat changed as soon as he died. The beat went from a kinda African dance style beat to a modern rap beat that exist in America. The choir getting shot up represents the church massacare. That I believe that happened last year. Lastly, Gambino dancing was a perfect mask to what was going on In the background. While u watching him dance u don't notice all the chaos in the background. That's kinda showing how we don't pay attention to all the fucked up shit that's happening in America because it's always something that distracts up from the real problems in America. It can be a new trend or even something deeper as a meaningless sport. THIS IS AMERICA !!!!!!!!!
And if you guys noticed the sounds in the background are all from modern hip hop and all the dance moves were imitations of famous dance moves that the youth got so caught up on. He represents modern hip hop artists who have turned their back to real issues black people face, he’s gleefully dancing despite the chaos around him and the kids represent the youth who are following these celebrities and are blinded to real big issues, and even when he killed people the kids were still imitating his dance moves and following him which represents how famous hip hop artists can be a bad influence and kids still follow them
I know there's a much deeper meaning but what shocked me watching the video is HOW FAST we get over someone being murdered just to go back to dancing like it didn't happen. And I think that directly correlates with how America is right now. It's too easy for people to look around all the racism, crime, and violence and just focus on trends
It's also the fact that it happens so much that we've been desensitized to it - like we see what happens on the screen and we go back to doing our daily routines and forget about that person, yet the contradiction here is that we also want something done about it.
Icedark emerald_ What would you rather do? Uproot the entire 330,000,000 people in the country over a few dead people? It's healthy too move on and not linger on negativity.
Marc Skillern Jr I don't think he was saying that dancing is literally the issue but more as uu as symbolism to say how we just ignore all thebad shit going on like aint shit happening. How bad are we going to let things get before we say enough is enough??? We used to riot and tear shit up to get the government to pay attention to us so we show them our fucked up situations. Now we just let it happen and keep moving on ("dancing"). And whos at the top thats speaking for us here at the bottom? Malcolm dead. The black panthers dead. Mlk dead. Elijah Muhammad dead. Tupac dead. Everybody else either not saying shit or dont have enough influence to create change. We fucked. Sorry for the paragraph. This shit be getting to me sometimes.
Yes I agree he was doing all the dance moves that are going around like the shoot dance for example and saying America is distracted by internet I think
E.J. Craig Yea I kinda worded that weird my bad lol but fr tho shit is getting crazy in america, people are shooting schools and churchs up, and sweep it under the rug like nothing ever happened, things are gonna get alot worse before they get better imo.
That america is romanticised to the point of people dancing and chanting out how great it is when in reality if you even slightly pay attention its chaotic and violent yet no one really takes notice to this and just continues to dance and sing like everythings fine
SD Bo I'm saying that since so many crimes have been committed by a "unidentified black man with a gun" the perception of the black man becomes tainted. A completely innocent unarmed black man is looked at like he's dangerous because of the multiple crimes committed by black men with guns. It's not right to believe in stereotypes, but that's totally what is happening in America today. Not only that but then the music associated with black men aka rap almost always pushes the image of black men are armed, dangerous, and will kill over things like gang allegiance and drugs. Not true for every person but true enough to become a stereotype. This video feels like a call out to all the rappers glorifying violent lifestyles because it affects kids. All the kids in the video were to busy laughing and having a good time taking videos of the chaos around them.
ayoo blac! i just wanna give u a shout out for that 1.4 M views.. its not about views but we know youve work hard its nice to see people paying attention.. salute
You notice how after the shooting he starts to dance and smiling after the shooting and moves like it’s nothing. America is most definitely sleeping #staywoke
shambla isby so true know you have social media comedians mocking it like nothing... How we supposed to be respected when we make fun of the situation....
+Shawnee Scorpion Really? Cultural appropriation? Just like dread locks...oh thats right those were first used by the people of india and sects of vikings.....And no one wants to appropriate a culture that glorifies killing, gangs, drugs and prostitution.
Max Trillest I think he’s actually referring to all the kids making dance is popular on UA-cam nowadays and have the kids make dances to the hip-hop songs just like how this hip-hop song sounds just like any other hip hop song Because that is America
It's one of the most amazing pieces of music and video in a very long time. It's such a powerful message to not just America but the whole western world. We are so distracted we don't see what's happening right in front of us. Glover isn't just talented, he's extremely clever. This will be remembered.
Wo! Wow! Nice! GREAT reaction and dialogue man (If I wasn't already one of your subscribers, based off of your reaction here, I would have subscribed). This video is intense, yet intriguing, intelligent, brave, honest, "eye-opening." I'm so happy that Childish Gambino didn't hold back in this video, and he laid it all on the line - PHENOMENAL - Instant classic (Definitely going to win best Music Video of the year at the Grammys).
wcr4 the whole video is up for interpretation. So I see it as Gambino and the kids are dancing in order to distract from the chaos that's happening all around them. That's why he makes such weird facial expressions and why he uses the very popular dance moves. It's showing how America can easy be distracted and become ignorant to all the things that are wrong in America today.
DeAndre Enrico sorry to tell you bro the kids are dead. 😔He killed them but he just didn't show it that's why we don't see the kids anymore after that scene where his hand was positioned as if he had a gun.
It's really interesting watching these reaction videos. Everyone's having a great time loving it then BLAM, shock, then the distraction of the dancing and the light choir music and everyone's loving it again then BLAM shock and unease until you get distracted again by the dancing and life going on. Just like when there's a real shooting in the USA. Everyone is shocked but then for most life just goes on........until it happens again. It's an incredible video.
Basically the dancers were distractions. Cause we would focus on the them a lot more than what actually goes on in the background. I actually didn’t notice a lot of stuff my first time watching it, including the white horse and random police chasing people I’m pretty sure him shooting the choir was meant to represent the mass shooting in that Black Church And then at the end, when he stopped dancing, all of a sudden people are chasing him down? I think that’s supposed to represent how America only appreciates us when we come out with a new dance or something, but after that they will do everything to bring you down. And unfortunately Black people fall victim to this mindset. Kanye is probably the best example. He thinks that just because he’s rich(get that money Black man) he could just ignore all the struggles of his group and tell us slaver was just a choice.
Nadia Jones better yet i think he was the only distraction. The kids were merely copying and following their favorite artist who distracted them from the harsh reality goin on
Also that line "Get your money Black man" refers to racism, as emphasis is made on the words "Black man", as in it doesn't matter if you get rich, you are still black, so you are still vulnerable to discrimination.
Yes ! I thought the same thing , i saw the chaos in the video but the dancing was distracting . This video is a great representative of what's happening now
i watch this video 6 times and the more i watch the more i like it. the reason is a why is a emotional statement of joy and unexpected gun violence in America lives 2018. and of course materialism. the ending is a nightmare fear. I think Americans who watch the dark knight movie with the joker understand the facial expression of madness. the metal illness state of America. I like the any work of art that have dramatic pause in a flash of movement, that force the audience to take a breath and think.
He's also iterating that black artist are rhyming and glorizing guns to sell their music hence the gucchigang refrence, him killing the musician that's singing in the beginning is replace by hard as beats and "this will sell it though" and him beckoning the kids to dance with him as if the life style is fun. There's a bad balance on both sides.
still the best country in the world tho. like for reals. i ain’t moving to freakin’ Africa that’s fo sho. i don’t even wanna move to dam Canada and freeze my a$$ off. i’m staying right here!
Yo Jayblac they put me on uu last year and you've been killing it since that day I saw your channel. I wish uu infinite success. Uu own this lane. Salutas 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Had to Comeback and Congratulate the Brother on a Millions view probably already had videos that did it but I've been waiting for you to hit that Mill bro
'Police kill unarmed man' *random selfie "Look at me I wanna be famous!" *school shooting* "Look what I made for dinner tonight" - every social media site.. In a song. Brilliant
There’s no symbolism in there but it’s a fucking act of violence in the stupid video which are not good for younger people to watch and listen. This is why hip hop/rap is the worst, devastating, and bad genre for the young generation. It’s so sad
Amazing yet unsettling. This song isn't that terrifying. He's just spreading awareness on how Blacks are treated bad up until today. There's still more tho. Gun violence, the white horse that symbolizes apocalypse. This is the history about the civil rights in America, and at the same time the glimpse of the future.
“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.” -Revelation 6:8 #ThisIsAmerica t.co/E0IetLs56Z
References. 1) Calvin the Second 2) Fela Kuti 3)Jim Crow 4) Gun Obsession 5) 2:13 Man jumps to his death, suicide. 6) Charleston Massacre 7) White horse Amazing.
hydroglyphic The video features a shirtless Childish Gambino donning a gold chain necklace and trousers that give off a ’70s vibe. His look appears to be inspired by the late Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician.
This song is so conscious!!! I love the depths and details of this song and video, it’s straight inspired! Please do another react video on this now that some time has gone by and we have a better understanding of the genius, especially since we are in 2021
Your UA-cam channel is very good, the first one I see, because of the It Is America video. I'm from Brazil and I'm going to look for videos from now on. Laugh a lot with your video.
Jayson Johnson it’s our culture and how this translates into now. Baldwin talked about it years ago in Fire Next Time so our time of now is relative. We’ve always shot each other and kept it moving from lynching to gangs to guns for materials or power. It’s sad but we worship those in power just as we fear them. Hurt People hurt people. Kids and Children are little people so shooting at all is bad. Everyone is somebodies baby. He’s running from his conscience.
Gambino is making a fool out of all these reaction people. None of them seem to be getting the message, they all just act shocked and surprised. "Wait what? What's going on".... No analysis or breakdown whatsoever. Just keep collecting your Ad revenue people.
Hubertus Minerva exactly, those videos usually have 'breakdown' or 'examined" or something like that in the title of the video. If it's just a reaction video don't be disappointed if that's exactly what you get.
josh mack lol you think that you are the person that knows it all. Now everybody has to analyse what they see, so they get the message? dude you just watch breakdowns of your favourite youtubers and then think you are Jordan Peterson, you idiot. don't pretend like you knew everything about the video after the first time you watched it.
josh mack Cut it out, you act like you figured out everything on first watch. I can just see you now "Oh my god, after my first watch, the symbolizations sporadically flowed through my mind and hit me like a ton of bricks. The message was harsh but succinct and I've came to the conclusion that......." Blah blah blah shut up! You won't get every thing on first view. Sometimes you need time to process...
thats why its called “reaction” its their initial reaction when they first watch the MV. they couldnt comprehend “yet” whats going on the video. you should watch the breakdown of the MV not the “reaction”. 🙄
Man... I turn 50 this year and am apart of the Rap/MTV generation and I'm ma tell ya, this new rap I DON'T LIKE but this song is dope. It goes right into the political gut of contemporary America. As the Song is titled THIS IS AMERICA... I love it. Dana T.
The video is trying to show us that while we focus on pop culture and dance moves, things happen in the background we don’t pay attention to. Shooting of black men, that not even black churches are safe from the gun violence. People committing suicide in the background, car jacking, and the white horse from Revelation. Watch the video again but pay attention to the background.
JayBlac that's what he's trying to portray. People get killed, America goes about it's business. Violence is basically ignored. It's all shock and awe.
STATEMENT: ● The guy with the white hood over head and guitar represents black musicians who are used for their importance in the music industry, but his face is covered to show that while they make money through music, they are not interested in their music Identity ("face" symbolizes identity here) is not important. They can be shot and killed, no big deal does not matter, just bring the $$$ / sales for us with music. His hands were tied, trying to say that they are prisoners of America ● The fact that we focus on him in the video and not in the background represents us in real life. Distracted and not noticed, what happens behind the scenes. We only notice that when a shoot happens in the video, for barely a second, then we get distracted, just like in real life. ● The men in the ski masks represent those of us who experience cruelty and chaos and just sit back and record it live on Snapchat or Insta or FB - watch it all happen without real righteous action ● Dancing represents trends - how people are consumed by the latest and newest trends, like blind followers in a trance, who are up to date with meaningless songs about drugs and money and sex, new dances, entertainment and fads, gossip and all other things Surface - not really connect with
Childish Gambino is literally known as an entertainer in this generation people need to know that. This video basically proves how real life things happen and yet we ignore them.
Let me provide some context for you. It was literally my first time watching this....like right after Gambino posted. It was only at 400, 000 views. Me watching this video at 1AM....and he shoots the guy in the head? my brain scatters like any regular person lol
after watching 10 times...i fully grasp the video in its entirety....from the kids recording the violence down to the guy jumping from the rails committing suicide. My finally thought? Gambino is TRYING to distract you from everything that is happening, but he doesn't WANT you to be distracted by everything thats happening. In fact, I think I noticed something no one else did....even now....should i do a follow up video?
Bro you halve to watch the meaning video
JayBlac this song is about americas gun violence
JayBlac
Follow up video...PLEEAASSSEEE 😣
Work through it in a follow up vid. Talk it out, man.
Yes, follow up. I could listen to you all day. I am in awe of the video after seeing him on SNL. I had NEVER listened to him or watched any of his shows. This is completely new to me. My brain is reeling.
It makes perfect sense. A mass murder/event can happen on a monday, the next day we mourn and come friday we're out partying like nothing ever happened. Rinse and repeat.
Sir Torrance exactly, its symbolic. The video is masterful. It hits the nail on the head perfectly.
Exactly... smh
THAT Part
What he says at 1:40 literally sums up what Donald Glover is saying about America perfectly
But what about the last scene then?White people running after a black man? Is it unrelated? Thoughts?
"Are we paying attention to the things that are going on in the background here?" Bingo.
I've watched a lot of reactions to this video, and the one thing I find most interesting is no matter how appauled people are by the shocking scenes that take place, 30 seconds later they are back to bouncing there head and vibing out to the song, it never fails. This speaks volumes to the normalization of violence (black on black violence particularly) and the level of our desensitization to that violence. Nevertheless, I think Gambino's main point in the video, given his impersonation of Jim Crow throughout, was to demonstrate that AA's have begun to play the roles reserved for minstrel caricatures, and in doing so have assisted in their own oppression and percieved lack of value. If we don't value ourselves and each other, how can we expect others to do so?
AA's?
Alcoholic Anonymous😂? Seriously what’s AA?
Are you fucking serious?
You’re actually a dunce if you think someone’s first reaction is supposed to be them seeing that part, stopping the video and giving a speech on racism. You seem to have absolutely no idea how first reactions to things work despite apparently watching lots of them. I’m SURE this little paragraph is exactly what you thought the second you first saw the video. It is the INTENTION of the song to continue bobbing your head after that point, not to not continue the song and just break down the entire system, it is a FIRST REACTION you’re pretending every music video has deep symbolism every single scene so you can be condescending about people who don’t use their reaction video to talk about what you want them to
😂😂😂😂😂 this is definitely a first reaction 😂😂😂 the first time anyone watch this would have that wtf is up with this not to get the message behind it not till u watch it a few time or someone explain it to you. Love his reaction
You said it "Are we even paying attention to what's happening in the background? "
That speaks VOLUMES!
Akasha Versy and this is exactly what Gambino is trying to say to us! We are not paying attention to what's happening in the background. Or really right in front of us.
Akasha Versy exactly the message pay attention to the background
Indeed sister.!
Akasha Versy exactly the point he is making
I think...loosely interpreted....that he saying even after all things shootings take place...America just keeps on like nothing has happened...we have lost our ability to mourn...#desensitized....
And the way all the chaos in the background is out of focus but the dancing/singing/entertainment is always at the forefront, a veneer of civility while ignoring what's really happening.
America for that ass!!
Sheeit, we've been desensitized for over 2 decades.
We in the sunken place of desensitization now....that’s why no matter what you believe in....we gotta take time out to cleanse our soul of the stuff that the world feeds us...cut off the tv and phone....meditate, read and write....
Very well put, I had the same views on this video. Exactly the same interpretation I had.
1:26 mom checking your grades like...
😂
2:32 you standing next to her like...
Yes
Underrated comment
You don’t know how hard I laughed
And the crazy part is when I first watched the video I only paid attention to his dancing and didn’t even watch the background. The whole point of the video was proven right there! Distracted af smh
True Brilliance Yup, exactly the point he was making.
Spot on sis!
The song title couldn't be more accurate -- This is America.
True Brilliance exactly!!!
What's even more crazy is the dance has meaning too. You got the kids in school uniform following behind him signifying that they learn dance moves faster than their schoolwork smh. This video gives me the chills!
I think the fake gun part was symbolic of how easily people are scared into believing there is a threat when there nothing. But will get over a real murder or threat like it's nothing.
bingo
people treat guns better than people in america. You can see that everytime they place it carefully on a satin towel or whatever XD
Also his reaction after that, like he finally realizes himself what's going on, and doesn't immediately break into dance.
jyeah
One of the lines is "This is a celly. That is a tool." The Stephon Martin shooting.
This is the fact of America
A fact resting inside of a vacuum devoid of context or explanation. I really like the message (or at least the way I interpret the message ) but I dislike the trap aspects of the song as music ( as a part of the message it makes sense ). My only disappointment is that many people, I feel, are really interpreting it wrong, but until Donald actually tells us the true message no one is right for sure.
No
@@chrishenderson274 now, YES
@@DarthShadow25 The true is in the song. And you can see what is going on in America this 5 years right?
@@giannisksanthopoulos4300 I saw that we are doing really well under Trump, then Biden has made America a laughing stock, all while the media continues to divide the country for clicks.
2:34 the black & white screen, ur face was priceless..😂🤣
3:22 don't shoot the kids..🙏
I said the same when I 1st saw this too....😂🤣
Luis Medina same
😂
O
This video was a perfect representation of America. The first showing was America/Gambino killing our culture which is the guy with the guitar. That's y the beat changed as soon as he died. The beat went from a kinda African dance style beat to a modern rap beat that exist in America. The choir getting shot up represents the church massacare.
That I believe that happened last year.
Lastly, Gambino dancing was a perfect mask to what was going on In the background. While u watching him dance u don't notice all the chaos in the background. That's kinda showing how we don't pay attention to all the fucked up shit that's happening in America because it's always something that distracts up from the real problems in America. It can be a new trend or even something deeper as a meaningless sport. THIS IS AMERICA !!!!!!!!!
I’m 12 and this is deep. Go back to your day job son
And if you guys noticed the sounds in the background are all from modern hip hop and all the dance moves were imitations of famous dance moves that the youth got so caught up on. He represents modern hip hop artists who have turned their back to real issues black people face, he’s gleefully dancing despite the chaos around him and the kids represent the youth who are following these celebrities and are blinded to real big issues, and even when he killed people the kids were still imitating his dance moves and following him which represents how famous hip hop artists can be a bad influence and kids still follow them
There are instances where the song imitates popular modern hip hop songs
Me: This is fun
*shoots guy in the head, beat drops*
Bino: THIS IS AMERICA
Me and Blac: wait WHAT?
RIGHT!
BBranch Insight really??
BBranch Insight we don’t know if that’s his dad . Hasn’t been confirmed
It seems to be pointing out how used to we are to tragedy that we don’t care anymore. People get shot but we keep going like it never happened.
BBranch Insight no it's not lol
2:32 BRUH LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
😑😑🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
SHE IS CRIYNG LOL
HAHAAA
"What is going on?!?"
EXACTLY.
"Don't shoot the kids , Don't shoot them please" u got me dying 😂😂😂😂
I know there's a much deeper meaning but what shocked me watching the video is HOW FAST we get over someone being murdered just to go back to dancing like it didn't happen.
And I think that directly correlates with how America is right now.
It's too easy for people to look around all the racism, crime, and violence and just focus on trends
That's the message right there
It's also the fact that it happens so much that we've been desensitized to it - like we see what happens on the screen and we go back to doing our daily routines and forget about that person, yet the contradiction here is that we also want something done about it.
Thats basically the lesson here. How fast u go from "Wtf?!" to "damn Childish is lit"
Great observation
Icedark emerald_ What would you rather do? Uproot the entire 330,000,000 people in the country over a few dead people? It's healthy too move on and not linger on negativity.
As a fan of yours for 4 years, seeing 1 million hits really made me proud. Great job, Blac!
we BEEN here umm he has 60 k
Dude he's had this channel for 2 years
Yikes
xBipolarSunshine he had an account before this one you idiot
Me One Millionth Dollar AKA My Leg!
Yes, because his old accounts are common knowledge, and not knowing he had one makes me an idiot!
"Come in, shake my hand..."
Ooooh, it's so cute!
Glover is mad talented.
What gambino means in this song the dancing is distracting you from whats going on pay attention to the background throughout the song
Marc Skillern Jr I don't think he was saying that dancing is literally the issue but more as uu as symbolism to say how we just ignore all thebad shit going on like aint shit happening. How bad are we going to let things get before we say enough is enough??? We used to riot and tear shit up to get the government to pay attention to us so we show them our fucked up situations. Now we just let it happen and keep moving on ("dancing"). And whos at the top thats speaking for us here at the bottom? Malcolm dead. The black panthers dead. Mlk dead. Elijah Muhammad dead. Tupac dead. Everybody else either not saying shit or dont have enough influence to create change. We fucked. Sorry for the paragraph. This shit be getting to me sometimes.
Yes I agree he was doing all the dance moves that are going around like the shoot dance for example and saying America is distracted by internet I think
E.J. Craig Yea I kinda worded that weird my bad lol but fr tho shit is getting crazy in america, people are shooting schools and churchs up, and sweep it under the rug like nothing ever happened, things are gonna get alot worse before they get better imo.
Marc Skillern Jr Yes,Yes,Yes...
That america is romanticised to the point of people dancing and chanting out how great it is when in reality if you even slightly pay attention its chaotic and violent yet no one really takes notice to this and just continues to dance and sing like everythings fine
3:06 "I'm scared" lmao
A Million Views... 💯💪🔥 BLAAAAAAAC
"Don't shoot the kids"...
Same bruh lmao
*Lil Goddy - stop threatening* .
He didn't have a gun this time yet everyone ran away from him scared. That's pretty poignant.
bee pot ahhh good point
You’re saying white people aren’t scared of black peoples with guns?
SD Bo white people (particularly Police) tend to be afraid of unarmed black men.
SD Bo I'm saying that since so many crimes have been committed by a "unidentified black man with a gun" the perception of the black man becomes tainted. A completely innocent unarmed black man is looked at like he's dangerous because of the multiple crimes committed by black men with guns. It's not right to believe in stereotypes, but that's totally what is happening in America today. Not only that but then the music associated with black men aka rap almost always pushes the image of black men are armed, dangerous, and will kill over things like gang allegiance and drugs. Not true for every person but true enough to become a stereotype. This video feels like a call out to all the rappers glorifying violent lifestyles because it affects kids. All the kids in the video were to busy laughing and having a good time taking videos of the chaos around them.
This is America
ayoo blac! i just wanna give u a shout out for that 1.4 M views.. its not about views but we know youve work hard its nice to see people paying attention.. salute
2:32 he was gone XD
LOL LFMAOOO
You notice how after the shooting he starts to dance and smiling after the shooting and moves like it’s nothing. America is most definitely sleeping #staywoke
shambla isby so true know you have social media comedians mocking it like nothing... How we supposed to be respected when we make fun of the situation....
+Shawnee Scorpion Really? Cultural appropriation? Just like dread locks...oh thats right those were first used by the people of india and sects of vikings.....And no one wants to appropriate a culture that glorifies killing, gangs, drugs and prostitution.
shambla isby I just subscribed to your channel I like this comment! Can I get 1 more sub?
stop saying "woke"..please
2:10 that dance is called gwaragwara dance, originally from south africa..thanks for reppin africa sir gambino
i think the dancers are supposed to maybe be south african school kids too. connection much...
Brainjock ua-cam.com/video/AkUDxfQTBYY/v-deo.html
Max Trillest I think he’s actually referring to all the kids making dance is popular on UA-cam nowadays and have the kids make dances to the hip-hop songs just like how this hip-hop song sounds just like any other hip hop song Because that is America
Only people that know keep bringing that up. Dude did the movie twice. NOONE that doesn't know that is going "damn...what dance move is that?"
thast makes me want to explore about native cultures
It's one of the most amazing pieces of music and video in a very long time. It's such a powerful message to not just America but the whole western world. We are so distracted we don't see what's happening right in front of us.
Glover isn't just talented, he's extremely clever. This will be remembered.
Wo! Wow! Nice! GREAT reaction and dialogue man (If I wasn't already one of your subscribers, based off of your reaction here, I would have subscribed). This video is intense, yet intriguing, intelligent, brave, honest, "eye-opening." I'm so happy that Childish Gambino didn't hold back in this video, and he laid it all on the line - PHENOMENAL - Instant classic (Definitely going to win best Music Video of the year at the Grammys).
When he said, "Are we not gonna pay attention to everything in the background?" I got so happy because that is exactly the point of the music video.
wcr4 the whole video is up for interpretation. So I see it as Gambino and the kids are dancing in order to distract from the chaos that's happening all around them. That's why he makes such weird facial expressions and why he uses the very popular dance moves. It's showing how America can easy be distracted and become ignorant to all the things that are wrong in America today.
“Are we paying attention to the things going on in the background?” Bingo.
THIS IS THE REAL REACTION CHANNEL!!!!! LOVE YOU
Congrats on over 1Million views and over 31Thousand subscribers, this channel growing super fast JayBlac"REACT", peace
we dance and entertain while they kill us......i get it..what's not to get.
WOKE
My Email this comment got you so offended for no reason lmao
"They"
EEEEEEXACTLY!!
Lol! There's no illuminati. Just people to ignorant to see what's in front of them and instead think something is hiding in the shadows.
But the same person doing the entertaining did the killing
I think you saved those kids lives bro. They owe you everything.
DeAndre Enrico sorry to tell you bro the kids are dead. 😔He killed them but he just didn't show it that's why we don't see the kids anymore after that scene where his hand was positioned as if he had a gun.
Your reaction is priceless. This is America and I am still wiping the tears from my cheeks. Thank you JayBlac.
Damn Blac you killin it wit this channel. Congrats you deserve it.
It's really interesting watching these reaction videos. Everyone's having a great time loving it then BLAM, shock, then the distraction of the dancing and the light choir music and everyone's loving it again then BLAM shock and unease until you get distracted again by the dancing and life going on. Just like when there's a real shooting in the USA. Everyone is shocked but then for most life just goes on........until it happens again. It's an incredible video.
Basically the dancers were distractions. Cause we would focus on the them a lot more than what actually goes on in the background. I actually didn’t notice a lot of stuff my first time watching it, including the white horse and random police chasing people
I’m pretty sure him shooting the choir was meant to represent the mass shooting in that Black Church
And then at the end, when he stopped dancing, all of a sudden people are chasing him down? I think that’s supposed to represent how America only appreciates us when we come out with a new dance or something, but after that they will do everything to bring you down. And unfortunately Black people fall victim to this mindset. Kanye is probably the best example. He thinks that just because he’s rich(get that money Black man) he could just ignore all the struggles of his group and tell us slaver was just a choice.
Nadia Jones better yet i think he was the only distraction. The kids were merely copying and following their favorite artist who distracted them from the harsh reality goin on
Also that line "Get your money Black man" refers to racism, as emphasis is made on the words "Black man", as in it doesn't matter if you get rich, you are still black, so you are still vulnerable to discrimination.
Yes ! I thought the same thing , i saw the chaos in the video but the dancing was distracting . This video is a great representative of what's happening now
Its distracting because its in the center. Thats where our eyes pay most attention
Nadia Jones Daaamnn!! Great fucking point. 👍🏾😎 I totally agree!!
I'm so happy to see you over 100,00 views you deserve it, I am a fan of your battle rap channel, I wish that channel would grow as fast as this one
I hope you continue to have success man I'm so happy to see the view count I've rocking with ur main channel for awhile all the way from ga
This is probably one of my favorite singles of 2018 so far!
"please dont shoot the kids" i died laughing xD
This video is SO LOADED! Loving it! Didn't expect any less of him. Amazing artist
1:18 he was on dumb mode after that
i watch this video 6 times and the more i watch the more i like it. the reason is a why is a emotional statement of joy and unexpected gun violence in America lives 2018. and of course materialism. the ending is a nightmare fear. I think Americans who watch the dark knight movie with the joker understand the facial expression of madness. the metal illness state of America. I like the any work of art that have dramatic pause in a flash of movement, that force the audience to take a breath and think.
What is going on you ask? This is America.
He's also iterating that black artist are rhyming and glorizing guns to sell their music hence the gucchigang refrence, him killing the musician that's singing in the beginning is replace by hard as beats and "this will sell it though" and him beckoning the kids to dance with him as if the life style is fun. There's a bad balance on both sides.
MsFears you spoke for me
still the best country in the world tho. like for reals. i ain’t moving to freakin’ Africa that’s fo sho. i don’t even wanna move to dam Canada and freeze my a$$ off. i’m staying right here!
MsFears He acting like he can't understand .... His blind like the watch the News... He don't understand the concept
Best Country? im sorry but you cant say your country is the best
Yo Jayblac they put me on uu last year and you've been killing it since that day I saw your channel. I wish uu infinite success. Uu own this lane. Salutas 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾
Had to Comeback and Congratulate the Brother on a Millions view probably already had videos that did it but I've been waiting for you to hit that Mill bro
'Police kill unarmed man'
*random selfie
"Look at me I wanna be famous!"
*school shooting*
"Look what I made for dinner tonight"
- every social media site.. In a song.
Brilliant
David Miles i bet you say brilliant after you look at the toilet bowl after you shit...
Tasteless moron
David Miles Very well put. 👏👏👏👏
the symbolism in this video are amazing.
jason felts and what exactly is the symbolism?
Flowzah www.google.com/amp/s/www.timeslive.co.za/amp/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2018-05-08-profound--here-are-9-hidden-meanings-in-childish-gambinos-video/
xxthehuskycaboosexx www.google.com/amp/s/www.timeslive.co.za/amp/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2018-05-08-profound--here-are-9-hidden-meanings-in-childish-gambinos-video/
There’s no symbolism in there but it’s a fucking act of violence in the stupid video which are not good for younger people to watch and listen. This is why hip hop/rap is the worst, devastating, and bad genre for the young generation. It’s so sad
Amazing yet unsettling. This song isn't that terrifying. He's just spreading awareness on how Blacks are treated bad up until today. There's still more tho. Gun violence, the white horse that symbolizes apocalypse. This is the history about the civil rights in America, and at the same time the glimpse of the future.
4:03 he didn’t have a gun this time, we good we good 😂😂😂😂 I’m dead
I'm glad you post how you react to anything. I wouldn't know how to react myself, but with you I have sort of a guidance on how to do it.
😂 you had me in tears! Your right, I like the video too and I surely didn't miss that White Horse galloping by either...
white horse?
NoXKO iMAX 3:44
it was riot police on horse
“And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him.” -Revelation 6:8 #ThisIsAmerica t.co/E0IetLs56Z
Tiger Sharts Thanks, Johnny.
References.
1) Calvin the Second
2) Fela Kuti
3)Jim Crow
4) Gun Obsession
5) 2:13 Man jumps to his death, suicide.
6) Charleston Massacre
7) White horse
Amazing.
Rocky Pabillore will you explain the Fela Kuti reference
hydroglyphic The video features a shirtless Childish Gambino donning a gold chain necklace and trousers that give off a ’70s vibe. His look appears to be inspired by the late Fela Kuti, a Nigerian musician.
Where was Fela Kuti
Childish Gambino's look is inspired by him.
Rocky Pabillore at 4:00 I think that was a 17 second silence for the Parkland shooting victims
Absolutely love the channel man. Best reactions lol
This song is so conscious!!! I love the depths and details of this song and video, it’s straight inspired! Please do another react video on this now that some time has gone by and we have a better understanding of the genius, especially since we are in 2021
Gambino used young thug, quavo, 21, blocboy, and I believe kodak in the adlibs
Marc Skillern Jr no Kodak but Slim Jxmmi haha I had to check Genius
Sounded like migos
He did Mans not hot also at that uckers part
Marc Skillern Jr also slxm jxmmi
big sean, offset, chance the rapper
I don't feel *SAFE*
Congrats on the Million views Blac! Shake my hand 👋
Your UA-cam channel is very good, the first one I see, because of the It Is America video. I'm from Brazil and I'm going to look for videos from now on. Laugh a lot with your video.
i watched this twice and the second watch was funny as shit but i didnt record it lmao
JayBlac need a reaction video on Tito Montana ft Dave East and dick gregory Must Be Crazy video like asap
Gregory Smith I value the opinion people that Fuck with JayBlac.. I'm peeping That shit next lol 💯
Rhori Cameron leave comment saying I sent you from Jay blac video.
Jayson Johnson
he funny as hell
Jayson Johnson it’s our culture and how this translates into now. Baldwin talked about it years ago in Fire Next Time so our time of now is relative. We’ve always shot each other and kept it moving from lynching to gangs to guns for materials or power. It’s sad but we worship those in power just as we fear them. Hurt People hurt people. Kids and Children are little people so shooting at all is bad. Everyone is somebodies baby. He’s running from his conscience.
Gambino is making a fool out of all these reaction people. None of them seem to be getting the message, they all just act shocked and surprised. "Wait what? What's going on".... No analysis or breakdown whatsoever. Just keep collecting your Ad revenue people.
Hubertus Minerva exactly, those videos usually have 'breakdown' or 'examined" or something like that in the title of the video. If it's just a reaction video don't be disappointed if that's exactly what you get.
josh mack lol you think that you are the person that knows it all. Now everybody has to analyse what they see, so they get the message? dude you just watch breakdowns of your favourite youtubers and then think you are Jordan Peterson, you idiot.
don't pretend like you knew everything about the video after the first time you watched it.
josh mack Cut it out, you act like you figured out everything on first watch. I can just see you now "Oh my god, after my first watch, the symbolizations sporadically flowed through my mind and hit me like a ton of bricks. The message was harsh but succinct and I've came to the conclusion that......." Blah blah blah shut up! You won't get every thing on first view. Sometimes you need time to process...
slick the slick guy exactly what I was gonna say
thats why its called “reaction” its their initial reaction when they first watch the MV. they couldnt comprehend “yet” whats going on the video. you should watch the breakdown of the MV not the “reaction”. 🙄
one of the only few reactors who actually reacts to videos. props to you for that
"I feel like I have to bob my head" is the single best summation of reactions to this video
Man... I turn 50 this year and am apart of the Rap/MTV generation and I'm ma tell ya, this new rap I DON'T LIKE but this song is dope. It goes right into the political gut of contemporary America. As the Song is titled THIS IS AMERICA... I love it.
Dana T.
King of the Wicker People conversation.
Original Video - ua-cam.com/video/VYOjWnS4cMY/v-deo.html
JayBlac I came here 6 times for the watch jon snow!!!!
Hey man check out some more VI second Vids, like the diss rap with Imdontai or with Poudii.
The video is trying to show us that while we focus on pop culture and dance moves, things happen in the background we don’t pay attention to. Shooting of black men, that not even black churches are safe from the gun violence. People committing suicide in the background, car jacking, and the white horse from Revelation. Watch the video again but pay attention to the background.
death rides a pale (white) horse we laughing and dancing but its chaos death and discord in the background kind of how America is.
JayBlac that's what he's trying to portray. People get killed, America goes about it's business. Violence is basically ignored. It's all shock and awe.
S/O to Blac on the million plus views, #ShakeMyHand.
Congratulations Black 1.2 million views 1 week 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Shake my hand 🤝🤝
STATEMENT:
● The guy with the white hood over head and guitar represents black musicians who are used for their importance in the music industry, but his face is covered to show that while they make money through music, they are not interested in their music Identity ("face" symbolizes identity here) is not important. They can be shot and killed, no big deal does not matter, just bring the $$$ / sales for us with music. His hands were tied, trying to say that they are prisoners of America
● The fact that we focus on him in the video and not in the background represents us in real life. Distracted and not noticed, what happens behind the scenes. We only notice that when a shoot happens in the video, for barely a second, then we get distracted, just like in real life.
● The men in the ski masks represent those of us who experience cruelty and chaos and just sit back and record it live on Snapchat or Insta or FB - watch it all happen without real righteous action
● Dancing represents trends - how people are consumed by the latest and newest trends, like blind followers in a trance, who are up to date with meaningless songs about drugs and money and sex, new dances, entertainment and fads, gossip and all other things Surface - not really connect with
AkaBizzy best explanation
Great work
AkaBizzy BEST explanation ever, you are a god
You are alright!
My boy Lando going wild
jeanloui7 I know right.....but do you think Disney resigning him🤣🤣🤣
jeanloui7 😂😂😂
truss me
I could not stop the sudden waves of emotion, its reassuring to see i'm not the only one. Thanks JayBlac
Dude i love your humor, always this sarcastic undertone
Bruh..your face and his face when he's running had me 💀💀💀
I swear I wait on your reactions...your opinion and prospective is very much appreciated and anticipated...shake my hand...
You’re better than every reaction channel ever Jesus Christ your videos are amazing
When he shot the choir...your face bro...hahahahaha, had my dying at work
"is that it? ...How he runnin' ,he shot the people"😂😂😂😂😂😂
This reaction is gold. It’s like you get his point but it’s still a what moment for everyone
The kids are idolizing him until he loses his fame and he's alone and haunted by his past. There are so many messages here...love it Im touched
I swear to god jayblacc has best reactions of all time!!!
Just got home from a long night of partying and got the JayBlac react notification look at Gawd!!
Stephen Owens 😂😂😂 turn up
The slow music and the face reaction is price less. I know it's coming and everytime it comes I die laughing 😂😂😂😂😭😭😭😭😂😂😂
Tech 9 supporting his bro! Salute!
was just about to say this and read it here lmao everytime it happens I lose it 😅😅😅😅
Paien Games Lol the Hodge Twins though.. 😂 🔥
I loved your reaction to this video !! Had me literally like 😆
Congratz on your first million, shake my hand.
Violence happen in America we grieve for a month then back to being distracted.
Oneil Campbell _ YuuuuuuP. Shh is DisGUSTING!!!
A month? A few days bro, then it’s on to the next thing
Him Reddy Disgusting? It's called living life.
Bustaperizm _ Call it What YOU want and Ima call it what I want
#DisgustingWayOfLIFE
Him Reddy Fair enough. Let's watch more UA-cam and read tweets.
LMFAOOO, I knew your reaction was gonna be lit.
Bruh your intro caught me off guard lmaaoo! subscribed
Jay blac hitn a mill congrats shake my hand 🏆
1:18 was my exact reaction.
1:58 - You’re absolutely horrified by what you just saw but it’s such a great song. 😂😂😂😂😂
Atlanta is toooooooooooo FIRE
Best reaction video ever
Nice hairstyle brother 🙌
“He didn’t have a gun that time”
Prince Kollie Ya. Instead he sparked a blunt and danced. That's how it goes down in life.
Wait...no it doesn't.
The video literally scared the shit out of me. I too was scared.
The Art Of War L
The Art Of War You are scared of the truth.
Your mama
Like your mother?
Thanks for standing up for me. :-)
Childish Gambino is literally known as an entertainer in this generation people need to know that. This video basically proves how real life things happen and yet we ignore them.
So glad the world is finally acknowledging your greatness salute jay blac shake your own 🤚