I REALLY wish I could meet this man. I just finished creating a dance piece inspired by this poem, and it was SO well received by so many people. I just want to shake his hand =)
Wow...I haven't seen this video since I I last saw Mark. This man was kind enough to mentor and help me become the writer I am today. Seeing this again after outliving my adolescence brings me back to the days where his words were too powerful for me to comprehend due to my lack of understanding at the time. However, this was refreshing... similar, yet knew to me. I've seen these words through two point of views. Both, with different interpretations and denotations. This is amazing.
Mark couldn't of said it better because it takes a real man to say what other men are willing to hide from the world and the women they are suppose to love... it takes a really man to hug and hold on to a real women no matter how much she fights, struggles, suffers and cry's and say " i will always love for who u are and no matter what... acceptance and forgiveness is something we both can not deny"
I don't think he's only talking about an individual man, but the culture of man and the things in their own nature that they must fight against. I think he's trying to make men aware of the important roles they have in the world and how not to abuse their power.
this is so true men are told as children not to feel while women are allowed to show all their feelings with little restraint and we wonder why we don't understand each other and it's no wonder with all the double standers that are placed on us
This Video Has me in Awe, and Mark Gonzalez has some balls to speak in this way. He is an example of a real Man in my eyes.......Wow, you are a piece of Beautiful Art. Thank you, Vivian Felipe
that was great, no matter if it doesnt sound like a classical poem. he made some hardcore right statements. GREAT THING! MARK THIS POEM TOUCHED MY SOUL! THANK U!
this was a great poem. i dont believe that all men are the same, but it is true on what he says about most men. They do try to put a label on women but what she does, but not for one sec do we know exactly what she has been through. listen to hip hop today and see what these people are calling women. its as if have excepted it as to be ok. the sad part about it, women are thinking that they are to blame
I love how everyone is so quick to point out any and all faults of the US that may or may not have happened. While simotaniously defending the same behavior in our enemies by way of culture and religion.
Okay this poem is a great poem. It honestly gives girls a better understanding frm a males point of view and as men we need to accept it nd respond as much as yu like im nt replying
@TDoanLe Completely agree with you dude. Some ppl(females included) take truth and pass it on as if it doesnt apply to them. Thats why poets like him need to go mainstream to get his messages out.
Im just saying I have some deep thoughts also "we men have got to stop and look at the damage we're doing then find the solutions and learn to spread more love" that's what I'm all about
This poem isn't bashing men if you really pay attention. It's saying that society is to blame for how men interact with women and thus how women are viewed and treated. It's more like a lesson saying "Hey guys I know we're all supposed to be 'bad asses' but it's alright to have feelings and express them." He's saying that men are shaped to indifference in our culture and only they can reverse it.
the difference between sexes is the result of social expectations, in this sense men are guilty. but guiltier are the women who readily bow to them and don't rise above; like the rare exceptions.
I like how he referred to God as a "she", and I strongly hold by his decision to not call a woman a "slut, dyke, or bitch" i think our society is one where too many people spend too much time degrading one another. He might put a bit too much blame on men, but this poem is amazing.
note that he says " i put my arms on her shoulder and tell her how grateful to god that SHE created her" nobody seems to mention the so called improbable
I don't disagree with anything stated in the poem. But there comes a certain point when a poem stops being about what's it's supposed to and starts to sound like a pander to an audience. That's why I think this one feels off and why people are criticizing it. It's a presentation issue, not a content issue. Also, is it irony that I've heard at least 4 women do poems about the same topics and they presented it better?
@blutsturmer Please provide examples and data to support your argument as I am interested in hearing what historical evidence you possess because maybe, just maybe, the history I have read and been taught via primary, secondary, and tertiary school (and post grad) are wrong.
@ShinNytRain who said he's gay? This is another man realizing and speaking of male faults in the character. I just gotta bow my head & raise my fist when I hear it.
@blutsturmer No, that's true. some women (ok, a lot) have done that. but that doesn't mean men can disrespect all women. some women do put themselves in really shit positions like staying with an abuser. i don't get that. but i'm just glad that a man is willing to speak out against the men abusing them. pardon me if that's crossing the line...
@Diablos97 contrary, in our modern society we support woman taking on the role and the responsibilities of what 100 years ago was the work of men. but we still look down upon and sometimes do not let men take the responsibilities and the roles of woman. how often do you see a working wife and a stay at husband A.K.A a househusband? it is very rare. not only are woman still being objectified but so are men.
@blutsturmer I do apologize for my misinterpretation of your words. Tone and inflection are lost in posts such as these. Power and influence are what construct and solemnize (sometimes loudly but more often silently) the worlds ills and you cannot deny that both have been wielded most often by men. I don't make that statement to editorialize because it is steeped in fact. If the Zedongs and Dadas of the world had been women then I would reverse my position in a heart beat.
When I think of cultures and governments with respect for women and a health skepticism of violent masculinity, "Palestine" is not the first word that pops into my head. Also, God = the Invisible Pink Unicorn (blessed be Her holy hooves). May She spite the Pastafarian infidels with all Her mite.
the first step to healing is love, especially for black men. check out bell hooks "We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity" such an excellent book on this topic
I liked the poem because yes it has truth.... but he was harsh because not all men are like that and not all men are perfect nor women, there is good and bad in both genders we should be lifting each other up not trying to always bring the negative.
@Diablos97 no we can not ignore it, but this is not the only problem facing our society. a large portion of Earth's population goes without food and clean drinking water. hate is not racist and hate is not sexist. i am entirely tired of society blaming one nation or one gender or one race. look at the physiology of a man and a woman, they were created for very different tasks. there is a reason why woman was created with the womb.
@Plato86 And yet, women are still oppressed, abused, beaten and raped in more ways than physical or sexual. It's a common truth, no matter how much we hate to hear it. It's still an issue that's going on, it has NOT disappeared and we cannot ignore that.
You ment to respond to cnn101. In order to do that click on the blue "Reply" button to the left of the thumbs. I was simply quoting his comment and mocking it.
![UCF Professor Richard Quinn accuses class of cheating [Original]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/rbzJTTDO9f4/mqdefault.jpg)
I REALLY wish I could meet this man. I just finished creating a dance piece inspired by this poem, and it was SO well received by so many people. I just want to shake his hand =)
Wow...I haven't seen this video since I I last saw Mark.
This man was kind enough to mentor and help me become the writer I am today. Seeing this again after outliving my adolescence brings me back to the days where his words were too powerful for me to comprehend due to my lack of understanding at the time.
However, this was refreshing... similar, yet knew to me. I've seen these words through two point of views. Both, with different interpretations and denotations. This is amazing.
Him teaching at a ghetto high school when he is this talented, I must say I give him respect.
Mark couldn't of said it better because it takes a real man to say what other men are willing to hide from the world and the women they are suppose to love... it takes a really man to hug and hold on to a real women no matter how much she fights, struggles, suffers and cry's and say " i will always love for who u are and no matter what... acceptance and forgiveness is something we both can not deny"
I don't think he's only talking about an individual man, but the culture of man and the things in their own nature that they must fight against. I think he's trying to make men aware of the important roles they have in the world and how not to abuse their power.
That was really well done. Very true.
I also loved his shirt. Free Palestine!
that was off the chain he reached in every direction and hit every target
The overall meaning is beautiful. Every man, all over, should listen/watch and take heed. Such a good job...powerful.
What he is, is a man with a strong opinion expressed in the form of a poem. He isn't right, he is expressive.
It is so sad that people can listen to such eloquence and yet be blind to such eloquence :(
this is so true men are told as children not to feel while women are allowed to show all their feelings with little restraint and we wonder why we don't understand each other and it's no wonder with all the double standers that are placed on us
This Video Has me in Awe, and Mark Gonzalez has some balls to speak in this way. He is an example of a real Man in my eyes.......Wow, you are a piece of Beautiful Art. Thank you, Vivian Felipe
The words he speaks are just written and said with heart truth and more no one could do this in 2-4mins as he does
aside from skateboarding i had no idea mark gonzales was so talented
I love this. He was honest without being insulting or demeaning the value of his own sex. Profound.
He spoke M.E.Ch.A de UW at the University of Washington!
He is legit man...was cool meeting him
he instantly won my respect with his t-shirt, then the poem took it to another level
wow, props mark
its good to have a teacher with excellent skillz in the art of hip-hop and poetry.
i got to see him perform last year, it was amazing...i was speechless.
that was great, no matter if it doesnt sound like a classical poem. he made some hardcore right statements. GREAT THING! MARK THIS POEM TOUCHED MY SOUL! THANK U!
this was a great poem. i dont believe that all men are the same, but it is true on what he says about most men. They do try to put a label on women but what she does, but not for one sec do we know exactly what she has been through.
listen to hip hop today and see what these people are calling women. its as if have excepted it as to be ok. the sad part about it, women are thinking that they are to blame
Very good. The imagery is quite good toward the beginning.
-Andrew
Brought me to tears...
I love how everyone is so quick to point out any and all faults of the US that may or may not have happened. While simotaniously defending the same behavior in our enemies by way of culture and religion.
This vato spoke the truth. Seems like a lot of peoples can't handle that.......
He's amazing. I love it. It brought tears and i felt connected..
ok so this brought tears to my eyes that was simply outstanding. GREAT JOB!
Okay this poem is a great poem. It honestly gives girls a better understanding frm a males point of view and as men we need to accept it nd respond as much as yu like im nt replying
@TDoanLe Completely agree with you dude. Some ppl(females included) take truth and pass it on as if it doesnt apply to them. Thats why poets like him need to go mainstream to get his messages out.
The truth has been spoken, enough said!
I am touched by this poem.
Im just saying I have some deep thoughts also "we men have got to stop and look at the damage we're doing then find the solutions and learn to spread more love" that's what I'm all about
We need more of those.
What a powerful idea.
"How grateful I am to God that SHE created her"
"Bring it on motherfucker, I fear nothing but intimacy" best line to describe men
=)
glad there are people who can see what matters.
that was deep, something you have to listen to more than once to fully understand it
His t shirt is what caught me more than his poem Free Palestine! also great poet 5 stars!!!
This poem isn't bashing men if you really pay attention. It's saying that society is to blame for how men interact with women and thus how women are viewed and treated. It's more like a lesson saying "Hey guys I know we're all supposed to be 'bad asses' but it's alright to have feelings and express them." He's saying that men are shaped to indifference in our culture and only they can reverse it.
the difference between sexes is the result of social expectations, in this sense men are guilty. but guiltier are the women who readily bow to them and don't rise above; like the rare exceptions.
Did anyone else notice he called God a she? It's so subtle it's awesome.
wow.... blown AWAY! beautiful!!!!!
This is REAL talk folks, not reality t.v talk.
awesome. no other word to describe it.
lol this is not the same mark gonzales as the skateboarder
my plan i to quote this in my A level sociology exam tomorrow
deep...brought tears to my eyes
@ShinNytRain i think hes calling him gay because of his inflections and his voice. not agreeing or disagreeing, i just think this poem is awesome
I respect this man. I wish more men think like he does.
This my new favorite
I like how he referred to God as a "she",
and I strongly hold by his decision to not call a woman a "slut, dyke, or bitch"
i think our society is one where too many people spend too much time degrading one another. He might put a bit too much blame on men, but this poem is amazing.
so bad...do you have the poem before this one? thanks for the post...I love this poem
Is my reasoning flawed somehow? Blaming men for everything goes against every sociological precept established. What would I have to learn exactly?
what if there really was a war on men who disrespected women wow. i wonder if a movie could be made about that
those last couple of lines were tight!
note that he says " i put my arms on her shoulder and tell her how grateful to god that SHE created her" nobody seems to mention the so called improbable
This is a real man right here
I don't disagree with anything stated in the poem. But there comes a certain point when a poem stops being about what's it's supposed to and starts to sound like a pander to an audience. That's why I think this one feels off and why people are criticizing it. It's a presentation issue, not a content issue.
Also, is it irony that I've heard at least 4 women do poems about the same topics and they presented it better?
Somehoww, i felt realyyy emotional.. Kinda brought tear to my eyess..
Amazing..
@blutsturmer Please provide examples and data to support your argument as I am interested in hearing what historical evidence you possess because maybe, just maybe, the history I have read and been taught via primary, secondary, and tertiary school (and post grad) are wrong.
@ShinNytRain who said he's gay? This is another man realizing and speaking of male faults in the character. I just gotta bow my head & raise my fist when I hear it.
@blutsturmer No, that's true. some women (ok, a lot) have done that. but that doesn't mean men can disrespect all women. some women do put themselves in really shit positions like staying with an abuser. i don't get that. but i'm just glad that a man is willing to speak out against the men abusing them. pardon me if that's crossing the line...
@Diablos97 contrary, in our modern society we support woman taking on the role and the responsibilities of what 100 years ago was the work of men. but we still look down upon and sometimes do not let men take the responsibilities and the roles of woman. how often do you see a working wife and a stay at husband A.K.A a househusband? it is very rare. not only are woman still being objectified but so are men.
"press flesh to flesh till brest crumble ...like emotional oragami"
I'm seriously about to cry right now.......NOT!!
wow. i cried. i am so proud of him
when he says every woman has a story she's told to only 1 person if not fewer...yup i do too.
WOW!!! Beautiful...
wow i LOVE this guy. i LOVE what he said about women! THAT is how you respect women.
i know theres a 98% chance the maker of this poem will never see it: but if he does: wow.
One of my favourites.
man this is so true
@blutsturmer I do apologize for my misinterpretation of your words. Tone and inflection are lost in posts such as these. Power and influence are what construct and solemnize (sometimes loudly but more often silently) the worlds ills and you cannot deny that both have been wielded most often by men. I don't make that statement to editorialize because it is steeped in fact. If the Zedongs and Dadas of the world had been women then I would reverse my position in a heart beat.
All I can honestly say is WOW.
" Men, take note, this is how you give love,
This is how you receive hugs.
Press flesh to flesh till breast crumple,
Like emotional origamy. "
When I think of cultures and governments with respect for women and a health skepticism of violent masculinity, "Palestine" is not the first word that pops into my head.
Also, God = the Invisible Pink Unicorn (blessed be Her holy hooves). May She spite the Pastafarian infidels with all Her mite.
GOOSEBUMPS! That was good!
I am so in love with this.
That hit home pretty hard
esto es arte mi gente
the first step to healing is love, especially for black men. check out bell hooks "We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity" such an excellent book on this topic
preach brother
damn chills...everytime.
I liked the poem because yes it has truth.... but he was harsh because not all men are like that and not all men are perfect nor women, there is good and bad in both genders we should be lifting each other up not trying to always bring the negative.
@Diablos97 no we can not ignore it, but this is not the only problem facing our society. a large portion of Earth's population goes without food and clean drinking water. hate is not racist and hate is not sexist. i am entirely tired of society blaming one nation or one gender or one race. look at the physiology of a man and a woman, they were created for very different tasks. there is a reason why woman was created with the womb.
Beautiful.
@Plato86 And yet, women are still oppressed, abused, beaten and raped in more ways than physical or sexual. It's a common truth, no matter how much we hate to hear it. It's still an issue that's going on, it has NOT disappeared and we cannot ignore that.
You ment to respond to cnn101. In order to do that click on the blue "Reply" button to the left of the thumbs.
I was simply quoting his comment and mocking it.
which episode it this?
amazing
Def Poetry Jam: Where women speak about feminist issues, and where men have to agree to all of them as well.
WOW
REAL TALK!
wow this guys amazing
Beautiful
aaaaawwww he understands us!
beautiful
@Death2Munchkins i dont get it ?
Also... a lot of problems come from rigid gender roles. I think men suffer under isolating concepts of masculinity.
SOLID!!!
And I still stand by everything I've said
this was no rant and I think that man got some play that night don't hate on him learn form him