America In 4 Minutes (Official Video) || Spoken Word

[@BrandenWellington]

America In 4 Minutes (which I wrote when I was 17/18 in 2006-07) is an observation of the ins and out of living in America from a social, political, and everyday stand point. The main purpose is to motivate and inspire others, while illustrating the global importance of having gratitude and taken pride in your country. I feel it's very easy to get caught up in our differences (social/political/religious/cultural), our past, and in the daily activity of life in America. Hopefully this poem will cause someone to pause, if even for a second, to take in just how blessed and fortunate we truly are in spite of our flaws.

[@alexober]

Damn my man. This is one of the best things ever. I believe this right here should be a substitute for our national anthem haha. America does have its ins and outs and I wouldn't have it any other way. Good job man. 2 thumbs up.

[@BrandenWellington]

Thanks for the love and support! Alex Friday

[@LadyLyric001]

I paused! I snapped! I cheered and shook my head! sad reality! I liked the entire poem as well as as the method of delivery. very professional and your words aren't lost in translation. As far as the topic...so true and sadly it's just one more thing that makes me sick and tired.

[@YusefACrowndEmperor]

Men. Sharpen men like steel sharpens steel

[@Anbupanda]

I thought this was a brilliant video. Keep up the good work, and don't give up on a country who has given up on it's self.

[@geethujames9873]

This is great! It doesn't depict America as "a country with streets paved with gold" and it doesn't sugarcoat the corruption and problems of this nation! It's hard to find stuff like this nowadays.

[@mangopeach2012]

that's great

[@BrandenWellington]

Geereni jamvar I like how you put that! Thanks for checking out the video.

[@Callsign_Prophet]

Hello from 2018 this comment is dated

[@Callsign_Prophet]

A lot pf negative media now

[@andydavis3075]

Geethu James No it honestly isn't

[@shm9932]

I'm not an American but I think this spoken word artist captures some of the essential characteristics of what an American is, and why your country remains a beacon: honesty, opportunity and optimism. Branden is honest, not all is pretty in America. Opportunity has taken a hit in the 30 years or so, the income and opportunity gap is widening. Your politicians' squabbling is embarassing. You can't lead without a public spirit, and of late, individualism has increasingly been associated with selfishness and not caring. But there is still optimsim and hope. And opportunity. My prayer is that Americans will confront your ills - it is so American to fix problems, to find better ways, based on the creativity and ingenuity of people, create opportunity for all - and restore the optimism that has been a light to the nations. God bless America. And thank-you Branden.

[@shamelessmaya]

this is so beautiful! why would anyone dislike this?!! love love love

[@andrewwilson5969]

10 yrs ago i loved this. Today I remembered this.

[@fodicky4]

I may not be an American but this is one Spoken Word that has totally changed my view of that country and my own. Be proud of Who You Are and Where You Come From; because only YOU have the power to make it the kind of paradise you want it to be

[@TeejtheDeej]

I can not believe that this video has been out this long and no one has said anything... The truth sucks coz it hits us in the gut and takes the wind out of us. I appreciate the message, makes me think and dig deeper every day and perhaps I will be a better earth citizen.

[@BrandenWellington]

Time flies. Think it's been out 3 years and I wrote it almost 9 years ago. I still feel it hasn't reached it full potential and exposure. Still pushing it.

[@TeejtheDeej]

Branden Wellington I know man, its a good piece and more people need to watch it and actually listen to the message because most will only hear the words... I will share it. Stuff like this helps me elevate my thinking and I hope it helps others too.

[@BrandenWellington]

+TJ. N Thanks man I appreciate you saying so for real!

[@nataliegamble4970]

You're absolutely right! This should have been viral due to the realness in the message he's relaying to America; yet, the word "demure" goes viral causing conflict and legal actions regarding.

[@lion49nfl]

right before I click on this video I thought I was going to see another anti American video about hatred and screaming false facts instead.... What I got was a video by a great young man bring issues up that face our country and gives all the hope to change these things he show us that this is a great nation but has it defects but they can be fix and we should be proud of the this nation which is for all who comes to its shores we cant change our ugly past but like always we keep moving forward I like this man I wonder why doesn't he make more videos ? p.s you look like dezel Washington

[@tristanhutchings604]

I like how this keeps a balance, I thought this video was just going to list the negative aspects of America. You speak both good and bad which means you spoke the truth. Good job man

[@alisonbarlow7836]

This poem doesn’t glorify or demonize America, it tells the truth of America it tells the good and the bad.

[@AlexHernandez-fd9vy]

America, home of the FREE, because of the BRAVE

[@Poetteacher77]

I want you to know that I teach at a high school in Wisconsin, and I have been showing your piece to students for as long as I can remember. Students love it, and it opens up good dialogue about what is good in this country, and yet, what needs to be fixed and worked on. I love that it opens up this dialogue and helps students to realize it is important to question everything and come to their own conclusions. Thank you.

[@drpepperklaire]

This gives me chills every time I come back to watch it. This is one of my favorite spoken poems, thank you.

[@XoxEmBee]

This is Beautifully written. I'm from BC, Canada, yet I find myself tuning into this spoken word daily. This man is the future of our time, and I am hypnotized by his lyrically inclined talent. Way to go on this spoken word. Words can't express how beautiful it is.

[@BrandenWellington]

XoxEmBee I'm extremely humbled by your kind words and I sincerely appreciate your support. Thank you for taking time out your day to watch! Much love from America. Take care

[@demisemedia]

Hey Branden, this poetry was absolutely beautiful! Spoken in an intelligent way with rhythm and heart.. very inspiring. Thank you!!!

[@pwnagedan713]

Countless countries struggle with not being able to provide enough food for it's citizens. We struggle with the fact that we have too much. This country bleeds greatness in every aspect and that's something you should never forget. We can't say we're perfect, but we can say we're the closest

[@ericperry27]

FASCINATING. MY 1ST TIME SEEING THIS. I ASSUME REPLAY VALUE.

[@thatguymeech]

I plan to use this for a speech in my class I am honored to have found this Mr. Wellington Branden Wellington good luck in everything in life and god speed my friend

[@BrandenWellington]

thatguymeech No probelm. Please do use this in your class. Thanks for the love and support.

[@sadaustin]

I've seen this video 5 times, and it still gets to me. Great work mate. :)

[@pablocolon148]

I simply don't understand how this video only has 350k...this is one of the best pieces I have ever heard. Great job Branden on this, well said.

[@ryanjohnson4326]

Honestly one of my favorite spoken word poems out there! Good job man

[@isaiahrooks7784]

it's so nice to get a break from people with narrow minds. this guy gets it.

[@gannet58555]

Branden... You are a star.... from the UK

[@Android9283]

My favorite video of all time. It is truly powerful.

[@nicwagner55]

You made my day sir. Thank you for this art. Keep doing what your doing.

[@thespokennation5105]

I love how this video talks about the good AND the bad about America! The country isn't just bad and isn't just good. I am a spoken word KZbinr as well and I really also like how simplistic this video is, but it still has such a great message. You're awesome, keep making videos! :)

[@violettejavanjavidan9067]

This is amazing, i can't believe I haven't seen this sooner.

[@ikkakukempachi4866]

I'm not American. .. And man...i have to how great this is. BRAVO! Be proud of your country

[@jannetteslack96]

this is amazing and a lot of us don't know this. but i am truly inspired to keep doing my poetry. thank you.

[@BrandenWellington]

Keep pushing and developing your creative awesomeness!

[@jannetteslack96]

Thank you

[@zachfabresskate]

Iv meet many people that came from other countries to live in america.....the happiness i see in their eyes when i ask them how they like it here....its incredible if you havent visited the states i suggest you should and have a positive outlook when visiting..

[@goddessbybirthjaneanemaxwe684]

Wow! I was recently having a discussion with someone about many recent crimes reflecting video games. This matrix is real! I am a teacher, and I have never been able to conform to what we are "required" to teach. I always challenge my students and my children to research. You stated EXCELLENT TRUTHS!

[@BrandenWellington]

Janeane Maxwell thanks for saying so. I've been receiving a lot of flack about the video games lines but more research has evolved over the last few years to that point. But indeed keep showing them them new ways of thinking and encouraging them to ask questions. Questions are the answer.

[@goddessbybirthjaneanemaxwe684]

Branden Wellington I love that...I'm going to steal that, lol. "Questions are the answers". Beautiful....

[@TheFreshestResh]

Janeane Maxwell. Normal parents don't let kids play games that are above their age and a normal parent would learn that games aren't the reality and that you can't do things that you see in a game. You can't blame all these innocent kids because there are bad parents that are bad at parenting! But to answer the question... no, in general video games don't create more violence. In a game it is always about the good and the bad and that you need to fight for what's right with your friends. Why write an essay on a book when games like pokemon (main series and the rest tbh) have a way more intriguing story with the best character development? I completely learned how to speak English because I played 1 pokemon game so schools should change and that has gone far from 1 opinion by now.

[@ricardohinojosa3534]

I teach English III and our theme this quarter is The American Dream. The students are defining their own American Dream and they also have to write their own poem on how they feel towards America. I showed your video in class and the students fell in love with it! Great job and thank you for posting this video. It really inspired my students and seeing them learn and become passionate is truly amazing. Thank you!

[@AliciaStyleAndGrace]

Wow. I couldn't look away, and not just because you are really handsome. This is so amazing!! Such powerful words and even more powerful delivery.

[@BrandenWellington]

AliciaStyleAndGrace Thank you!

[@patriotpride16t]

Quite often I feel that we humans have still not learned ANYTHING from our past. I wish people will awake from the fog of their own lives and realize the reality of the real world. Please, keep on doing what you do. There are people who hear, listen, comprehend, and hopefully, take account of their own lives and speak up and speak out!!

[@lexi22is]

Can you please make more videos like these because this is spoken well it's true and was edited we'll this was a very good video

[@xpsychogravityx166]

I would like to hear an updated version but man I come back a lot to this

[@laurenbeck9088]

Malachi Miller i don't know why i am just now hearing about this...

[@BrandenWellington]

Reading through the comments and noticing most people are focused on the video game line. You're free to disagree all day long but do so after really researching otherwise it's just empty statements. Here's an article that supports what I'm talking about. www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/25/zachary-burgess_n_3991963.html

[@Jeddylions]

I think you should do way more videos! I absolutely loved this!

[@shadowknight1990o]

mate i've played plenty of violent videogames and i'm sure the vast majority of us here have played them as well. yet i haven't gone on a rampage and i'm pretty sure the people that have commented haven't either. as for the guy well human nature wires us to try and blame something else. and as for the news well as you said yourself "we tend to put bandages over problems without treating the cause."

[@MonsterArrow]

it wasn't videogames. it never will be. it's the person who decides to do crazy shit. and if the kids in trouble then he'll probably blame it on anything.

[@DahLastBattalion]

That person was a simple idiot, I play Gta all day and you don't see me going outside and stealing vehicles you sir are amazing and most of what you say is true but the part about the video games is amazingly untrue

[@notlookinforahug]

TheLastBattalion Probably aren't doing anything worthwhile either... Point is they have a negative effect on young society. Give me the positives or please don't respond. :)

[@TeethOfDead]

I dont get whats up with all the negative feed back. This spoke truth. Im Raising a fist with you. This is so amazing . We have a lot of corruption but we can change it and we have a beautiful part of our country too and that we cant allow corruption to touch it. This is amazing. Thank You.

[@Newbornvintage18]

2012 wow no matter what time or year this will forever make sense

[@marleem857]

Thank you for inspiring us all to be better... to be who we can be. The power of this video is astounding. You have inspired me to start my own spoken word piece.

[@Xycron]

Fucking amazing man

[@idlsjay]

So sad how the F bomb deducts IQ points, anybody can cuss.

[@danielledodge580]

I don't know how you did it. You pulled the thoughts and words right out of me. Eloquent, simple and full of meaning. Love it.

[@autumnspears3735]

this is Amazing!

[@TheM11t]

Our nation is still great. It is one of the few where you can come, seize the bountiful opportunity it provides, and rise to the tope. We are more free than any other nation. However, we are slowly falling. Until we turn back to God, He will continue to take away all that He has blessed us with little by little. Leaders once used God's Word as, in the words of Andrew Jackson, "the rock on which our nation stands". What do we stand on now?

[@divalizzous]

"In our America we tend to put bandages over the problems w/o really fixing the cause".

[@jjewell2125]

America is the greatest nation on Earth, however there is no doubt that we have a lot of work to do to make this country the best that it can be and I'm glad you highlight many of the in this video.

[@getitright....5332]

That was more than awesome...

[@jjt53]

I had just seen his NBA poem....and instantly had gotten chills from it, hope someone post it up on youtube soon! But this poem here...!!!... Simply in awe!

[@patriotpride16t]

My friend, you are an excellent orator. Sadly, it seems most Americans like to disregard everything out of their own little world. The world has heard time and again by great people like Lincoln, Fredrick Douglas, Ghandi, JFK, Malcolm X, RFK, Martin Luther King Jr, and John Lennon, to name a small few. All spoke of "love", "peace", "respect", "equality", "kindness", to all humans! All murdered because of these qualities that I wish we all had.

[@you_just]

So what are you doing to try and change America? I'm trying to start an online business at age 11.

[@TheMadnesscombatfan]

That's how the world is. Deal with it.

[@ChucksNPearls]

Pensive thoughts today...just typing out loud... A good majority; Cognitive Dissonance or Wilful Ignorance? Either way; strongly influenced by adopted indoctrination of maladaptive oppression. ..."You comply because you want it to stop. Because you comply, it will Never Stop"... America as true as it seems; America, the American dream. America was founded on deceit. The Judiciary & legalese; all of the Actors twisting, distorting, & exploiting a people for greed. Fear of the unknown, insecurity, & the insatiable need to control indeed. Remaining neutral at injustice is choosing the side of the oppressor. Standing for nothing is falling for anything. No one is immune to injustice. .."The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything"..

[@dejountemurraythefutureg.o9040]

I saw this poem at school today and I have never been so impressed with a single person on youtube who did poetry until now. Keep it up, Branden, enjoyed this.

[@robertchavez8759]

Pandemic brought me here , and Closer 2 God ... God bless America

[@kristinabrooks1711]

Wow - just. Well said. I did research on Branden after seeing him in OISTNB as a CO. He's aged well, but finding this video helps me understand how/why he is an Emmy winning spoken word poet. Amazing 4 minutes and I'm grateful I found this. I hope to continue finding new works of art by this gentleman.

[@BrandenWellington]

▶ 2013 - 2014 NBA "GREATNESS" intro by Branden Wellington

[@keywar99]

Please make more videos like this!

[@BrandenWellington]

keywarplaysMC #StriveForGreatness - NBA Playoffs || Branden Wellington || Spoken Word

[@trini_islandboi]

I am not an American but the words articulated in your poetic message is beyond profound. I love this

[@BrandenWellington]

NEW VIDEO OUT NOW! CHECK IT OUT! #StriveForGreatness - NBA Playoffs || Branden Wellington || Spoken Word Please Like & Share

[@BrandenWellington]

Thank you for being the first to comment Sharon. Your son is a creative genius and a blessing. I'm glad you enjoyed the project.

[@amandawilson2284]

Damn you got me crying within the 1st minute

[@PatFreakinRickTV]

I started listening to this poem and was about to post a well thought out negative comment. But then I listened to the end and I realized that I couldn't agree more with this gentleman.

[@KEL7000]

Amen ...

[@lowkeytaijah7920]

my teacher showed this to our class last year, and i'm so glad I found it again

[@DocKaosBeats]

I'm a big video game player and I agree with that line,video games,movies,music with negative lyrics(violence,selling drugs and robbing..etc) have a big influence on how people think,if those things weren't in existence would we still have that problem?...maybe yes but not as much just my opinion

[@bryanconor8916]

kapone815 If you study history all the things you mentioned existed before video games, movies and music with negative lyrics.

[@DocKaosBeats]

Bryan Conor Yeah but they have gotten much worse because of those things not saying they never existed

[@epikally]

Wow such a powerful message and so true! This is now one of my favorite spoken words! I literally want everyone I know to hear this

[@makennawilson5370]

may of 2020 anyone?

[@KuyaToko]

In the words of Chance the Rapper, "Sometimes the truth don't rhyme". Keep on doing what you're doing, great work.

[@Theforsaken7]

Video games don't cause violence, GTA is a satirical take on American society

[@Theforsaken7]

funny_yummy don't forget weasel news

[@aitor.online]

Brenda Dickson that's true.

[@samjoshi1812]

True, games like that don't have any influence on violence, GTA is just a funny way of looking at America.

[@Swansen03]

"cause" is probably the wrong word. everything you do affects you, small little unnoticable changes over a lifetime. Its all about getting people to deviate from what they would normally think and do. conditioning does not happen overnight.

[@brandonking4071]

Maybe for us, however, giving kids at the age of 8 a video game promoting violence makes them think its "cool" and "normal" to do it. Personally i think that yes it is satire, but give it to an 8 year old, and you will have issues

[@oshinofalakoju5749]

6 Years later...this is still accurate and beautifully presented.

[@selah2367]

I mean I’ve played a lot of Mario kart but I don’t know how to ride on a bullet, eat a star, or drive a car/motorcycle. I don’t think video games influence people that incredibly much.

[@ketamine6972]

That's mario kart sweetheart. Not GTA.

[@nicholasmatau960]

I serve this great country and at times it can be very hard Having a son and wife I rarely see, and I tell you what it's hearing things like this that help me stay strong Well said Branden you are very inspiring

[@mojungle3054]

dude you need upload more stuff

[@BrandenWellington]

Man...I've been so busy doing so much other stuff. I host online channel called Giant Realm on Blinkx.com. New Vids every wednesday. Also check out my FOX Sports NBA Greatness piece. It's on youtube some where. Couldn't put it on my channel at this time. Working on getting some more stuff up here this year. Takes time to get the team together.

[@thekidd2323]

One of the strongest messages, one that’s needed now more than ever.

[@autumnapathy2436]

Videos games especially for males actually make less violence happen, since testosterone is released while playing Call of Duty or Battlefield or whatnot. And if you ever find someone who plays a video game they're often not people who will go on rampages in fact there is no scientific evidence of violent video games causing any negative affects to the brain. And sure some people who commit crime play video games but you can easily say action movies are bad for this society because a lot of people who commit crimes watch many of them. You see? It doesn't make much sense.. It's not teaching anyone how to use a gun in anyway especially since the recoil, safety, reloading a clip are all done with a few buttons but when translated to real life you'd need to be taught or you'd utterly fail at trying to use a gun. And some other people just aren't mentally all right someone may shoot up the school and play games but could have mental disorders, problems at home, etc.

[@autumnapathy2436]

***** Many studies have shown that testosterone can lead to more aggressive behaviors - many studies have also found nothing. So take it as you will.

[@GxIlade]

I was watching a playlist of Suli Breaks, I went away for a couple of minutes and came back to this video (about half way through) and I was blown away. Even though I'm not American, it's still motivating and inspirational to listen to. I am going to leave a sub and watch more of your videos dude, keep it up!

[@galacticrelic258]

I agree with everything accept for the video game aspect.

[@BrandenWellington]

Why so? Josh Longley? What about this report? abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/national_world&id=9260827

[@BrandenWellington]

***** An anecdotal account doesn't necessarily discredit the validity of a theory. I would say a personal testimony or an account for ones actions actually strengthens it's case. Looking at the facts in the article I shared, it's a fact that he engaged in criminal activity, and it's a fact that he attributes it to his need of wanting to act out what he saw in virtual reality in actual reality. If he's being honest about his intent, then research has to acknowledge his account as a variable that differs from it's previous findings. Now I personally don't believe that video games = a rise in violence because I've been playing them my whole life and I'm crime free. In the video I state that "it could teach kids how to do or be x,y,or z" whether or not they'll act those actions out in real life is separate hypothesis. I'm glad this video is doing what I hoped it would which is to fuel conversation and have others dive deeper into whichever topic matters most to them.

[@sniperboi21]

Branden Wellington Id like to say its based on how you were raised, I was taught right from wrong. I can go play GTA and kill everyone, dosent mean im gunna kill anyone on the street. Its a matter of how you were raised

[@lynnstrum]

I agree, I've been playing GTA since I first got it when I was 6(GTA 2) Along with a few other violent games, not once have I ever wanted to kill, or hurt someone due to it. It's all about being able to differ reality from fiction. I'm still in school, get good grades, and do the right thing when I can. Video games don't have a negative impact on my life. Alot of people who say they do, have never even picked up a controller.

[@BrandenWellington]

I'm the same way. Been playing GTA since it was on playstation 1 with the overhead camera and I'm crime free. But I'm also aware that my experience and choices aren't necessarily everyone else's experiences and choices. Unfortunately there are some who have made criminal choices in society and have attributed it to to the influence that certain games has had on them. We're not all the same but for the most part though, I would agree that most of us are capable of playing games and not letting it influence our real life choices.

[@idlsjay]

I wish we weren’t more divided since this was penned and shared… What are you going to do about it America? God Bless you Branden!

[@ConswaMcGaga]

"We tend to put bandages over the problems without really fixing the cause" aka our health system.

[@jdm4life92]

Man. I agree with you. This is heartfelt knowledge in which many need to listen. I guarantee every person who listens to this relizes they can and will make a change. Press on i support you. I support us

[@JordanPhenom23]

Reminds me of Denzel Washington the way he speaks

[@RCIYAH]

ME TOO! LOL

[@marclouly8522]

OMG IVE LOVED THIS VIDEO SINCE IT FIRST CAME OUT AND I ONLY NOW REALIZED THAT IT WAS FILMED LIKE 2 MINUTES FROK MY HOUSE

[@milesdavis3380]

I like everything but the bit where he says that video games make you a car jacker

[@TheRiverweasel09]

miles davis He doesn't, he says it teaches you how to become one. Video games where you can shamelessly drive over hundreds of civilians because doing so is.....fun? I've never bought into that, never found those kinds of games fun. Give me a racing game, sports, adventure rpg's, not just some glorified reason to mow everything over with a tank.

[@DahLastBattalion]

+TheRiverweasel09 Video games are Virtual I cant stress that enough its VIRTUAL the only thing that makes people carjackers or shooters from video games are those with mental illnesses. I have 800hrs in Counter Strike Global Offensive....A game all about killing and blowing shit up but do you see me out there blowing up buildings or shooting somebody?No I didnt think so, Video games are a place we can all relax and have some just casually fun or we can go all in and have a blast being competitive but not once have I seen something that legitly showed a kid turned into a murder from a simple video game, maybe if they had an illness yes but other then that hell no

[@momoshiro139]

When I started listening to spoken word your video was one of the first I watched and man I love it, thank you.

[@lordoftheflings]

America is a joke, don't you get it? America is the home of the slave and the land of the sheep. America is doomed. I haven't been happier, or more successful since the day I left. In America, you're free to choose between coke and pepsi, and republican and democrat. This video made me crack up. This guys has obviously never been outside the country.

[@dsnooz]

America is a teenage nation. It strives for freedom, and thinks it has all the answers, but has its share of problems. Perhaps that's what makes being an American so great. Perhaps that's America's downfall. Eventually the US will take its place among old countries, countries who realized taming the world was an impossible endeavor. But until then, we enjoy our American freedom, privacy, injustice, poverty, and wealth. Enjoy it while it lasts.

[@jamesa348]

And that " joke of a nation " has been to the moon and are back to back world war champs.

[@howiedaubenspeck6002]

Outstanding... touching words! A great deal of truth spoken in just under four minutes.

[@ttxoxott]

I liked it, but I definitely don't think everyone has equal opportunity, or equal rights for that matter...

[@coreyalfredson7986]

Why?

[@ttxoxott]

Corey Alfredson Well money has a lot to do with it. Children that live in poor neighborhoods don't have the same opportunities as children that are born into wealthy families. And then as far as equal rights I believe that depends on your race, socioeconomic status, etc. You can take the Trayvon Martin case for example. I don't think it is right, but that's America.

[@coreyalfredson7986]

I cant take a case that I know nothing of other than what I've read in a third person media. I don't feel that's fair at all. I don't agree tho. I think everyone has the exact same opportunities. I think that using money as a reason for someone not having the same life is a way to pass a long blame in a way. Some of the happiest people I've ever met were dirt poor. Some of the most corrupt dark rooted people I've met lead companies and hold political positions but, yes it also goes the other way. The word opportunities needs to not be associated with money. If the only thing were basing success on is what car or house we have whats the point?? I think that we need to stop looking at what we don't have in our driveways and more of what we have in our hearts.

[@ttxoxott]

It's not just about money. Our opportunities are also limited by our race, gender, and where we live. I'm not saying that it is impossible, I just think some people have to work harder than others.

[@outlander1966]

And some people embrace an excuse not to try at all.

[@vceofanangl]

I love this.. You give nothing but truths and leave us our own perspectives. Oh ideas. TY its beautiful.

[@drx3444]

"only in america, do we feed foriegn countrys, while our own starve on our streats" lol most every country in the west/EU does that..

[@cassiemichelle9003]

I'm speechless. This absolutely nailed it in so many ways.

[@danielclark3618]

America is not the only country that provides foreign aid while neglecting local populations. Babies born with coke addictions and the many other complex social issues that you mentioned cannot be helped with a simple "you can do it, because America". Do you still hold the same simplistic views ten years after composing this piece?

[@zekehirst6510]

last sentence=yes

[@sunnyday4055]

thank you i was waiting for this

[@BrandenWellington]

@daniel Brazil - Thanks for taking time out to write my man. Great question. I appreciate you calling them simplistic values, because that's exactly what they are. Albert Einstein said "If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well." So I take it as a compliment. To address your question, my answer isn't in the line "You can do it." It's in the line "What will you do?" Before that line, i also state that you can stare at the ladder of success or get the courage and climb to the top. "Success and Ladders" can be whatever it means to you. You can successfully climb the ladder of complex social issues and find groundbreaking solutions. You can scale to the top of justice reform, solutions to homeless & veteran aid, adaptive education etc..etc.. But whatever you do- you can't do it alone; It will-- as i said in the poem- "take a collection of all of us to change what's in our American Communities." You have to find what issues resonate the most with you and decide what you want to do about them. So yea, ten years later- I'm kind of amazed that the 17 year old me laid down a simple foundation that an older wiser me can build on. And that truth was- "it starts with self." What will you do?

[@danielclark3618]

Branden Wellington I'm sorry, you've misunderstood me. I didn't say you had simplistic values (not even sure what that would be), I said simplistic views. Einstein was able to explain incredibly complex concepts in a simple way for others to understand. This does not take away from the complexity of the original concept. This is not the same as what you have done. You didn't explain anything. You have ignored the complexity of certain social issues and suggested that they have simple solutions - America. It's a shame you haven't evolved in that respect but my gosh you are pretty. :)

[@vanessajackson3894]

Branden Wellington ran up on this out of no where searching for inspiration....

[@ChubbysCraft]

Of the people, By the people, For the people Those are words that we put in our nation’s creed But only right here in America do we feed foreign countries while some starve on our streets Only right here, at age eighteen, can you qualify to die in a war with bombs and guns But you can't have your first bottle of rum if until you turn twenty-one… This is America, Home of the Brave Home of the wealthy, rich, home of the paid It’s also home of the homeless, the hurt, the deceived and Home of natural disasters that left families in need Some say, that this is the home of hatred and the home of greed But in Philadelphia, there’s "The City of Brotherly Love" and America is home of the highly achieved This place…this nation.. it’s home of the children with a bright future It’s also home of videogames that could teach those same kids to be carjackers and shooters Robbers, mobsters, gangsters, or murderers This is our America and the whole free world has heard of us We're home of the proud, and we're home of a lot of inventions Sad to say, we are also home of babies that are born with a cocaine addiction This is home of "The Red, The White, and The Blue" Where at times you seem to be hated by many and loved by few It’s home of the green grass, the blue shutters and the white picket fence that we talk about It’s also home of people with bad credit that can't afford the American dream house In our America, a vast majority of us go into debt Because we go to work, we get our checks, we spend what’s left Because in American school systems most aren't taught how to properly invest And because of it the national debt and the student loan crisis are bubblin' Meanwhile we can’t find common lines of agreements between democrats and republicans But even if they did agree, I wouldn't jump to give a round of applause Because in our America we tend to put bandages over the problems Without really fixing the cause But this is America, a place where outsiders find it difficult to become a resident This is the place where our ball players can potentially earn more than our president This is the home of top models, T.V shows, and actors The place where cable is flooded with violence, rock bands, and rappers A place where we’re created equal but we use racial slurs for practice This is home where almost everything is done backwards This is where 36.3% of our kids are born bastards But I tell you to forget that number because every year it grows faster So, welcome to America where you are free You're free to have religion or be religious free You can watch God on television Or turn that off and put in a DVD The ins, the outs, the good, the bad…it’s all America and I'm proud of it Even though in our past we’ve started barbaric, belligerent battles Where nothing good can come out of it But you gotta take pride; you gotta take pride in being an American Many people dream of being in this great nation because they have never been They have never been in a state that is part of a very fortunate country Here we can drink when we're thirsty and there’s an excess of food when we're hungry We can do whatever we so choose, but some many abuse their privileges And we can become whatever we want, but we make excuses for the conditions we're living in Well I say…It's time out for excuses and time in for execution There's no more playing the middle, either you're educated or you're relegated Either you're gonna make something happen, or you simply will not In America, you can stare at the ladder of success Or get the courage and climb to the top Right here, In America, you can do it because you have that opportunity But it’s going to take a collection of all of us to change what is in our American communities What will you do?

[@BrandenWellington]

Some of these comments are an example of "selective hearing" at it's finest. I never said video games = crime & violence...I said it could teach kids how to do those things. Could being the operative word. Whether or not they'll emulate video game actions in real life is a separate issue & a very hard to prove hypothetical that would need further research. Here's some homework on the issue. Happy Reading: (delete dot add .) tinyurl(dot)com/d9shx2a tinyurl(dot)com/lo3l5xm tinyurl(dot)com/aevltrn

[@basically2956]

I’m late but I agree. I live in Chicago and 2 days ago my 18 year old niece was shot in the head from another vehicle. She’s actually okay. Hopefully no long term damage. And tbh, I don’t want my son playing video games.

[@ashleabetzen-miyauchi4037]

Using this in a class as an example of excellent oracy skills! - Find your audience - Find your message - Practice, practice, practice - Deliver.

[@Katon8Trigrams]

Vote for Bernie Sanders.

[@LoveMeKissAndHugMe]

That's honestly what it sounded like at the beginning

[@nathanielwalters158]

Young King the message for the ones with elevated minds. I appreciate the poetry and energy you put into it. Keep doing what you do.

[@EarthAngel504]

Is it me or do this guy look like Denzel Washington

[@valentinchartier341]

The editing is awesome and the poem also! People like you are the reasons why I still believe that our society isn't over yet. Words have marvelous impact, respect.

[@OneLoneLegend]

you lost me at 0:53 other than that videogame bullshit, pretty real stuff.

[@justinmaupin3343]

You cant argue this. Hats off to you sir from Chicago.

[@vimbikaichitambira546]

Denzel Washington?

[@elliefieldhouse2459]

Aww this is not only beautifully written but the visual makes it 100 times better

[@elliefieldhouse2459]

+SL Moore I didn't understand that

[@deanyboy234]

Video games don't teach kids to become carjackers or shooters...lmfao.

[@based_lui9030]

He said Keyword COULD

[@deanyboy234]

BASED_LUI$ But it doesn't, at all. Video games do not influence violence.

[@LaLokita2296]

Very wrong

[@deanyboy234]

Morena So films do too? If video games do, you shouldn't be watching films either, it's 10x more real.

[@AyeKarl]

You're totally wrong. Video games influence violence in numerous ways. GTA V for example is a game that introduces gangs, drugs, and every other bad influence that could possibly be introduced by a video game.

[@1hunitGRAND]

I'm only 15 and this video has really opened up my eyes about my country...amazing.