FIRST TIME HEARING Bo Burnham: How The World Works | REACTION

[@elbruces]

I really appreciate that Bo didn't try to make himself the "good guy" in this one. He really gets the point across that way.

[@RicAdbur]

I also like that the message in the end isn't simply that you have to comply with the oppressive established power structure, but that even if you do you'll still be destroyed anyway.

[@elbruces]

@@RicAdbur FACTS

[@sknight8621]

@@RicAdbur capitalism, in simpler terms

[@TheDaringPastry1313]

Can you tell why Bo Burnham got signed on to write and compose all the music for the Sesame Street movie that is coming out in 2022? The first part of this sounds sounds exactly like something you would hear.

[@iMustPandaLean]

Wow that’s amazing 🔥🔥

[@julie8100]

I've thought so too

[@HopeGardner3amed]

I kinda wonder if it's one of those songs where it's like "I have an idea for one project (Sesame Street) but it is too dark/inappropriate for kids so I will recycle it for another in the future." Type of thing.

[@loganfriend8018]

Seriously?

[@srjohnst]

Honestly so stoked to see that

[@Altropos]

Sly reference to Karl Marx at 1:33: every single cricket, every fish in the sea, gives what they can and gets what they need. From each according to their ability to each according to their need (Karl Marx, 1875, Critique of the Gotha program).

[@Shinius]

Bless you for more or less understanding Bo's criticism of the "neoliberal fascists", as in the performative white liberals who care more about appearing to be not-conservative, than to actually solve the problems of the minority groups who are suffering. This perpetuates the suffering, which means it isn't MATERIALLY different than the groups causing the suffering in the same place. Whether it's with a smile or a frown, the conditions of the oppressed minority group continues to suffer. It channels a lot of MLK Jr.'s Letters from a Birmingham Jail about fearing the "white moderates". Also props for understanding the subtext behind the song (so many people just analyze the text), as in the power dynamics of the white liberal and the minority group. Big props man.

[@fallsarian5371]

Spot on!

[@GraceT]

That’s not at all what a neoliberal fascist is. A neoliberal fascist is a nazi, but less centered on communism and more geared towards free market and capitalism.

[@smilectics]

other good reading on this is Mao's Combat Liberalism and Kwame Ture's The Pitfalls of Liberalism!

[@saucypupper3347]

Neoliberal is an ideology of Free Market - that we should deregulate government to the benefit of the market. This ideology came to power with Milton Freedman and Ronald Reagan (but would be adopted via Bill Clinton, a "New" Democrat); not anyone I would call liberal. This was in opposition to the New Deal coalition that had been more progressive with government involvement in the economy. While neoliberalism has led to tremendous market gains, it has become synonymous with selling out the citizenry, between outsourcing and deregulating to the point of oligopolies, where civil liberties only exist as a dollar value. A Neoliberal fascist in this context isn't a well-meaning ordinary out-of-touch liberal white savior who tries to enforce their goodwill. The Neoliberal fascist is someone who views freedom only in terms of dollars, therefore only existing with the rich and wealthy, has no qualms about denying the freedom, civil liberties, and welfare of others if it results in massive profits with no regard to the public good, and enforcing this with replacing justice with the jackboot.

[@kassieschmidt5711]

@@GraceT no communist is fascist. Those are polar opposites in their ideology. Countries that claimed to be ideologically communist used that language to cement power and create state-run capitalism and never intended to move toward socialism or communism

[@CherSandals]

This was definitely the best reaction I’ve seen to this song. Most people seem to get pieces of it and maybe the overall tone, but you can really tell when someone’s failure to understand some of the more advanced political terminology and social concepts erodes their ability to parse the nuances of the message. It’s astounding how many people I’ve seen who think “the neoliberal fascists are destroying the left” is criticism against the far left instead of liberal Democrats. But at the same time, these mistakes are totally understandable. As Socko mentioned, our history classes have failed us, so it’s really up to individuals to do independent reading to learn this shit. And without finding a good access point or someone on the inside willing to go through that exhaustive work of educating you, it can be hard to figure out where to even start learning everything you don’t know that you don’t know. Watching you just “get” it, and even add extra historical information, was delightful. I also really love how people interpret Socko and Bo’s relationship here in different ways. The two most common seem to be Capitalist Elites/White People vs The Proletariat/Minorities, and I think it intentionally echoes both dynamics. But one of the most fascinating things to me about this (and it works for both interpretations) is that Socko is a literal puppet on Bo’s hand. Even ignoring the incredibly acute and disturbing turn in their relationship at the end, their entire relationship is built on an inherent power imbalance. Bringing in the ventriloquism aspect, Socko can only speak truth to power, or speak at all, because Bo is not only allowing him to, but also quite literally speaking for him. The devolution of their interactions - from Bo “graciously” allowing Socko to exist outside of that liminal hellscape, to being politely bemused by Socko’s initial rant about systemic oppression, to his seemingly genuine interest in learning how to become a better person, to his immediate defensiveness once Socko’s criticism skews toward how Bo benefits from and helps perpetuate the system, to Socko’s quick and brutal subjugation once Bo is done placating him, to the way Bo essentially murders Socko in the end even after Socko acquiesced - is so masterful, and just fucking harrowing. Honestly, this video has haunted me for weeks. I’m so glad you decided to spotlight it.

[@j4nnikm613]

You know that neoliberals aren't the so called "libs", right? neoliberalism is the idea of a radical free market - capitalism. As far as I know, "lib" comes from the wording of social-liberalism. Its more of a coincidence that most libs are supporting either directly (Democratic party establishment) or indirectly (democratic voters, libs) neoliberal aspects.

[@CherSandals]

It might be a case where the denotative and connotative definitions don’t quite align, but neoliberal definitely refers to the liberals and centrists. Especially here, where the phrase is “the neoliberal fascists are destroying the left” That’s a pretty common criticism leftists have against corporate Democrats/liberals/centrists, or whatever you want to call them.

[@allycard]

I love watching reactors who have watched bo's other stuff cause they all go "this has been far too happy for far too long. where's the twist?"

[@waka1834]

The symbolism of him being the fist of power is also supposed to go with the song followed by a pained “that’s how the world works”

[@eldricgrubbidge6465]

Also the sock's job is to be a literal sockpuppet. He can give his breakdown about how the world really works, but once he goes off script and starts attacking the nice white liberal he's in bad trouble. And once his job is done he's discarded.

[@DevyanshBahri]

5:56 “these things are funny and they shouldn’t be” that’s exactly the premise and the point of his song “Sad”, one of my favourites of his

[@DaNieLLe33993]

It’s heartbreaking to realize that sometimes all we can do is laugh bc of everything going is so much, so messed up, so juvenile, and all at the same time

[@RandiPie71]

Love your reactions to Bo Burnham. His art is genius, and you're just the intelligent, articulate, artistic person to break it all down. Watching you enjoy these songs and bits I already enjoy so much just makes me enjoy them that much more. Thank you!

[@bdmatsterrr]

"these things are funny, and they shouldn't be" that's a badge of honor for any master comedian

[@kyleleehufnagel]

I’m just happy someone reacting to this finally didn’t try to contort the message by pretending like he was making fun of “both sides” which is ridiculous because the “two sides” us Americans are acquainted with are the same side with different manners. Same type of people who act like COINTEL PRO is a conspiracy theory because they didn’t learn about it in school and it wasn’t discussed in their insulated media bubble. Thanks man, this was great.

[@meneedmorebrain]

I'm german and it's true for every "developed" nation, we just semi exported non home grown slavery (wage slavery, class warfare!) Tf why din't we just revolution? Aaarghhhh, that's how th.........

[@kkcider]

Yo had to drop a comment because man, you seem very intelligent. it’s nice to see a reaction channel watching bo that really wants to analyze and talk about what he’s trying to say, and at the same time is knowledgeable and aware of enough, that it’s interesting to hear you talk about stuff. A lot these dudes out here like “lol thats crazy, alright remember to smash subscribe”. Good vid man

[@pharlapcartoonist6051]

I love the fact that Bo is talking about birds and fishes while Socko tells us about real problems. Socko is the one who really learns us how the world works. But it's Socko who is asked if he learned his lesson at the end of the song

[@Finkeren]

Actually, Bo's part is far from meaningless. He is using nature as a metaphor for an ideal communist society. Notice how he says that all living things "give what they can and get what they need" - this is the governing principle in a communist society "each provides according to their ability and receives according to their needs" (please note, thst a communist society has never actually existed yet, even states run by communists have never claimed to be more than socialist) This is pretty radical stuff. Bo is in fact setting up communism as the natural order, the way the world ought to work.

[@BboyKeny]

Real problems but through a leftist lens which has a lot of simplified assumptions in my opinion.

[@hughesjanus]

@@BboyKeny Can you elaborate?

[@Amanda-mb5sp]

Your takeaway from this is poetic. Well done!

[@GraceT]

When I first listened to this song , I was worried about his use of the word Neoliberal fascist, because many people would hear the word “liberal” and assume it meant the left. But ironically (intentionally or unintentionally) that is exactly how neoliberal fascist are destroying the left- because anyone with access to google would be able to quickly find out that the definition is a capitalist nazi. But instead, they just immediately assume it stands for someone who’s an extreme leftist, and end up attacking the wrong people. Speaking of free market, google is free you guys. Please use it.

[@joshbull623]

It is the wrong word to focus on. He said Neoliberal fascists for a reason instead of fascist neoliberals because there is nothing intrinsically wrong with neoliberalism. I would argue the extreme far leftists are just as destructive as neoliberal fascists so it wouldn't be a terrible thing if they were targeted by mistake. Targeting actual liberals however would be a problem.

[@pinklefoo]

@@joshbull623 neoliberalism is what you drink with your white privilege in the morning.

[@pinklefoo]

He's not telling about Nazis. He's talking about conservative moderates that parade as liberal. The ones that echo right wing talking point when it comes to fiscal policy and anything that costs money, excluding the military industrial complex. They love pouring more money into that.

[@loyal7597]

Liberal or conservative it doesn't matter. They both suck and will always suck. Voting doesn't solve anything. The game is rigged.

[@DanJuega]

@@joshbull623 What is an extreme far leftist to you?

[@lonedinosaur13]

Polarity! That’s exactly it. I’ve never heard anyone explain bo that way before

[@Time_Is_Left]

This was one of the most if not the most insightful reactions I’ve seen for this track. And nobody knows about the MLK stuff! Or at least they don’t mention it. Most people either don’t know or think it’s conspiracy theory crap, instead of the on the record atrocity that it is. So frustrating 😩 Anyway, enjoyed the vid

[@joshbull623]

That is because MLK preached against the mindset Democrats want people to have today and you cannot have that. Everyone knows to fear and oppose the evil Republicans, that is easy enough to understand, but you cannot push any knowledge that bad talks the teachings of the great white saviors in the Democrat party either. Nothing new, even among people of color, bring up MLK, Malcom X, W.E.B. Du Bois, Frederick Douglass, Ella Baker or a dozen more prominant leaders of people of color and watch as they miss the point of their teachings entirely and regurgitate some BS they heard on CNN or Fox from their favorite politician.

[@prisonerofcapitalism]

I laughed so... fucking... hard... when he paused the video to say, "Yeah, back in 1999, the FBI was found guilty of conspiring to kill MLK." Like, most reactors do a massive double-take at that moment, and he was just like, "Fun Fact: This sock-puppet is stating documented, factual history about one of the many atrocities our government has committed in an attempt to retain power." Love the shit out of this reaction!!!

[@BunnLilah]

@@joshbull623 That's when they realized he was dangerous to them. It's fucked. They were all fine and dandy until MLK started talking about income inequality and how capitalism is fucking us all over and that's when they started targeting him more seriously. Bo's position actually lays it out nicely lol. He's fine with Socko talking all the crap he wants until he actually gets to the core of the problem, and that's when he rips Socko off his hand.

[@loyal7597]

Unless you grow your own food and provide for yourself the system will always fuck you over. Doesn't matter if it's capitalism, socialism, communism any of the ism will always fuck you over. Becoming self sufficient is the only way to escape the system.

[@meetu_]

@@loyal7597 that is also a ism, it's individualism or an individual weird form of anarchism

[@Brooke-rw8rc]

Socko understands the world so well because he's been walked on for his entire life!

[@barbarafrazier3242]

I have to say sir..... you made an excellent point about the sock representing the powerless person.

[@jusmikaila]

i loved this reaction, thank you 🤝

[@canefan17]

Lol I started laughing right when you said, “what did I say?” 😂 you called it. Went from jolly to doom quickly.

[@bentricky]

I love how you just get it man. Good job on this video.

[@corythomas909]

By far the best commentary on this song. Well done man

[@jaceeaster2246]

BROADBAND...your intelligence impressed me bro! using the word "Polarity" in a sentence? nice! lmao, fucking loved this reaction!!!!

[@iMustPandaLean]

You know Bo it’s gonna flip 😂😂😂😂

[@42Mrgreenman]

5:10 Good on ya for knowing your history...I love that the King family basically sued for $1, just so the investigation and facts could get out there...

[@Alice1apple]

1:42 he predicted it

[@Psycoticlese]

Before I heard this song I was like: HAHA funny man gonna make another song After I listened to this song I was like: Надо, товарищи, захватить средства производства!

[@jfryk]

Spot-on analysis

[@cheddargoblin1374]

I'm addicted to your reaction videos bro

[@denkisimp2853]

I had the same reaction to the cheerful music also 😅 I was like "I know Bo. This is going to be dark and super true."

[@skyeagain5174]

This song's examination and challenge of white habitus is super interesting.

[@BadCoverMan]

You know your shit, love hearing your thoughts on this stuff. Bo channeled a lot of anger and hatred into a thoughtful piece of art, what a guy.

[@ferda9476]

your thoughts at 7:12 convinced me to subscribe. Incredible analysis. This is what reaction channels should be.

[@jamisonking3613]

Thank you! I don't know how I missed this reaction in the first place. Have watched so many reactions to this video and this is the ONLY one that got it spot on right away

[@PityMeofDurham]

The fact that he ripps the sock off at the end (symbollising killing/cutting off aid) means that when they've got their message out and put this person as good face outwards, they just don't care anymore. P. S: Dont know if this makes any sense or if it's even readable, but here it is

[@jeannemarshall392]

You did great review! I love your insight. Gives this old lady hope for future. keep it up!

[@Nickel138]

Damn. Amazing breakdown! You nailed it.

[@lifeiswhatever7792]

Dude, you're smart

[@daraobrien1373]

This guy’s clearly very smart! Loved the reaction as always man

[@Themaxxrad99]

"Who knew the sock..." this had me in fucking tears.

[@kimroberts7006]

I love that you called it right off the top!! Nice! This is one of my favorite songs of his. Love your reactions.

[@Alice1apple]

✨thats how the world works✨

[@midnightearth1015]

comrade Socko

[@bibattybobattyboop9567]

Yes!

[@cherylbuisine5311]

Hey, just wanted to say, I just found you and subscribed. Really enjoyed you first two videos I have seen, can't wait to see more. I think No Burnham is a genius, and you seem to be enlightened enough to speak relevantly on the deep topics he discusses, which I really appreciate. Very few reactors out there can give an intelligent review on such dark issues, but you seem to get it. Looking forward to more of your videos!

[@ManadaCan]

BEST reaction to this song. Well done, sir. 🤘🏻

[@YellowTissueBox]

good onya mate, big love from australia aye!

[@shylapollard5165]

That "whose on who hand here" shows how the people in the dominant society react to the truth while being in power.

[@nickelcityrider5431]

Well done. I got a lot from this video. Keep up the great content!

[@emily-bz7ez]

I really appreciate your takes on all of your Bo Burnham reactions. You seem like such a smart, well rounded and articulate person. You have such a good understanding of things and still appreciate the comedic value. I’m always tuning in to see what you have to say! Edit: i’ve seen you’ve done some rock reactions and would LOVE to see you react to some of Greta Van Fleets new songs. They have posted a bunch of live recordings called “candle light sessions” performing their new album that i think you should check out!

[@natelan69420]

Dude. Wow. I love so much your assessment of this video. Your words are so real. I love your channel. I am subbed.

[@megpaul8076]

Loved your breakdown in particular, because of you knowledgeable coupling the message and power dynamic with historical context - which I haven't seen others do, like, at all - and the relationship between white liberals who don't want to be seen like the "other guys", in their relationship with minority communities. Just awesomely insightful, thank you!

[@iMustPandaLean]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kayligo]

Socko needs to run for President

[@lanzinator4734]

First reaction I’ve seen to actually bring up J Edgar Hoover and COINTELPRO

[@MayaBlevins]

i am loving your reactions!

[@terrigarrett1701]

As a white liberal, I loved your comments about the white liberals 'helping' minority communities. I see that attitude a lot! And we can only improve when we recognize our flaws and move past them. So keep the honest comments coming!

[@LostButBroken]

As Socko said read a book, Conquest of Bread is a good option

[@pleasantsville]

Nice WuTang hoodie!!!

[@shadyd2544]

A neoliberal is a corporate democrat. That's it. I actually think this country does not have much of a "left'.

[@LegendLeaguer]

Not specifically a Democrat. Republicans are neoliberals as well, unless they're so far right and actually fascists.

[@LostButBroken]

The furthest left we have in the US would be considered center to center left in the rest of the world... and there's maybe 12 in the whole country in actual office.

[@nbarrio]

​@@LostButBroken I think not even that 🙈 Center, maybe. Center-left....

[@hazelshadow]

I loooove your political commentary, super sharp

[@TheNervousnation]

A comment section without a bunch of quotes, wtf is wrong with everyone?

[@GreenAndGoth]

And yet you’re the outlier in the comments, why are you being so sensitive to a non-issue? Did you not watch the video about real issues?

[@zy5992]

Loved this! Very insightful analysis and yes completely agree with the white Liberal part

[@danteciccarelli2790]

Family: don’t get all political on us this time. We are just playing High Low Jack Me when I’m in deep thought: 3:12

[@solvian9284]

bo Burnham represents a government or any political person and the sock represents "us" if we talk too much we will be like that at the end of the song but more painful like what im typing here. wait ill update these if im still...

[@instantlybroken]

There is no such thing as a selfless Act. Every Act of charity is committed for self-gratification. It doesn't stop people from acting like they're Bruce Willis at the end of Armageddon every time they drop $0.50 at the Santa's bucket

[@oggyreidmore]

Is it weird that I think it would have been more poignant if the sock was black?

[@AZM777]

😀

[@mayawoflax2488]

Treat yourself! watch the whole special instead of spoiling parts of it for yourself

[@Ryyi23]

At this point, a majority of conservatives are live and let live.

[@10noch25]

Idk but I feel like it’s like a song about how politics is just inherently toxic. Even if one side is right it still usually stamps out a positive light. And especially the whole “I’m not gonna provide you the research or source b/c you’re too dumb” feels like the conclusion to every political comment section war.

[@LostButBroken]

You haven't been Socko much have you? There's so many people that ask for sources and when you give them some they reject it because "communist" or "socialist" when they're the only ones actually talking about

[@10noch25]

@@LostButBroken If you hold that initial bias for every single discussion, debate or argument via the internet you’ll only resort to name calling. If I provide a source and someone ignores the points or calls them bias with no backing I feel like I won without having them change their view. Cause I know going further usually is a waste of time(not that arguing via the internet is productive at all)

[@braves3526]

Ok I know I’m a conservative from North Dakota and we don’t have a massive amount of diversity compared to the bigger states, but racial issues aren’t a thing here. And from my PERSONAL perspective it’s because we just don’t care about race. But it seems most racial issues pop up in blue states. All I’m saying is maybe…JUST MAYBE some of the racial issues issue in the country are because blue states choose to focus on it because there’s a poverty gap and maybe they need to fix themselves instead of making it a national issue. I’ve just never come across a racial issue here except Natives, which I completely understand. That’s something we all need to help mend. But all the other racial issues doesn’t come across as an everyday issue. And I kind of think that works for us. We all see each other as individuals just trying to work and live.

[@hughesjanus]

Yes i agree. Instead of addressing the issue, we should ignore it and it will fix itself eventually. Fuckin bootstraps or however it goes.

[@LostButBroken]

ND has a lot of white nationalists. .

[@braves3526]

@@LostButBroken Really? They must be hiding then. Or maybe you just know what’s in someone’s own head better than they do.