MIND BLOWN🤯🔥 Childish Gambino - This Is America (Official Video) | FAM REACTION 🔥🔥

[@cassandradenise3037]

That pose in the beginning was from Jim Crow

[@Deeraise]

As was the face he made before that when they paused it.

[@opethdan2408]

Uncle Ruckus

[@lordwanda7321]

@@opethdan2408 I think I just came from watching the same video you did lmao that shit had me dead

[@dontworryaboutit6669]

@@Deeraise yea people never catch the over exaggerated looks like the ones you saw on old book covers or cartoons of African Americans making crazy faces and how exaggerated they are.

[@TinyyTinkerbell]

@@opethdan2408i am shocked no one caught that. Especially anyone that at least watch the boondocks and know what that character is.

[@StoryTimewithMissAnna]

The 17 seconds of silence before he lights up is for each of the Parkland students who were killed. There are SO many layers to this video, I feel like an entire semester of philosophy/sociology could be taken up discussing the different meanings contained in this film. Thank you for your video, it is powerful to see a father and son watch this together & discuss it.

[@mindfuct8862]

This video is flooded with metaphors and meaning you won't see it all the first time. From the way he danced, the type of pants he wore, to the people just sittin and filming it with their phones and the fear in his eyes at the end.

[@dottiefoo]

He’s showing how black people are shot, the guns are treated gently like they need to be protected, while the body is callously dragged away.

[@Carakav]

@crowthrone Guns are false security. They're like drugs: they make you feel good, but in reality, they are not the root of your freedom.

[@Carakav]

@crowthrone The right to bear arms is a single line in the constitution that was only interpreted to mean what you think it means within the last 100 years. A TRUE patriot understands that TRUE freedom comes from open and civil discourse, education, transparency in government, democratic elections, and the grace and understanding that we grant to our fellow man. Guns can buy revolutions, and in the hands of a soldier they can help defend them, but every country has guns and soldiers. It's ALL of the OTHER rights that actually grant you freedom.

[@Carakav]

@crowthrone Oh, guns are useful, but just like you can drink too much water, you can put too much faith in firearms. Don't let the power you think they give you blind you to the truth: governments and corporations don't *have* to take your guns away, to take your freedoms. They can whittle away at everything else, while you cling to your weapons. The point is: you shouldn't HAVE to fight a revolution, or fire a weapon, to safeguard your rights. If you get to that point, then that means that you and everyone around you has already failed to do your due diligence. We're not living in a centuries-old monarchy like the founders did, where revolution is a forgone conclusion. We're living in a Republic that we already fought for, and if we get to the point where a trigger needs to be pulled, then that means the Republic has already failed, and then we need to ask ourselves whatever the hell being a "patriot" is even supposed to mean, if we can't even hold on to something we already won.

[@elwray3506]

@crowthrone I suppose in countries with stricter gun laws and way less gun violence the people are just not patriotic enough, right?

[@elwray3506]

@crowthrone Sounds a bit helpless, if you have to resort to insults. Everyone a sheep except you, right? You must be the genius, that invented thinking...so slow clap just for you.

[@t3chkz0wep0p.2]

Gambino is Jim Crowe. Watch all the children, as long as they follow Gambino's dance they're safe, they're in school uniforms b/c it's taught early. It's a very good art piece. There's a lot more in depth detail as far as what EVERYONE is wearing, the cars used, the lyrics etc. Almost the whole thing is a metaphor.

[@HelloWorld-wu1my]

T3chkz0we p0p. Another interpretation that made sense was that he was America or the U.S.

[@radioactive_baby]

I thought Gambino was supposed to represent America itself. Where all this bad stuff is happening but they are distracting us with Entertainment (hence the dancing)

[@kerry7713]

He’s creative genius.

[@alx_spencer5394]

Even the location is like a cage, just a big cage with glass panel with a little bit of sun light.

[@ericmiller9331]

Love how you guys got the message behind the video. It throws you off guard first time you see it and you guys did a good job of trying to understand his intentions

[@E1eMenta1]

Pointing out that when there's a shooting, everyone freaks out for a minute, but then everything just goes back to song and dance like nothing happened. Damn, that's so insightful

[@kerry7713]

Even the background music. Went from something African/Caribbean to southern working type songs to jazzy to gospel to more modern rap sounds. Even that is a statement. Everything means something here. Such a deep song/video. Thank you.

[@kerry7713]

To the end where he’s alone on the car, …. As long as I keep tap dancing for you. He’s genius.

[@tjshannon8762]

I remember seeing him debut this song on SNL and thinking that was alright. Then they dropped the video right after and my jaw hit the floor. The video is definitely needed to drive the point of this song home. It's brilliant.

[@NoProGoPronto]

@TJ Shannon ~ Me too. I had the exact same reaction watching the official video AFTER he performed the song live on SNL. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I had to watch the video over and over again to catch everything that was going on in the background.

[@PixiePrix]

Hi from the future!! He specifically timed the release to be after his SNL performance. Usually, mvs are released early morning but he released his around midnight because he wanted it to be a moment of significance. Also... this was originally going to be a Drake diss track but life kept inspiring him to work with it.

[@museborn7703]

this is a piece of cultural art. its intelligent, challenging, misdirection, interpretive ,uncomfortable and undeniable.

[@Mmm_Kay]

The pose at the beginning is a direct reference to jim crow. Gambino's dance moves are attributed to Crow as well, the way black folk were/are presented; as entertainment for yt people. The "goofy" moves and faces are exactly how yt people envisioned black people acted and they put them on display for minstrel shows etc

[@georgesnow797]

That pose references Jim Crow.

[@Cifer77]

A big part of this video is the foreground vs the background. What's in front is usually the distraction, the lie. In the background is the horrible truth. People running, fighting, destruction. But then that violence can't always be ignored, it breaks through and people die, and we go right back to the lies and distractions. After half way you see a black hooded figure riding a white horse.... "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."- Book of Revelation

[@timmoose33]

From the civil war style pants to the pictation of death riding the horse. Not only is this a representation of black history, but American History. This is one of the deepest videos I have ever seen

[@ivy-queenofworms]

At the end when he’s running away I think it’s more about how even someone at the top, livin carefree and ignoring all the deaths around them, isn’t immune to the violence of America and it eventually catches up to them. That’s how I saw it anyway I don’t know if that’s right.

[@Mmm_Kay]

The beauty of music is all these different, deep interpretations. I love reading them ESPECIALLY when its black Americans talking about this song❤

[@LoneQuietus]

What I got from it was that for all the violence and chaos throughout the video, no one reacts to anything until he lights a joint and all of a sudden he has to be chased down and stopped. I saw it as a comment our culture's disproportionate response to drugs as opposed to other crimes like murder seen in the video.

[@laylagrey5086]

Love Love Love childish Gambino before he started rapping I was shocked to find out that he rapped only knew him for being funny great young actor. And his music was just icing on cake 🥰🤩🥰🤩

[@georgesnow797]

His role on Community was hilarious.

[@laylagrey5086]

@@georgesnow797 oh my God yes!!! I even caught a stand-up of his comedy Central and I have a thing if you can make me laugh I'm on your team because laughter is healing and free

[@laylagrey5086]

@Erik Davis YES SIRRR!!😁

[@georgesnow797]

@Erik Davis Atlanta is dope. Is that show ever coming back?

[@markshaffer6447]

He (and Abed) were the best parts of Community

[@lnstks96]

I love how serious you took this video but also recognize when its being humerous or whatever. It shows you were truly watching it and trying to understand it and analyze it. And I like how you engage your son into the conversation and I asked him questions so he could participate. That's great parenting and you're teaching your son to be a very woke in conscious young man. I think this is just a very positive video all around and I will be subscribing now.

[@Who-Dunnit]

The part that always gets me is when he shoots someone, the people fall and no one does anything, but the gun is handled with so much care, being handled with red cloth, taken so carefully from his hands. And how every time he had a gun and shot people (execution style), he walked past everyone like it was nothin, but when he aimed an empty hand, everyone ran.

[@katpiercemusic]

"How relevant is this song today." And all I could thing was oh shit. I think some of what he's commenting on also is the idea that black entertainers (and athletes) are expected to stay silent and just keep entertaining when this stuff happens. The amount of criticism that they get for sharing their thoughts on what happens in their own community. Some of those faces he was making were mimicking images from minstrel shows (others mentioned Jim Crow). So it's like the expectation hasn't changed much since reconstruction. Stay silent and dance for our entertainment. The video combined with the music is flipping genius.

[@Mrmapleleaffan13]

This song won two Grammys

[@Apizzaslice]

What do Grammys mean in 2020?

[@SOLO-io9sl]

It won 4

[@Amanda-mb5sp]

It deserved more.

[@natewilliams1062]

Wut? Who cares. Amazing social commentary. 2 grammys? Nope. Don't care. You trolling?

[@yclowe8499]

Great reaction video. This is America...and we keep dancing. In addition to the images, the lyrics are striking. "Black man, get your money!" We can sometimes sacrifice our dignity and self-respect to party or get the bag. Interesting...

[@AlexJames-ly8sr]

I so appreciate how you and your son were able to engage in an open dialogue, were respectful to one another, actually listened and both brought insight to the table.

[@ginat3592]

The country... more than that... the world needs more artists like Mr. Glover. This is a provocative and sometimes shocking piece of art. The first shooting is so jarring. You get caught on the facial expressions and movements then BAMMMM. Crazy stuff but I absolutely love the integrity behind it. He’s brilliant and omg that look of terror on his face at the end hits me hard every time.

[@gd23lover]

I've been looking at Childish Gambino's song and interviews. He was definitely conscious about what was going around this country. It's very different now to see how our country is right now and seeing the MV. It hits harder. Thank you for your reaction! Stay healthy and safe!

[@meganklobchar7014]

He has the best metaphors in his bon fire song and freaks and geeks Some of the best lines I ever heard His hot 97 freestyle in my top 5 🔥🔥🔥

[@ultraguy14]

Out of all the reactions I've seen to this, this is honestly probably the most thoughtful deconstruction of the symbolism I've ever seen.

[@kennyrymanowicz4007]

I love this video and all the messages contained within it. There are sooo many in it. Like how he is wearing confederate pants. The pose from jim crowe. Everytime someone is shot, they take the weapon with red velvet cloth to symbolize how much care we take with respect to arms, instead of our own people. The 17 second pause in the song. Even how the man that was shot in the beginning is, even in death, expected to continue entertaining when he shows up later playing the guitar. There many many more awesome metaphors throughout this video. Protest art is easily my favorite form and this video nails it. Dissent is one of the most patriotic things you can do.

[@chronicinokla]

I think the music where he is rapping about Gucci, whip etc... Shows how music, social media, dances are distracting from what is really going on. Who knows maybe they were created as such so we can escape the real shit happening. I thought at the end he stood with hand like pistol, and kids ran away from him, you heard beat like distant shots, maybe referencing school shooting and then he was running. I'm not sure but that's what it made me think of. That even school kids can't get away from the violence of our America. I truly hope that change has begun. Great videos guys.

[@kronos6460]

I got the impression that when he executed the first man and massacred the choir everyone acted normally, which was juxtaposed with when he pulled out the fake (invisible) gun everyone ran away to symbolise how as a society we abhor fake violence but have no problem with the real thing.

[@jnanashakti6036]

One of the more immediately profound reaction videos I've seen to this. You're really insightful. Subscribed!!!

[@1969GrassHoppa]

For those that make comments about his dancing, YOU are who this song is talking to. You are distracted. The things that are happening around you, are unseen. It's one thing to be awake, and another to be cognitive.🤔🤫👏👍✌🙏❤

[@TriiggeerR]

2000 IQ

[@Thoreaux]

I mean, the dancing is one of the video's many connected visual metaphors, it's not an insignificant thing to pay attention to. Without the dancing, or the attention viewers pay to it, the video would lose one of its messages.

[@1969GrassHoppa]

@@Thoreaux, that's my point.

[@Thoreaux]

@@1969GrassHoppa Is it? You're getting on people for talking about the dncing like they're missing the point, but you have to see the dancing to see the whole picture.

[@1969GrassHoppa]

@@Thoreaux, it is. I'm speaking of the people that are focusing on the dancing, ONLY! Commenting on how horrible the dancing is. By doing so, they are missing everything that is happening in the background. You said the same yourself about there being more to focus on. 👍✌🙏❤

[@jen.g.]

I’d be curious to see you react to Joyner Lucas’ “I’m Not Racist”.

[@kabrinah2035]

Yes!!

[@tomtomthebear]

Just about to write this..!!!

[@marcoshernandeziii1309]

Yes! ×100

[@CaleighsDay]

Ironic, that's the vid I watched before this one (a reaction to it)

[@randomhumanontheinternet9857]

guess we just in 2018 again huh?

[@aaronmullins1993]

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

[@rachellesteinerman8078]

I'm watching this two years later and it is one of the most powerful songs and videos I've ever seen. It's brilliant and I wish it was shown and broken down in schools across America.

[@sport1girl]

I'm a teacher, and if I taught a higher grade, I'd analyze this video with students. My daughter was in high school when it came out, and they did talk about it.

[@iandavis8755]

You guys nailed all of the points of this video, which I honestly think is one of the most brilliant music videos ever made. You noticed the parallels between the shallow and flashy entertainment and social media industries, and how they are used to distract you from what it's really going on and how quickly people are able to move on after a tragedy, like it was old news and that you should be more concerned with consuming new entertainment. I think the same can be said about the parts where the bassline is dominating the song, while the happy choir song is trying to find its way up out from underneath it. Similar to the rawness of the visuals, the sinister and heavy tones snap you back into reality. You guys had one of the most genuine and accurate reactions to this song and video I have seen, so thanks for sharing it with all of us...

[@joseph2ne]

Good insights from your son & it’s great to see him asking you what you think 💖 You can tell he believes in you and looks up to you

[@ericyoungstrom5745]

You all are becoming one of the top reaction channels here on YT. This video hits heavy, back when it came out and more so now. Spot on with how you all did it.

[@mattfarleyakafattmarley6947]

This is America don’t catch you slipping now… meaning stay strapped or get clapped

[@kilgor1980]

The song is powerful, but the video takes it to a whole other level. It's a work of visual art we don't see enough of.

[@ashlealabine6937]

There's several videos on KZbin decoding all the references and metaphors in this video. It is definitely worth a deeper dig.

[@linellecameron3067]

I'm so glad to see a channel react that actually gets it. Plus you guys paid attention to the background also. Bless up!

[@norskawarrior1919]

Love how you got the message immediately. I can't watch this video without crying every dang time I watch it. His pants are confederate soldier style. The layers involved in this vid are never ending. The kids recording with their phones are blindfolded btw.

[@seymourclarity8702]

Been watching your vids for maybe 2 months, I just wanna say congrats on co-raising some intelligent, independently-minded humans. Have a good one

[@shinsobruhh]

Thank you for this reaction, I actually was hoping you would watch this video. Donald is a genius.

[@unholywolf1945]

Also notice he only has to run for his life after lighting up a joint

[@katlovato6653]

You are the first person I have seen reference the joint! I also think the ending has to do with it. All of the crimes he "committed" they go after him for that. Like in real life, Marijuana is worse than murder.

[@unholywolf1945]

@@katlovato6653 unfortunately to a significant section of people in positions of power smoking marajuana is more important than black lives

[@dirtfarmer7]

Absolutely brilliant, on SO many different levels... Thank you for this Danny... HEAVY

[@riverwindbonsai]

The heavy look in JoJo’s eyes when he says “churches have always been a target” is haunting. There’s a lot of wisdom in that look. You’re not a barcode. we can improve this. love to everyone!

[@drewlion3435]

It's amazing you know you're creative and inspirational and on the right track when you are doing something different to try to reach out to every level of people from the top to the bottom to the east to the west and he's able to do it big ups for that

[@mellanapa]

It's been 5 years and I keep coming back to this reaction, because it's one of the best one done to day. I hope you're still educating yourself and others, because the rest of the world IS watching, and we're scared for your next election. Don't give up, don't give in, organise and make a change and we might still have a chance! Much love, From STHLM, Sweden

[@GregDaniel78]

Awesome and thoughtful reaction! Oh, and the cars are references to the types listed in police incidentd when pulling people over and shooting them. Rodney King's Hyundai is visible especially.

[@thereseball]

Can't believe this is your first time watching this!! Childish Gambino is absolutely friggin' brilliant!!

[@rachelcopeland5186]

Thank you for posting this; I've been thinking about this song and music video a lot recently. Really appreciated your thoughtful commentary and insightful questions.

[@LightandDarkSavior]

I have loved this song and video for so long but I'm gonna say it: It hits different now and it makes me wanna cry.

[@johnny10gunz19]

This is the best cover and understanding of whats taking place in this video. From the UK

[@BakerStreetShootout]

Jojo, you’re super smart man. Pickin up on the subtle things in the video. Man I love y’all’s reactions!

[@madison3116]

And yet even after this song, look where we still are. I'm glad he chose to make this song though because it's important and unfortunately, extremely relevant.

[@mantispr3ys]

Great commentary. So aware. Thank you. Unbelievably perceptive for the first watch. Thank you. Difficult first watch but you HEARD

[@kylaarmstrong-benjamin5986]

This song and video are so underrated! So many hidden messages

[@Diegesis]

This is the best reaction I've seen to this song.

[@Mx.RumpusParable]

This was just an amazing bit of artwork. I really enjoy coming back to see people's first view reaction to it.

[@El-ingobernable]

its sad tho that so many people didnt pay attention to this video back then or even watched it 🤦🏻‍♂️ Donald Glover/Childish Gambino is a amazing artist.... rapper/singer, actor, writer, producer and so much more. Kinda dope that he mentioned Oaxaca 🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@theinkawarrior7649]

Im latinamerican and we support black lives matters ✊🏾✊🏼

[@zanecowan7475]

I’ve seen many reviews of people like yall watching this video and so far yall got the best review yall understood it and went in and described small details of the video and just all understood what it was saying alot of the other reviews understood it but didn’t see the whole part of it.

[@christopherpoller5011]

Dang! You nailed his meaning quicker than anyone i have seen. Good reaction!

[@stormsolomons4243]

As for your opening observation, Spot on. Parice O'Neal Rest in Power constantly adressed how we would like to think we care but we dont. Someone's shot life goes on

[@lxmon_sxuares5458]

Right we won’t stop until are. Justice 😌🖤

[@gingerpanther1018]

When he first dances he is free is just free its just rhythm ,then he said "this is America " mimicking African moves and 5,6,7,8 this is America, taking the piss ," im so pretty yeah, im so dollar, he is telling he is telling you how America changed you lovely music lovely music lovely natural dancing THEN this is America just before he shoots

[@Deniz-tj8tx]

The interpretations of the man on the left are so accurate, loved it

[@laylagrey5086]

Like I told you more than once before "get your money"😊😎💪✊💋

[@vadimvodkin6659]

Hello

[@franciscarranza4670]

You're speculatiodns are on point

[@beautyandsoul5580]

I salute Gambino for dropping Jewels the way he is doing. Its time to wake up people. Its time to look beyond the dancing and really really see whats going on.

[@jolenegruntman3978]

I felt like stopping to smoke a joint, was a metaphor, where the background stops, you feel all sexy, on top of the world, but then you wake up and realize you are actually fighting for your life.

[@TheClipperchip]

I don’t think people understand how significant this particular artistic expression from Glover is…..Incredibly telling, from the perspective of a black man experiencing the USA firsthand. This will be an pivotal statement going forward.

[@jaykaypop6501]

Also notice before the breakdown how everyone ran from him from the way he held his arms although he was unarmed highlighting racism against black people being thugs

[@SuperKristine1991]

I honestly just love your Dunder Mufflin hoodie. Respect! Love The Office.

[@monicasainz3212]

Wow! What a wonderful reaction

[@bibonagy]

Excellent review you guys made comparing to other review videos.

[@Ron-gm8dv]

i want to see a change in this world. i am about to be a senior (16 rn, turning 17 in november) and i shouldn't have to be scared for when i go to college and into the real world just because of my skin color. it's crazy out here and i just hope that we get a message sent out. hope everyone stays safe and i love the support in the diversity from the PEACEFUL protests. i highlighted that because i didn't want any backlash for saying that and not riots. and i just want love in these comments not hate. especially during these times, we need all the love and support we can get. stay safe everyone

[@NiteOfTheWorld]

The pose near the beginning of the video comes from the racist Jim Crow character created in the early 19th century by Thomas Rice, who wore blackface and performed as the character in minstrel shows. It later became associated with the racist segregation laws that were enacted in the South after the end of Reconstruction in the 1870's.

[@xthemwordx]

Love your reactions. Especially to this video. Do you know how many reaction videos to this miss every message, and just prove the point of the video? They don’t even seem to acknowledge what’s happening in the background (proving the point). You do! Thank you! Sending love from MD.

[@christopheratkinson5776]

Thanks to the LFR fam. If you would like to teach the kids more history, I highly recommend Rage Against the Machine. 'Killing in the Name' is a good starter, since it's very relevant to what the world is finally seeing now. Their first album is legendary and holds so many truths. And to think it came out in 92 after the cops got off for what they did to Rodney King. 28 years ago! And we're still seeing this BS today. Also check out some KRS-One, Public Enemy, NWA, Ice Cube...the list could go on. Being a young white teenager back in the late 80's and early 90's, I was fortunate enough to have these artists open my eyes, ears and mind to issues that I had no idea about. Because in the immortal words of Living Colours' 'Pride,' "History's a lie they teach you in school, a fraudulent view called the golden rule." P.S. You caught it Jo Jo. That's the Jim Crow pose. Another history lesson that seems to be omitted from history teachings. Y'all keep doing your thang and I'll keep hitting that thang!

[@intodaysepisode...]

Its the I'm sync rocking at the beginning for me! 💪🏽

[@wartoc3708]

The contrast he uses between the superficial (money, cars, dancing) and the darker aspects (racism, crime, shootings, etc) is brilliant. I think it is meant as a mirror to reflect so we, as individuals and as members of a society, can reflect on ourselves.

[@LAVISHING]

Love your reaction guys! Nice Office sweatshirt!

[@maeganyust2568]

Hey there :) I like to come back to this song and see the reactions because I think over time the meaning tends to change.

[@aysiskyle9458]

I like this reaction, for me the kids in uniform show how adults send their kids to school thinking they’re all safe from the real world but they’re still being influenced by social media and school shootings still happen.

[@schwazroda7882]

Loved hearing this commentary

[@datanotfound4556]

6:25 "GET the hell outa here! People shootin' up churches now too!" *short pause... **BEEEEWWWWWWW!!!*

[@sparrowhawk81]

Damn man, you're raising some cool kids there.

[@jarrettfinney4882]

The kids smart. Good job yall

[@konkeydonged]

JoJo intelligent af

[@timothyofgaul6817]

His stances and poses and dances referenced pickaninny culture and Jim Crow era imagery. He’s also wearing civil war era button trousers. There’s also a billion other references in this video. It’s amazing.

[@Thoreaux]

I know it's a serious reaction, but that really solemn, frowning tap of the hype button at 6:30 made me laugh pretty hard. Just like, such a happy little noise versus that look on his face.

[@KINGFLEX305]

You raising a smart child👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@a.m.6402]

This is the best reaction to this song.

[@xKagryx]

A bold, important message!

[@pnkpanther4203]

I love how the guy with the durag keeps a straight face like,I seen it all lmao

[@Kelly30stm]

I am so glad you picked up on the background. a lot of people didn't get it.

[@yankeehill10]

I love how this song talks about the issues at hand and recognizes that there are issues that we are being distracted from. We can agree and disagree about how to solve them but I'm glad someone is trying to draw attention to what our distraction culture is. A distraction. I hope protests can bring about some change for the better, but with how violent protests have been getting in the past decades, it seems change for the better isn't going to happen

[@kylaarmstrong-benjamin5986]

Man seeing Jojo's face after the church shooting just broke my heart! He felt that deep I could tell!😭

[@marcoshernandeziii1309]

Love your reactions LFR Fam