"The thing about being oppressed is that... I'm not." Neil Hilborn is definitely my favorite. He has a wonderful way of starting out funny, and ending profound. It's entertaining and enlightening, and he has a wonderful way of making me feel something, just with his words.
I like the edit he made later on (it's in a different video) where after the "I am not resisting you" he says "And I know they could hear me, they just werent listening"
"I'm a human being! I'm a human being! I am not resisting you!" I love that line. That's the perfect summary of the entire poem. They say you're resisting the oppression, which means you are worthy of punishment. Really, all that's happening is that you are reacting to threats of violence like any sentient being would. That's not "resistance", that's being ALIVE.
This poem makes me think about the poem "First they cam for the...", that shows how people with power will always find someone to oppress-to gain more power, or feel like they have more power. Which is actually, a lot like how bullying goes.
Loud like your first concussion - god I remember my first concussion and it was so loud I was four years old in a car crash and I’ve suffered two more since then and this poem really does feel like your brain throbbing out of your skull I love how he used the perfect rhythm and words to make the point he needed and I feel like there is a lot of karma in the fact he performed this in Minneapolis and now they are finally dismantling their cops
you know... i dont agree with all that he said but I really agree that the power dynamic between police officers and civilians is detrimental to our humanity. i feel like that's a point no one ever makes. so thx man :3
This is pretty much entirely Satire, but some of it can be interpreted as something real. The point though is that it isn't meant to be considered a true story but more of vulgar and impertinent humor.
Check out the first reading of this poem. It's a little different and I like the way he does both for different reasons. I think the first reading was a little more powerful.
Because with slam poetry you only have three minutes to share your poem or you're disqualified. I think still being on stage can sometimes continue the clock with people who are more strict.
I've heard the first reading version of this piece, and I gotta say, I prefer that version better. His delivery was much more sincere and genuine, and not quite as forced as this. Still, good job.
TheImpiroGirl Laughing during the poem, is not about "funny unserious things". They laugh because the straight up honesty and sarcastic tone are one of the most relevant qualities theses artists could have. And Neil is one hell of an artist when it comes down to that!
+TheImpiroGirl Fun fact! People laugh when they are uncomfortable/don't know how to react to something they are experiencing. Which is weird. And awesome.
Amy C Laughing during the poem, is not about "funny unserious things". They laugh because the straight up honesty and sarcastic tone are one of the most relevant qualities theses artists could have. And Neil is one hell of an artist when it comes down to that!
"The thing about being oppressed is that... I'm not." Neil Hilborn is definitely my favorite. He has a wonderful way of starting out funny, and ending profound. It's entertaining and enlightening, and he has a wonderful way of making me feel something, just with his words.
I like the edit he made later on (it's in a different video) where after the "I am not resisting you" he says "And I know they could hear me, they just werent listening"
"I'm a human being! I'm a human being! I am not resisting you!" I love that line. That's the perfect summary of the entire poem.
They say you're resisting the oppression, which means you are worthy of punishment. Really, all that's happening is that you are reacting to threats of violence like any sentient being would. That's not "resistance", that's being ALIVE.
"Oppression only exists because some people have power and would do anything to keep it" ___ Neil Hilborn
I've watched a few of his poems every time he has brought me to tears what is it in this guys voice that can make me stop and listen?
Passion.
He means it
This poem makes me think about the poem "First they cam for the...", that shows how people with power will always find someone to oppress-to gain more power, or feel like they have more power. Which is actually, a lot like how bullying goes.
Loud like your first concussion - god I remember my first concussion and it was so loud I was four years old in a car crash and I’ve suffered two more since then and this poem really does feel like your brain throbbing out of your skull I love how he used the perfect rhythm and words to make the point he needed and I feel like there is a lot of karma in the fact he performed this in Minneapolis and now they are finally dismantling their cops
this guy...has PASSION. everyone hating, go home- you're drunk.
By far my favorite poet
This seems relevant right now.
still seems relevent
Hopefully one day it won't be, but I can't see that happening in my lifetime
def still relevant in 2020
Feels like it will always be relevant
I'd have to say this is my favorite one so far by him~
I love how he always walks out like that, at the end of each speech :)
My favorite dude on earth. He does Amazing things but my fave one is punk rock john
you know... i dont agree with all that he said
but I really agree that the power dynamic between police officers and civilians is detrimental to our humanity.
i feel like that's a point no one ever makes. so thx man :3
This is pretty much entirely Satire, but some of it can be interpreted as something real. The point though is that it isn't meant to be considered a true story but more of vulgar and impertinent humor.
Kiwamarinai Yumeji I'm a huge fan of Neil and I know that he often uses satire but i'm pretty sure this is a serious one...
larry is love Considering how overly generalized this entire performance is, I would believe that he is being satirical.
Kiwamarinai Yumeji I believe it's a bit of both. Like in many of his other poems, he takes you through many different emotions and thoughts.
I'd love to see this live
This guy is fucking amazing...
LOVED this. Very great.
"Loud like a crowbar fucking a piano"
So good.
You are awesome !
🔥💯
So relevant.
i can't get enough of this genius
I'm in love.
AJJ reference? American Tune - "I'm a straight white male in America. I've got all the luck I need."
So fucking powerful. The ending was perfect.
Check out the first reading of this poem. It's a little different and I like the way he does both for different reasons. I think the first reading was a little more powerful.
I don't think they fully understood the mood he was trying to set until towards the end of the poem.
relevant
Holy fucking shit. I love this guy.
this man is fucking perfect
he is brilliantly insane!
So far in all of Neil Hilborn videos, the guy runs off stage lol
Because with slam poetry you only have three minutes to share your poem or you're disqualified. I think still being on stage can sometimes continue the clock with people who are more strict.
Ha, that's pretty funny. I thought for some reason he was shy or something. Great poet though.
+Marrin F that's just something he does. even when he isn't in slams
chris latin yeah if you watch alot of his videos including non- slams he always exits the stage like that
I've heard the first reading version of this piece, and I gotta say, I prefer that version better. His delivery was much more sincere and genuine, and not quite as forced as this. Still, good job.
Personally? I like him.
I wish people would stop laughing about this poem.
TheImpiroGirl Laughing during the poem, is not about "funny unserious things". They laugh because the straight up honesty and sarcastic tone are one of the most relevant qualities theses artists could have. And Neil is one hell of an artist when it comes down to that!
+TheImpiroGirl Fun fact! People laugh when they are uncomfortable/don't know how to react to something they are experiencing. Which is weird. And awesome.
i love this man’s poetry with all of my heart but i don’t know how i feel about him saying the f-slur if he’s straight
eh I don't agree with all of this. It is definitelyyyy sometimes a race thing or a sexuality thing. But i agree with the rest.
Why are people laughing?
Amy C Laughing during the poem, is not about "funny unserious things". They laugh because the straight up honesty and sarcastic tone are one of the most relevant qualities theses artists could have. And Neil is one hell of an artist when it comes down to that!
I like his poetry the future is my favorite one but am I the only one that things this guy has daddy issues
Ha we ARE wrongfully unprepared to fight the police...
I'm pretty sure he said "woefully." o.o
I could quote aziz Ansari here but it wouldn't be true. Yes there are some good parts to this spoken word poem but it's not my cup of tea.
i can't get enough of this genius