Your MLK Memes are Problematic | Problematic Monday’s

I do a deeper dive on my Instagram series Problematic Mondays, by answering a few of your questions.
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[@cynhanrahan4012]

Whitesplaining. Many years ago I was told that if I feel uncomfortable by a not-white person's discussion of race, that I should shut up and listen closely. And that the more uncomfortable I feel, the more intently I should listen. This is the best advice I was ever given to unpack my own internalized racism. Still unpacking. Thank you, Cheyney, for being part of my continued education.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Well said, and so true.

[@bionicwoman3166]

the term whitespalining is so racist, judging someone by the color of their skin is racist. How is this concept hard to grasp?

[@julietfischer5056]

@@bionicwoman3166 - 'Calling out racism is racist' - What I just read.

[@julietfischer5056]

@Candy Ribbons - You probably think mansplaining doesn't exist, no matter how many times it happens.

[@bionicwoman3166]

@@julietfischer5056 you read it oddly then. Discounting the intellectual argument of and not allowing someone to reference a quote because they do not share the same level of melanin as the person quoted is racist. ..qualifiying someones thought based on the color of their skin is racist, how is this a hard concept?

[@nurmihusa7780]

“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." ― John F. Kennedy

[@emeraldsea28]

Thank you. That’s a perfect quote.

[@Katiee0592]

This 👏👏

[@bionicwoman3166]

you are using this quote ,from a white man, ironically..yes?

[@ticcitoasty]

@@bionicwoman3166 that should make it even easier for white ppl to digest. but i’m curious abt the original context.

[@bionicwoman3166]

@@ticcitoastyi just find it rather droll, like hate on the white man but make sure you use the wisdom form a white guy when it suits your narative, we can do better. Wisdom is not to be segregated and the pursuit of wisdom is not cultural appropriation, its the goal of human life, lest we become vapid and stupid...and youre welcome to quote my lovely colored self with that one.

[@kobaltkween]

As Innuendo Studios pointed out, when you advocate a non-violent response to an already violent situation, you aren't advocating for violence not to happen. You're stating who you'd prefer it to happen to.

[@ashleejones1690]

I really relate to what you said about the oversimplification of MLK and Ghandi, particularly as someone who grew up --and was thus educated- in the South. A lot of this stuff was taught to us in schools, and it wasn't until much later that I came to be aware of the fact that much of what I was taught is NOT reality. To give a small example, we were taught that MLK and Ghandi were "good" because they were nonviolent and Malcolm X, Black Panthers, etc. were "bad" because they were inflammatory and radical and violent. It's a very uncomfortable, but absolutely NECESSARY, experience, and I thank you so much for being so informative and unapologetic.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

never thought of it in that way, but I have definitely seen the comparison of "good" vs "bad" activism (mostly of racial movements/black people) thanks for putting that in a thought provoking way

[@ellanina801]

Well, it’s almost like erasure for all of the positive impact that the Black Panthers actually had. And maybe a coverup for what they did. A swat team stormed into Malcom X’s home and shot him in cold blood while he was sleeping next to his pregnant wife. What’s bad is the thing they were fighting againstz

[@JoiIsakYT]

Oof that one long comment that tried to be all "we live in the best time, be thankful and shut up" so much gaslight energy coming off of that thing it could cause an explosion if you struck a match. You handled it so well. I could tell it was hard to read. All the internet hugs and hi fives of solidarity.

[@JennaGeorge1010]

I think what's happening is a lot of people are talking about how horrible the US is and how we don't provide anything for the citizens and this isn't true. If people want to see what a dysfunctional oppressive government is there are plenty out there they are welcome to move to, except they might die. Also you are doing a deceitful manipulation maneuver did you realize? Ex: "i like vanilla ice cream" says one person "oh so you're saying you're racist?" Says another person. Putting words in someones mouth that never came out in order to break down their argument and attack them. You know that this is not what the person wrote and yet you're willing to bend it to feel a ...sense of superiority maybe? Chances are if you get bothered by this comment enough you'll do it to me too. Or you'll just settle for "you're racist" and call it a day.

[@ticcitoasty]

@@JennaGeorge1010 wow. that was the biggest miss of a point i’ve ever seen. the argument that people should be happy and complacent bc basic necessities are met (which isn’t even true for a lot of ppl in the US of all places) and that “others have it worse” is doing nothing but shutting others down. this country is generally considered to be a great place. there’s a lot of things most of us don’t have to worry about, at the very least to the severity that other places do. so why are we struggling with something as simple as this? should we really be playing the oppression olympics, weaponizing other countries misfortune (that i’m sure we and other bigger countries play a part in)? i don’t think these country’s people appreciate it, especially since it’s nothing but words. you don’t actually have any intent of meaningful action to fix their situations or focus on them, you’re just taking a logical fallacy and slapping it down to end a conversation. it sounds like you’re extremely uncomfortable with the idea of change. especially if it’s not specifically framed to benefit you, but others around you. btw ur “example” if you can even call it that is laughable, and even better, is just a joke exchange i’ve witnessed between many middle schoolers.

[@FREGFAT]

@@JennaGeorge1010 yep

[@NightTimeDay]

This is a sad point of view to hold.

[@WanderlustHomebody]

​@@NightTimeDay ​You're being abused and you tell your abuser to stop it. Instead of your abuser stopping they say, "We're living in the best of times. Be thankful." I'm pretty sure your next thought wont be, "This is a sad point of view to hold".

[@rocketsocks]

Thank you for this. Two points I'd like to add. One, some people are mistaking "non-violent protests" with a "non-violent process". Whether you are talking about India's fight for independence, or the civil rights campaign, or anything else where non-violent protests were a key element violence was still very much present. Both violence against protesters (as you point out), but also the systemic violence that was being protested against. The lynchings and daily oppression of the Jim Crow era, the tyranny of occupation by a foreign power of Imperial India, the over policing and oppression of black lives today. Non-violent protests do not remove violence from the system, they are just one way to highlight the violence inherent in the system. One of the reasons why MLK in particular used non-violent protest as a political tool was precisely because America at the time was so deeply, deeply racist that it was easy for the country to find any fault in the civil rights campaign and to use that as an excuse to invalidate it (sound familiar?) Those who would see the burning, destruction, or looting of property during sporadic protests as greater crimes than the everyday ongoing oppression and destruction of black lives are describing a values system that is objectively racist. Second, pop history often makes it seem like Gandhi and MLK did nothing but do a couple big marches, make some stirring speeches and then poof, their oppressors learned the error of their ways and things got better. The reality was that both participated in grueling commercial warfare that lasted for years. Boycotts, strikes, union organizing, etc, all of these things were part of what propelled both of these movements forward, and in many cases were responsible for generating more attention (and driving more positive changes in government action) than the protests. These movements are always and forever complex, messy processes, and to tsk tsk the messiness while it happens while ignoring the ongoing crimes due to the perpetuation of the status quo is objectively to support white supremacy.

[@ThisIzSeanie]

This is the most thoughtful and well-written comment I have ever read.

[@zachklieman2141]

@@ThisIzSeanie ^^

[@rubenheheh6363]

To add on to what you said. Mlk was just a piece of the civil rights movement. There was also the black power movement. The threat of violence was also there, and played an equally important part to the civil rights legislation getting passed.

[@WanderlustHomebody]

I'm two years late to this video, but this comment here is like a chefs kiss 😘🤌🏽

[@astra1653]

Thank you for explaining so much, but without being condescending in your lessons. As a white female, I'll admit that at first I did wonder what was wrong with that first meme... and then realized how naive I was when you explained it. Thank you for broadening my scope of understanding. I love your videos, and really look forward to the next one!

[@wilfordfraser6347]

"The entitlement runs so deep" Yes it does. Everyday.

[@kittling5427]

For a while I've been troubled by what I've been referring to as 'the fluff-ification of MLK/MalcolmX/Ghandi'. It felt like a lot of the substance was being removed, leaving a fluffy but weakened version of their philosophy, actions and persons. Watching this really helped clarify these feelings, and made me re-asses what someone is actually asking a protester to do when they call for non-violent protests. It is asking someone to be prepared to be violently assaulted (when this is a likely prospect) and not retaliate. I think my personal history with anti nuclear protests in the UK back in the 80's, where you are simply not co-operating with being arrested (the whole just be floppy so its extra hard to move you thing) has warped what non-violent protest actually means when you are dealing with a violent oppressor / opponent. My brain is reeling and I don't quiet understand *how* I lost track of that basic fact. Thank you

[@raym4064]

I'm sure this wasn't Nicole's intent, but there's really something about the implied "we're living in the best time in history. stop complaining" attitude towards the middle that rubs me wrong, especially with the consideration that moving forwards in time does not always mean making progress for all peoples

[@NightTimeDay]

We literally are though.

[@WanderlustHomebody]

​@@NightTimeDay literally no one is saying we're not.

[@NightTimeDay]

@@WanderlustHomebody okay based on your other comment: stay miserable. The more depressed political weirdos there are out there the more chance I have to excel in my workplace and make the life I want. So whatever, stay terminally online.

[@douchebag3323]

I am getting so much out of 'Problematic Mondays'! Also, '...greatest empire in the history of man...' '...Questionable.' Literal LOL!

[@jenbergeron7955]

Thank you for the book list! As an avid reader, I especially love having resources that YOU find would be helpful for ME to read. Instead of just going with what seems popular on a list somewhere. I agree with so much of what you've said and I'd guess that we agree on far more than we don't. I'm grateful that you are willing to answer questions and have conversations. Your love of history and portraying it accurately is what I most appreciate. Thank you for the time you put into making these videos...please continue!

[@olddognewtricks5879]

Sadly we have access to almost all of human knowledge in the palm of our hands, and yet so many only use it to access echo chambers for opinions that fit the narrative they need instead of truly looking for facts. I am not innocent in that regard, but I step back and look and always make a conscious effort to find facts not biased opinions. Thank you for a very informative video,and thank you for providing reference material.

[@ticcitoasty]

i think people need to unlearn this idea that having privileges is a Bad thing. some (by todays standards) basic privileges like having a nice house, having electronics, having a car are all GOOD things. being able to eat food, GOOD food that you like everyday whenever needed is GOOD! being treated with respect and dignity, especially by people in positions of power is a good thing. a lot of these things we’d even call basic human rights or actual necessities (idk if you can even have a job anymore without a car or a phone). the problem is not privilege, it’s the lack of privilege others have to experience. when you’re asked to check your privilege, it’s to acknowledge that hey! you’re speaking from inexperience because you have a good life, not that you’re CURSED with unrelatability. we can’t ignore real issues because we feel a little left out.

[@ticcitoasty]

oh and i forget how a lot of people are convinced that if others gain privileges they’ll have to sacrifice their own which just. baffles me. no, that will not happen. you will not magically become oppressed bc someone else is being treated better. honestly it makes me question why and how these ideas are born. what does our society or perhaps government have to do with this fear? that our rights can be taken away just because. hm..

[@Rosebud0801]

Please make a problematic Monday’s expanding upon your post about Irish indentured servitude! It’s so important to help erase historical misconceptions surrounding the topic

[@brittanylester7087]

I hear and see the raw emotion in your voice and face as you speak to us. You are doing such incredibly vital, powerful, but exhausting work for your people and community. Problematic Mondays have become one of mine and my family's measuring sticks for self-reflection as we learn more about our own prejudices and inherit racism and look to eradicate it in our actions. Each one has become a weekly discussion as we quarantine together. Thank you for allowing us to benefit from the energy, time, and emotion you are spending to uplift Black voices and experiences.

[@thebarefoottealady]

Your videos and programs are so informative. I attended your recent Zoom program and was sad that my toddler was napping at the time, but thankful for both the education for myself and the wonderful examples of how to explain slavery, racism, and even prison labor to children. Thank you for everything you do.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

how did you find her zoom event? I'd be interested for sure

[@cheerful_something_something]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to address this. I knew I was uncomfortable with these memes, but didn't know how to articulate this. So, thank you again for modelling how I can respond to this.

[@jeanneallie1826]

Sharing your videos with my students. You are such a model in many ways; one way is of intellectual integrity. Thank you.

[@dancurry1623]

I’m so excited for this series. I’ve been following them on Instagram, and it’s really cool that you’re bringing it to KZbin. Thank you so much!

[@pixiemeg]

This made me uncomfortable in a good way Thank you for opening this conversation, it's given me a lot to think about

[@ericabettencourt3027]

I appreciate how well you explain your ideas and opinions with examples and evidence while also working to create a space for discussion. It's so important that we avoid echo chambers that lead us to become closed-minded. Any truly good idea will only be strengthened through being challenged. I love all of your videos!

[@marissawacholder5822]

I've been ruminating on this for a while because to just share MLK memes is not only to weaponize him but to deny 50 years of civil right leadership since MLK. So I've been saying that anyone who shares an MLK owes a quote from a civil rights leader who was active in the last 50 years

[@Absintheskiss]

Alot of my white friends (I am white myself) are posting similar memes to this. I try to challenge this when I see this by responding "But we killed him anyway". I hope this is ok.

[@ragnkja]

24:03 addresses that =)

[@noelgeorgette3150]

@Debbie Collington No, it's not OK.

[@Absintheskiss]

@@noelgeorgette3150 I am sorry and will do better. I want to challenge these memes in the right way. I will learn more about Dr King's life so I can be better. Thank you for responding.

[@bionicwoman3166]

"we"...bitch please, you didnt kill nobody

[@livewellwitheds6885]

@@Absintheskiss I thought she meant that how MLK died wasn't okay? not sure. I definitely aggree with calling it out, or even sharing this video with people you know who posted these memes maybe ?

[@Istarbel]

I absolutely love problematic Monday’s. I have been learning so much. Thank you.

[@pookierose6]

Thank you for having this conversation. It's not your job to teach us white people what's up, but you do it anyway. We have so much to learn as a society. Pls know that you are appreciated.

[@MG-zd2ep]

Thanks for sharing - I learned a lot! I wish teachers exposed us to content like yours when I was back in high school. You bring forth a perspective that views the present in light of the past (and vice versa) that is more grounded and articulate than anything I learned in my American History class surrounding civil rights, slavery, and racism throughout American history. Thanks again

[@ashleyf1505]

Thank you for all of the book recommendations. I am excited to read them, especially Freedom's Daughters. Your channel is amazing and I am learning so much. You rock!

[@ooiamsamoo]

Hello. European here, came for one video, stayed for about 7 so far. Thanks again for your videos! ♥️

[@thesweetestteas.4534]

Excellent commentary on the problematic misuse of Dr King's image and viewpoints. I may also add that during modern day protest the agitators and looters are often not even actually a part of nor represent the organization that plan the protests.

[@samithprinklez1093]

Cheyney, thank you for the work you do. I'm still unpacking my own racism and what that looks like. I'm excited to learn and do better. Thank you for your help in this. You are a treasure.

[@StephanieCanada]

Thank you so much for this series!

[@muslinandlace2099]

Thank you so much for putting this up, I'm trying to learn to be a better ally, and I really appreciate your content. 🥰

[@lithiumqueen]

I'd just like to thank you for making this video. I strive to educate myself the best I can because my education system failed me. This is so important, and it's upsetting that people misuse and weaponize quotes from people throughout history to further their own agendas.

[@MsCourtface]

Thank you so much for your videos and making me a better more accountable ally. Youre a treasure and we are blessed by you ❤

[@kaceygriffin2094]

Thank you for explaining this, this is greatly appreciated!

[@juniper1383]

Thank you for this video. I like what you had to say. It reminded me that the way I may see things is not the same as someone else. I personally don't like memes that uses history and politics because of the miss information that can go along with it. Memes like that take an important historical figure and puts their work into a few words. History is so much more then a few words.

[@sylviagledhill9401]

Thank you so much for educating me! We need more open conversations like this.

[@lindas.1751]

Cheyney, I only found you recently here on YT. But you are absolutely amazing! Thank you so much for what you do!

[@mzshastalibra4705]

I am new to your channel and very much appreciate your interpretations and sharing of your collected knowledge. Thank you for putting these videos out here.

[@Fireflyhaven]

Thank you for working so hard to help clarify history which was glossed over or glorified in the wrong way.

[@siracornful]

Thank you for taking your time and making this video. It was very illuminating.

[@lizzieholland]

Found your channel through Abby Cox, thought it would be interesting, didn't realise it would be this interesting! Lol. Jeez have I learned a lot. Currently bingeing your videos and Im looking forward to learning more! Im over here in the UK and I am white so there's a whole lot I didnt know that I didnt know. Thanks so much for taking the time. Xx

[@serianc9036]

Really appreciate the inclusion of resources, will be doing some further research

[@kayleighmoore8349]

Hey momma found you through a 18 century hair tutorial video. Truly loved your speech so I found you! I'm excited to see your content!

[@katiejude14]

Great video, thank you!

[@dasnixblix4846]

You make things clear by bringing context into play. Thank you.

[@playme129]

"Civil Disobedience" by Henry David Thoreau, first published in 1849.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

I love him!

[@pyenygren2299]

Thank you for explaining. It makes it easier for me to be critical to myself.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

That meme is focused on the wrong thing. Yes, it’s unfortunate that there is looting and property damage, but don’t forget that those business are insured for exactly those kinds of things. The loss of yet another black life at the hands of police is the issue, and is unacceptable. As a white ally, I’m trying to use my privilege to help as much as I can...I only wish I could do more. Thank you for the reading list!

[@thehistoadian]

Don't forget the guy who got killed also was the same person who aimed a pistol at a pregnant black women's stomach during a robbery. There should be no excuses for commiting crime. And as a white aswell, I have no privilege, I see every day other races getting more rights especially Natives here in Canada, I am always told that I am evil and racist just because I am white...

[@ytresponses]

@@thehistoadian You - "Don't forget the guy who got killed also was the same person who aimed a pistol at a pregnant black women's stomach during a robbery. There should be no excuses for commiting crime."; "And as a white aswell, I have no privilege..." Response - When did he do this? You're typing it as if he was murdered while being arrested for a robbery he supposedly did, which based on policing in the U.S.A. might have been a falsified police report for all we know. Were you there when he allegedly did the robbery? There's plenty of "black" men in prison for being falsely accused of things. What crime did George Floyd commit before being murdered by the four police? People get arrested ALL THE TIME under SUSPICION of having committed a crime even though they did not. Don't you see all the videos of "white" people calling the police on black people and making up lies and accusations? At minimum you have the privilege of walking around without being suspected of being a criminal or committing a crime, but I could list more. Are you justifying the murder of George Floyd? Do you support reparations to the descendants of U.S.A. slaves who built the wealth of the U.S.A. leading to the huge racial wealth gap that white people enjoy here? Do you take no issue with the injustices and ungodly immorality of the U.S.A.? Do you think white people have not oppressed non-whites on this earth the last several centuries?

[@davyd28]

@@ytresponses Wow, that was more like YT Attacks than a response - aggressive and insidious. I came here to learn, but seeing a post like this first thing is discouraging - I'm not going to try searching for facts in a pile of hysterical rants, and risk getting under a personal attack if I dare to ask a question or offer an opinion. ...Off to look for a constructive conversation on other channels...

[@ytresponses]

@@davyd28 You - "Wow, that was more like YT Attacks than a response - aggressive and insidious."; "...Off to look for a constructive conversation on other channels..." Response - Notice @The Histoadian didn't offer a rebuttal. Also notice that each of the paragraphs began with a question. I don't know where you picked up on aggression and insidiousness but with a random accusation like that, I consider your comment satanic. You also made the mistake of thinking I was a person who gave a... about what you thought about me, hahahaha! The MOST constructive conversation any U.S.A. citizen could have right now is when are the reparations going to be paid to "black" descendants of U.S.A. chattel slavery. Without that happening the U.S.A. is doomed. Bye, hahahahahaha!

[@Jalide]

@The MetatronGirl - Its incredible how you people are enabling destroying those people's livelihoods. Turning to lawlessness as an excuse to pursue whatever grievances you have not only caused peoples property but also their lives. Protesting over one dead black man by having a dozen more dead black men as a result?? Are you nuts? Your statement also goes to show how ignorant you are about running a business. No, insurance does not entirely cover looting and destruction from rioting especially for small shops. Corporate shops like Walmart, Target, Nike shoe shops can manage because of capital, but smaller shops run by families for generations - NO! Youre no "white ally" you are just a white person who lives far away from black neighborhoods but feels the need to virtue signal on social media because you never personally get to suffer these things.

[@monsieurfrancoise]

🔥🔥🔥 glad to find your channel!

[@definingstyle145]

Thank you for being willing to open up a dialogue. I knew it was wrong to ask my one black FB friend these questions (I only have 5 FB friends that still follow me, so it's not quite as bad as it sounds), but still wanted someone to listen to, ask of, and learn from.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

I'd say either seek out channels like this, groups online, or just be open to discuss the news with people of different perspectives. it is difficult to want to discuss these topics, but not ask somebody to educate you.

[@CitrianSnailBY]

YEAH!! SOOOOOOOOO true. The only discussion should, must and have to be about the oppression and the inconceivable levels of police violence, NOT about the manner of the protest.

[@hideem1]

The meme is worse than white-splaining. It is passive aggressive criticism that undermines the efforts of the protests. I agree that the person who wrote that big thing was triggered. And I think you were right to stand by your assessment. Good for you calling out her minimizing the problem and trying to make it seem like people who don’t like that meme are ungrateful somehow. Nice video. ❤️

[@Lunareon]

Great analysis, thank you for sharing your knowledge. The act of turning something into a meme (a joke) itself is belittling and ridiculing the gravity of the whole situation, which is insulting in and of itself.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

I aggree

[@YellowFreesias]

If you can make your argument in a meme; you're not making an argument. Thanks for your videos.

[@cjones2756]

you are an incredible educator

[@maleahlock]

Yes! So much yes.

[@rocketpsyence]

I appreciate your explanation of what the purpose of MLK's peaceful protesting strategy was. It didn't really click for me that it was to maybe highlight the more violent strategies of the oppressors. But like that actually makes a ton of sense. It did always rub me the wrong way that people were trying to boil it down to essentially him not wanting to stir the pot or something and being weaponized by white people who are trying to shut down anyone expressing that "riots" (I use that term very loosely bc I feel like it's been really misused to delegitimize legitimate anger) have valid reasons behind them. It's something I want to challenge people on but like I always got kind of tripped up when people would push back with the ol "oh but MLK peacefully protested". This is a really great talking point I can keep on hand now bc god knows I'm not going to have any shortage of opportunities for this conversation as a white guy in the south. I really appreciate you sharing your perspectives!

[@aspen1713]

That comment "who is more devoted to 'order' than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace" hit so hard.

[@herminadepagan3407]

I love this video! But I have to say something you might find disturbing. While debating with someone about the state of our country, I had them throw reenactors into the mix. They asserted that because people are calling for the removal of civil war monuments put up by the KKK, that people were attacking civil war re-enactments. After fairly dancing in rage, I pulled up your video about black re-enactmentors, and linked it to the debate.

[@l.m.2404]

I thank you for this series....man, do I ever need you in my life. I am so guilty of not knowing what I didn't know and probably guilty of whitesplaining, Your thoughtful, patient and non-judgemental why of moving the dialogue forward as made me take a long hard look at myself. Thank you.

[@jenniewilliamsmural]

SO TRUE!!!!!!! I love Martin, I share his birthday and feel this strongly sometimes. We dont have to see MLK from one perspective - Remember his Vietnam speech... Malcolm and Martin - remember in Do The Right Thing where they are wistfully photographed together - like they should have been. They were both heroes.

[@mollymollie6048]

First, I would like to thank you for your very informative videos, and really fascinating videos about being a re-enactor as an African-American woman portraying a variety of roles that from what I’ve seen are enjoyable for you, but also challenging. As a white female, I know that just by my skin color, I walk around the world with automatic privilege. I am very glad to learn from you, I had no idea that memes of MLK were shutting down black people trying to bring fairness and safety into America. I hope that you understand that my interest in your channel is because I want to learn, I want all people to have equal treatment, fair justice, and be able to express our rights as Americans without fear. I hope that if I have said anything out of ignorance in this post, you will educate me, or send me to links where I can learn. I support you and your channel, and thank you for your presentation in your videos which makes me feel like I can learn, understand, and ask questions, hopefully without sounding like a racist. I wish you the best of success on your videos and re-enacting. Thank you.

[@TJtheBee]

This is super informative, and I really like it - I think we forget the complexity of MLK's rhetoric and tactics very easily, especially when white persons start talking over what his message *actually* was. I definitely want to do more research, but I'll admit...I worry I'm not going to be able to understand many of the books about him, either because they'll be very long, or that they'll be very dense with information. Sadly, I don't do well with scholarly articles, for a variety of reasons...but maybe I can find some video resources on MLK and his work. I'd really like to be more educated where I can be.

[@MG-zd2ep]

I took a college course called Civil Rights and Visual Memory that explored the civil rights movement as told by graphic novels - surprisingly, there’s a TON of material there! I recommend the March series by John Lewis, and King, A Comic Biography, by Ho Che Anderson. The graphic novel medium tells these stories in a way that is thorough and also not just dense text on a page (although the King biography is a bit abstract... March is much more clear). It’s a good place to start!

[@livewellwitheds6885]

@@MG-zd2ep thats so cool!

[@persiswynter6357]

Thank you. Now it's time for me to do some research.

[@Valandar2]

Can we please get this video shown in every school in the country, along with the rest of the series?

[@zachklieman2141]

Something I've heard that really stuck out to me was that progress comes from struggle/ there is no progress without struggle. From the perspective of someone without relevant lived experience, it seems like this is also often struggle by the most marginalized people. In cases where it seems like those with societal power support (not saying this in response to the video) a cause geared towards progress in the sense of dismantling and seeking justice in the face of societal power dynamics, the people marginalized by societal systems of power have fought longer and harder for (and often do not get credit for this) and have been burdened with fighting longer and harder for that cause, and that this marginalization often deals with intersecting identities- i.e. trans women of color and the LGBT liberation movement.

[@grayzombie]

I wish you didn't have to do this. I just want to say that you are very appreciated

[@l0414ne94]

Very interesting

[@jemimapeach483]

hey there, I was wondering what the general opinion is on removing historical landmarks associated with slavery. do you think it honours slaves or do you think it is just hiding the white man's mistakes. it is becoming a hotly debated topic nowadays and I would like to hear the African-European/American communities voices on the subject. I am trying to be more open-minded but as a white person I know I'll never really understand how it feels for my coloured friends. It's a bit disheartening sometimes and I feel sad that man's mistakes have caused such prejudice, separation and anger between people who (as a Christian I believe) all came from one man and women in the first place. we should all treat each other with the kindness of a healthy family, but often we don't.

[@raeleneblacketer3409]

Thank you.

[@raym4064]

I've never seen "whitesplain" used before but it does make sense, all things considered (yes I'm a white people)

[@scorpionqueenbeauty1019]

Those eleven dislikes are colonizers

[@SowerValler]

Jesus H. Christ

[@wendychristy3560]

Thank you!

[@JennaGeorge1010]

I don't necessarily agree with some of the analyses simply because i feel they're exaggerated. It reminds me of when an author wrote a line "im hungry" and we interpret it as "at this point in the book he references to hunger meaning his hunger for justice and revenge and the lettuce on his sandwich he eats subsequently after is an allusion to the fact his mother always made his sandwiches with lettuce before she was MURDERED" BUT its still a good topic and interesting to hear. You always seem to keep a balance of voicing your opinions but not pushing them or generalizing or attacking any person or group. I would also like to recognize that everyone has a bias, white people have biases and so do black people. Women have a bias and so do men. Etc.

[@RollingOnFire]

To me there shouldn't be just one type of activism and other contemporary activists of MLK and Gandhi should be talked about a lot more. Chandra Bose (contemporary of Gandhi, was for violent protesting) was way more interesting to me than Gandhi when I learnt about the history of "British India".

[@colleenshaw1607]

i wish i could give you a hug.

[@otherperson]

One of the most upsetting things about this is the failure to recognize that MLK is not the be all end all of political discourse about race and protest. It's okay to disagree with MLK's tactics or beliefs and still be pro-black and anti-violence. MLK is not our deified leader in perpetuity. We can do things differently, and have different goals, and if that includes destroying the capital of the oppressor, why should the opinions of said oppressor be of any import? Looting is no more violence than wage labor.

[@jenniewilliamsmural]

Ohhhhhh and I read the Autobiography of Malcolm x but not Martin

[@cbpd89]

An interesting contrast: non violent protests are most effective when they are met with violence from police/the state. On the other hand, Independence movements that use terrorist, violent tactics tend to be more effective on a "gentler" government. I wish I still had the book so I could reference more specifically, but in Understanding Terrorism by Hoffman, the terrorist groups who rebelled against Britain, say in the 20th century actually got the Independence they wanted, whereas those who did the same in the USSR were brutally repressed and totally crushed. I have no idea what this says about human nature, why this would be, or why this is relevant, but it's where my mind went. Thanks so much for a wonderful, thoughtful video!

[@birdyfeederz7940]

Wait... So that means that a government should be more violent if they want a non-violent protest in response? I'm not sure I'm reading that right

[@cbpd89]

In a government that brutally suppresses, massacres, and otherwise destroys protests, the protests rarely continue. That's what I'm trying to say. Look at Tiennamen square as an example. It is not a model to follow, it is a tragic reality that when a cruel regime kills all the dissidents, others are too scared to stand up to them.

[@princekrazie]

$500 000 dollar devices? What kind of fucking iPhone are you using? Golden Apples?🤣

[@klisterklister2367]

13:28 wait WHAT WHY WOULD SOMEONE DO THIS

[@ReinaElizondo]

[@preparedset-apart228]

Deuteronomy 28:41-43 41 You shall beget sons and daughters, but they shall not be yours; for they shall go into captivity. Deuteronomy 28:68 And the Lord shall bring thee into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I spake unto thee, Thou shalt see it no more again: and there ye shall be sold unto your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you. Ezekiel 36:19-24 19 And I scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.20 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the Lord, and are gone forth out of his land.

[@patriciaadams7965]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@daydream2609]

Martin Luther King Jr is someone who made white people comfortable. He was nonviolent, meek, and turned the other cheek even when people spit in his face. That's not going to cut it. Why be nonviolent to violent people? Why couldn't they be like this? Violence is all some ppl understand.

[@emilytoscano9953]

When Obama came to play golf on Marine Corps Base Hawaii every Christmas he closed down my whole neighborhood. That’s a step we have to take to protect our president.

[@livewellwitheds6885]

not quite the same as clearing out a crowded block of protesting people for an unnecessary photo op

[@thomashynes4042]

As a Constitutionalist Conservative Libertarian - I can not stand by and allow another human being to be mistreated based solely on someone's melanin,. I personally do not see skin color as a barrier to becoming friends or understanding their HISTORY. With regards to MLK - both political parties have weaponized him for their own gain(s). I can only imagine how disappointed and potentially upset he would be today, if alive, how they have done this all in the name of equality, and fairness. I will never ever fully understand what it is like to be black in America. Nor will a Black American understand what it is to be white in America. If there is ONE thing the United States Constitution does GRANT to the citizens of this country is that we all be given the same playing field of rights, privileges, and justice. One bad act by an individual, in a position of authority, does not grant the right of others, regardless of how angry they are to pillage a city, town and cause chaos. By participating in such acts, the fiber of morality is being destroyed, ruined, and tarnished, and for that MLK, would be disappointed. The issues facing America run deeper than just America's history with Slavery, The founding of this country a Revolutionary War, A Civil War, and two great world wars. Political Parties, Religious Organizations, the Breakdown of family units, the teaching of morality have all contributed to where we are, and perhaps still are with regards to a perceived systemic racial bias in this country. I am NOT saying that racism does not exist, for I know first hand an individual who quite racist - in the sense that Whites and Blacks, Browns and Yellows, should all stick to their own kind, their own neighborhoods. I can not change him, but what I do know is that I myself can ensure that I do not, nor ever will follow down that same path. Changes still need to happen, and change is coming - as someone who is Conservative and believes in the document that founded this nation, my statement holds true... Equality and equal treatment for all.

[@FREGFAT]

Where is this so called "white privilege" can i have some?

[@VidMediumNS]

The problem I have with being explained to...or other more-like explained about is simply, I'm not your explination. I do not mind you telling me what you understand and maybe there's a difference of perspectives that in the middle somethings got to be corrected. But for me, me personally, I'm sorry I did not naturally grow up fitting anyone's explanation and I never will. I don't check boxes you think i should. And again, I agree things aren't all peaches and cream something got to be fixed. But violence isn't a way to be heard. It's a way to control and a way to get revenge rather than justice. And again I'm sorry but history has shown that it doesn't matter what you look like. It's always been about who can shut who up first for power and it never happened to just one type of people. Heck it still doesnt and that's agreeable to say it's wrong. In some cases we can do something about it. In some we cant even when we know it's wrong. And other cases....it's us not realizing we're doing it or that it's being done to us. I would hope more people would want a relationship rather than just a full take over. That to me is sad that anyone would feel it's better to hurt than hear.

[@finn3989]

You're making little sense, but from what I can gather, you sound hella triggered and that's the point. you should be uncomfortable if you agree with the things she's speaking against because you're wrong. instead of listening, you're ignorantly putting your hands over your ears and doubling down. How sad.

[@hello15848]

"A small number of people burn and loot", I would counter that with a small number of police murder. It's a justification for a deeper problem and one that needs addressing.

[@bionicwoman3166]

i like most of your videos and have learned genuine insight from many but this...its just too much. A protest where innocent people are murdered, hardworking business owners have their lives ruined, well - you lose me on this. violence is abhorrent and you cant comvince me otherwise by your overuse of reverse racist terms. Too much language, all humans are equal in the eyes of God. please stop focusng on and prejudging people based on the color of peoples skin, you are being exactly what you protest against.

[@Kindred04]

@bionic woman316 - "Reverse racist terms"? Cheyney did not say anything racist. You were obviously triggered by the word "whitesplaining," as I don't know what else you could have even remotely viewed as racist. There were literally white people trying to explain Dr. King's legacy to his very own children and other family members! Perhaps you should be less concerned with the term "whitesplaining" and more concerned with the level of arrogance and entitlement that makes some white people think such behavior is ok. Your comment reeks of feigned white persecution, which is often a response that some white people have whenever Black people try to explain a perspective that isn't centered in whiteness. Yes, violence IS abhorrent. That's actually what we've been trying to tell everyone for ages, it's abhorrent and we're sick of it being disproportionately directed at us by law enforcement. But you seem to be a lot more outraged about a small amount of violence that took place during majority peaceful protests than you are over the constant barrage of violence and lethal force coming from the hands of law enforcement and directed towards Black people, which is what caused the protests in the first place. Your outrage is misplaced. But you've clearly stated that your mind won't be changed. That comment speaks volumes all by itself. Your last statement is repulsive, claiming that Cheyney is racist because she speaks out against racism and has the audacity to call out people's ignorance. That is nothing more than a form of gaslighting. It's an old trick that has often been used against Black people whenever we dare to speak up and speak out about racism. Nobody's falling for that garbage anymore. Some of you can't deal with Black people unless we're silent and docile and don't cause too much of a fuss. You were perfectly happy with her other videos, where she was simply sharing information on historical facts. But she dared to speak up on a controversial topic regarding race. She dared to give her own personal thoughts on a topic that makes you uncomfortable, even taking care to do so in the most measured and respectful way, and you became personally offended.

[@bionicwoman3166]

@@Kindred04 ...why do you assume that i am white? t...hats interesting, and quite telling. . Hate and intolerance is abhorrent no matter what race at which it is directed My point is quite simple, as taught by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ : "Love your neighbor". He did not specify the color of said neighbor.

[@FREGFAT]

@@bionicwoman3166 because these people are white hating racist scumbags. Ive seen your comments and i completely agree with u.

[@FREGFAT]

@@Kindred04 entitlement lmfao may i have some pls!

[@bionicwoman3166]

@@FREGFAT who is entitled?

[@angielopez9750]

Where do you live? There were no protesters in Chicago, it was looting, stealing and flat out destruction... there’s plenty of videos of that. Please stop the victim mentality, i don’t know how I came to this channel but all I hear is people being ‘sorry’ or offended for something that happened generations ago. Find a better use of your time and interview successful minorities that have overcome the victim mentality and have accomplished great things in life.

[@anonomous8649]

I agree that the Chicago/big-city riots are way beyond a good/productive protest, but I don't think anyone should be telling each other not to feel hurt over the god-awful history this country went through. It's reasonable to still feel hurt when segregation ended only 50ish years ago. We as a country are still healing, and it isn't necessarily anyone's right to demand people about how to heal. I live near Chicago too and saw even small and black-owned businesses suffer for BLM. I disagree with that. But your mentality around others' feelings on black history isn't acceptable to me.