CIVIL | Omeleto

A young door-to-door salesman tries to get his first sale.
CIVIL is used with permission from Stephen Takashima. Learn more at vimeo.com/thelensdarkly.
Deshawn, a young door-to-door salesman, is canvassing a neighborhood, trying to rack up his first sale. But he's struggling to even keep doors open long enough to deliver his message. But then, as his training supervisor shepherds him to another house, he gets his first nibble of interest from a man named Marshall... only to spot a Confederate flag on the wall of this potential client.
Writer-director Stephen Takashima's short drama tackles a hot-button topic, unfurling a character-centered story that not only weaves a quiet sense of dread and tension in its storytelling but illuminates the different emotional responses evoked by a controversial symbol.
The craftsmanship is solid, and the writing is similarly well-structured, building its discomfort with care and precision. As Deshawn gets invited inside a man's house to demonstrate his product, he becomes increasingly tense in the presence of a Confederate flag, leading to a small collision of ideas.
The writing gives the pro-flag POV an even-handed articulation, portraying Marshall in an understated performance by actor Walt Sloan, who balances notes of wariness and defensiveness with genuine attempts to relate in some way with Deshawn.
But it also takes considerate care to portray "Shawn's" inner experience, offering a window into the small yet sharp slights he receives from the assumptions that others make due to the color of his skin. Actor Bryson Thomas deftly evokes both Deshawn's discomfort with the racism he faces with his desire to make a sale -- and then, later, to not provoke a conflict. Watching him both suppress his clear discomfort -- and swallow his real feelings -- is difficult and even quietly unnerving as the story goes on.
Even when offered the opportunity to "discuss" his opinion, Deshawn recognizes that the "table" that he's invited to isn't genuinely balanced, equal or even open to his perspective. In fact, as his interaction with Marshall goes on, it feels potentially dangerous, and the able camerawork and screen direction do admirable work in slowly ratcheting up the tension in a quiet, organic way -- not through the machinations of plot, but through the clash of ideas, emotions and character.
CIVIL is a short drama meant to provoke discussions about the historical legacies that America has around race, and it does so through film's ability not just to put viewers in the footsteps of others, but by dramatizing how history and ideology bubble up in our everyday lives and interactions. With its skill in evoking unease and discomfort, it draws audience interest throughout, but the film's main attraction and achievement isn't a thriller-like denouement, but a deeper, more intimate understanding of what it means to be Black in an America still wrestling with its troubled legacies.

[@deadjuice1880]

Some people hate people of a different color. But everyone hates a salesman.

[@kamieaston3016]

Unless it's a pizza salesman.

[@felipealarcon4622]

@@kamieaston3016 or if they vring something to try, free stuff is always welcome

[@felipealarcon4622]

@@kamieaston3016 free dying

[@Heisendorf]

Then why did Arthur Miller write a play about the death of one? 😏

[@deadjuice1880]

@@Heisendorf Why'da think? A book about a salesman suffering? Gold. In seriousness, that's a good story, good stuff.

[@dcaseng]

The worst person in the entire video is the sales manager, who immediately abandoned DeShawn the moment he thought he was in trouble.

[@nvm7191]

He realized that was the house with the flag and they threw a rock at his window the other day and that’s when he decided to send Shawn by himself

[@alanlight7740]

The sales manager was bad, but I'm still trying to figure out what it meant when DeShawn crumpled up the check. Did that mean that he was going to refuse to sell the knives to the customer out of anti-Southern racism, or had he already given the knives to the customer and this was his way of screwing over the sales manager? Because up until that moment DeShawn seemed like a decent guy.

[@bradxwx]

@@alanlight7740 yeh he was just lettin the dude have the knives at no charge. "to hell with the manager! i quit" is how i interpret that.

[@alanlight7740]

@@bradxwx - I think you must be right.

[@bradxwx]

@@alanlight7740 and what's the manager gonna do? go to the dude's house and try to collect the knives or another check? nah!

[@djkrikkett1]

im black and i worked for directv for 11 years and some customers had the flag they actually treated me better than my own race ..judge people on how they treat you

[@aurorejonesTV]

Absolutely

[@carlpowers7291]

Well said

[@dennisallen8333]

The confederate flag don’t have no effect on me! If some flag holder want to put their insecurities on display then that’s on them! Because the United States was founded on these types of people who considered blacks three fifths of a human being.

[@The6568]

Hi DJ. I am French. I know this flag can hurt some people. But watching American History, this flag dos not only represent slavery and war between North and South (the good ones and the bad ones). It is the symbol of a rural way of living against the industrial society. History is history, we can't get back. We can only live trying to be good with each other, and make the best we can for all of us. We are the same. We have love, kids,… And we are tought to love other's kids like ours. I think this flag represents more a souvenir of a natural way of living than slavery, violence, oppression. I love your comment. Love and friendship to you, from Paris, France.

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

I'm glad you said that I lived in Grand Prairie Texas and I had the Confederate flag in my apartment and most of my neighbors were Hispanic or black they were all welcome in my apartment and a lot of their kids come over and play with my dog and eat with me sometimes. I mentored their kids I would give them things that were mine as a kid things that were very important to me one of the women I defended against another white man she was a black woman he was a white man he spit on her I beat his ass! But for me to take that down because I feel like people are offended know I believe in being myself and proving to people that this battle flag is important to me in my Heritage. Makes me no less of a man or less loving to other cultures are other nationalities or people. I love People based on how they treat me not on the color of their skin or their religious background or anything else I like being around people of other cultures then myself I want them to accept me for who I am and I accept them for how they are the world is nothing more beautiful place! You know what a couple years ago I went and gave out invitations to registered Republican voters in my area and I noticed it the black Republicans and that Asian Or Hispanic Republicans were the most kind to me more so than the white ones it's the same thing I like the experience it was a really cool experience and I'm not just saying that it absolutely was me and the guy we were walking together, we discussed that we were really surprised they we're genuinely grateful for what we were doing ! What it boils down to is we have more in common than we have different and that's what really matters 🙏🏻❤

[@andyson2372]

The twist where the guy who threw the rock because he thought the guy was racist just to leave the black guy with him is a pretty accurate representation of America at its finest

[@LEFTaTIP]

Wow, 1 incident and it represents over 330 million people??

[@ChickeNaut404]

Hes saying it represents the state of america, not america and all americans in general

[@debamodio5971]

I agree . I also think Caucasian people assert themselves when they should mind their own business ( I’m white ) . I think we imagine we’re helping when it’s doing the opposite. Not that you should turn away from calling out a racist in plain view but fighting a cause you might not understand because you Aren’t black and don’t walk in their shoes . You can be bothered and try to turn the narrative for the greater good without causing more problems .

[@jupiter144]

yes@@LEFTaTIP

[@DatDude04]

@@jupiter144 a very bold assumption to say the least

[@jaker1160]

The moral of the story is that a chef’s knife is better for cutting rope, than a boning knife.

[@antichristxpher3279]

Jake R ohhhh

[@antichristxpher3279]

Now it makes sense, my friend said he didn’t hear that part 😂😂😂

[@jaker1160]

Eric Hutchinson screen froze the 1st time - didn’t realize it actually had posted till after i re-did it. Don’t know how to delete.

[@epicmanthatisntadog5661]

Hi

[@hardcase1659]

Fillet knife.

[@Kardia_of_Rhodes]

"Could you grab a knife of your own? Whichever one you think is the sharpest." *Comes back with Cavalry Sword.*

[@steviefitzgerald1675]

I actually laughed out loud at that part cuz I thought for sure he was bringing out a saber 😂😂😂

[@csm5040]

I thought he was gonna show up with his great-great-grandfather's bayonet or something lol

[@DNPinthePP]

“My knives may not be that sharp, but I do know one word that cuts real deep...”

[@IBACAU123]

He wasn't specific enough.

[@csm5040]

@Chris Pass 21 It was clearly not a fillet knife. It was a claymore

[@powerofknowledge7771]

I love how this encourages a conversation between people in a non-threatening way.

[@GAM3RK1NG.]

this deserves WAY more likes.

[@Lugh444]

The black sales person was uncomfortable the entire time...

[@pathetic2399]

@@Lugh444 why wouldn’t he be

[@sowhat...]

@@pathetic2399 seemed too much. Was he afraid the other guy would just kill him and bury him in his backyard? Even if he's racist.

[@ghjpkshdgtjdgvbzm]

but it was threatening, just in a more subtle way via casually racist remarks

[@robertbaptiste7106]

I’m a man of ethnicity, a Yankee from the North, a military veteran and a Harley rider. Several riders have the Confederate Flag on their vest and we ride together without any animosity. It’s not the Flag or your race, it’s the content of your character that matters!

[@thetruewoodstylesage6049]

That is the Facts

[@savageraccoon787]

Which ethnicity? There's lots 🤔

[@yvonneplant9434]

I really wish people would stop trying to quote MLK Jr.

[@archieron5115]

I'm from New Mexico 12-year army veteran. I totally agree with your statement. Proud Americans served underneath that flag. I feel we should not erase history to accommodate the weak-minded. AIR ASSAULT

[@kevinheinle7702]

​@@yvonneplant9434why he was a wiseman.

[@katherinek.2254]

Supervisor: "Its not like we're selling knifes" Shawn: *Pulls out a bunch of knives to sell*

[@kouseiblack8289]

That was part of his lesson. "Don't try to convince them to like the knives, convince them to like you. When they like you, they will want to buy from you."

[@nightslasher1199]

*hi* *bye*

[@giansagario4188]

@Trinket Mage 2

[@elijahbutton6309]

@Tomas Depina Stop👏using👏Reddit👏Threads👏on👏KZbin👏

[@kiranshay4443]

Elijah Button r/shutthefuckup

[@werthersoriginal]

The deeper meaning: Your boss will always throw you under the bus.

[@GunGuy258]

Finally, someone gets it.

[@helplessfox]

I like busses

[@helplessfox]

Eyre Borne Damn

[@coolmt8996]

Every single time.

[@anthonycaretti5107]

Always

[@senzokuhlebhengu1126]

The use of rope is probably one of the best subliminal details in this, knowing the history of it's use during slavery. First the rope around the pilar and then the rope they cut to demonstrate the sharpness of the knife. That was a fine detail

[@dpatrickhoward]

job applications are also terrifying

[@sowhat...]

​@@dpatrickhoward huh?

[@davidglenn2739]

Oh, I didn't think of that, good eye!

[@outdoorman7425]

'come by anytime...youre one of the good ones'

[@Youdig101]

Wow I'm a black man and this actually happened to me when I use to sell life insurance, except the flag was on his truck. I rang the doorbell anyway because I drove 40 minutes to get to his home. Then I actually sold the insurance policy. And they were actually nice.

[@blanquitochulito7466]

Most of us are. If others are respectful, we are too and likely more friendly than anyone else in this country, regardless of color. Simple as that. Respect.

[@SilencedButNotForgotten]

Cool!

[@halocarmine3490]

@M S finally someone gets it.

[@Dayton504]

That flag isn’t racist. That war wasn’t fought to keep slaves either. The states exercised their right to secede from an overbearing government. History refers to it as the Civil War, but it’s correct name is “ The War of the Northern Aggression”. Only a small percent of whites owned slaves, so to think that so many would have died to keep slaves is ignorance. The North had no interest in freeing slaves until they found themselves losing the war. And after the war, the northern states that had slaves continued to hold theirs for many years before they were all finally free. This isn’t my opinion, but facts easily discovered with minimal research. So any one who thinks that flag racist is just lazy and ignorant.

[@galoon]

@@blanquitochulito7466 You've just summarized the general attitude of the Southern people--of all colors. Thank you my friend!

[@johnnydee4181]

The meaning is that they were both civil during their encounter despite their beliefs.

[@lordsesshoumaru8596]

ikr... crumpling up the check like he's better than others or did you mean the old guy like any typical hypocrite, because he wouldn't let the kid in his house let alone buy from him if the old guy is racist, so your " point " or better said parroting is " moot "

[@SeaOdeEEE]

@@lordsesshoumaru8596 Yeah it never really shows anything that makes the guy come off as racist, it even goes out of way to tell he keeps the flag in honor of his great grandfather and not necessarily because of what it stood for at the time. As far as him crumpling the check I don't think it was to show he was better then anyone though. It's could be more like he realized his supervisor was a jerk for leaving him and the job wasn't worth what he had to go through. Including having to walk home from a neighborhood he isn't familiar with

[@remcodenouden5019]

@@BTBama a racist man would've never let a black man into his house willingly, let alone treat him with respect

[@danielw.8356]

@@BTBama How is he racist?

[@lordsesshoumaru8596]

@@BTBama nah, my reply was entirely on point, maybe you're having a problem with comprehension...

[@donfss5088]

The young man selling the knives is a GREAT actor. Just watch his facial expressions.

[@Tri5Club]

I’m a black man that always felt like the flag represents racist attitude’s and behaviors. This short film taught me a lot. I believe a lot of people can be educated by watching this.

[@MCArt25]

I don't know if somebody told you already, but this movie is fictional, meaning it is based on an invented story and didn't actually take place in reality at all.

[@sabersin7694]

While the movie was completely fictitious, it does in fact reflect real people and real scenarios. Not all people who wave the confederate flag are racist, and they don't wave the flag because they are racist or because they believe in slavery. To a lot of southerners, the flag means southern pride. If you're a progressive, then you believe in change. Times change, people change, and so do their beliefs. Are we really gonna be judging a flag for the way it's been used in the past? If so, then why don't we judge the American flag the same? I mean, a lot of people are already burning the flag because they believe it represents fascism and racism, but that doesn't mean everyone sees it the same way right? So why are we still judging the confederate flag for it's past? Why don't we judge it for it's future?

[@nerdybirdy2002]

@@MCArt25 Well, yeah, it's fictional, but it shouldn't really matter. Whether it's based on a true story or not, it still drives its point to the viewer. The most important part of the video is its message, not its accuracy.

[@christianpimentel1426]

Well, imagine if a person holds up the German WW2 flag just because their grandparents fought for their country and for tradition. The confederate flag is still guilty, and to any lost causer, most of the declarations of succession mentioned slavery. Free labor was the driving force of the economy for the South, and there's so many books which hint to the fact that these confederate generals and soldiers were fighting for the preservation of slavery. Confederate statues should be taken down for what they fought for, not for the lost cause myth. There's a video by Cynical Historian which covers this kind of topic... The only counterargument is that a flag is just a symbol, and we humans just give it meaning, whatever that is. The meaning of the swostixa symbol on the German WW2 flag has changed its meaning throughout history, but many people think of the Germans rather than the use of the symbol in different cultures. But looking at how long it takes for symbols to change meaning, I'd still wouldn't agree with what this video is trying to portray,

[@goldmanbobby9039]

Yeah, I can see your true colors, Lol!

[@thebadhabit9908]

Jesus that knife was sharp as hell I want one

[@marcuslolk3555]

*MEEP MEEP*

[@drewreed2576]

This entire thing is based on a cutco (vector marketing) sales pitch and its 100% accurate. Knife quality and all

[@Spyblox007]

@@drewreed2576 I bet they are great quality, but you gotta understand that vector marketing is a MLM company, and unless you plan on devoting all your time and money to it, and do some questionable things, you are gonna get screwed over in the long run. So even if the knives are good, the practices are a little shady.

[@javanbybee4822]

I can make you one

[@yugandali]

Learn how to sharpen the knife you have. Any knife gets dull with use.

[@wedmunds]

The moral is that throwing rocks at people's windows generally isn't a good thing to do.

[@dkinley334]

That's only the surface

[@Kemii]

'generally'

[@rey-me2no]

@__________________________ your 7 year old uncle?

[@rasheeda1303]

Knowingly threw the rock at that smh😕

[@justanotherhuman8592]

Especially when your handing a knife to the person that thinks you're the guy that threw the rock. LOL

[@SoloPilot6]

The "Confederate" flag wasn't considered a racist symbol by most people until the 1980s. It was pretty much like a football team banner, a recognition between people from the South.

[@staffy4389]

The county of Cork in Ireland, are known as the rebel county and they used to wave the confederate flag at football matches , there was no malice or racism behind it. As you rightly pointed out....they were asked not to wave the flag at matches and they obeyed...As a Dub ( DUBLINER ) I was disappointed...politicians spoiling the sport's.

[@jonathandewberry289]

You are correct but i'd say it wasn't until the 2000s+ and the 'woke revolution' thing that it got turned into that by those who never lived in the south but did want to manufacture as much racism as possible. you're description is correct, it would be comparable to a football team banner. It was 'anachronistic' but yes, as a sports team banner.

[@ashchaya7676]

Thanks for explaining this (I'm not American). I had no idea why everyone was acting like the guy was a serial killer for having that flag. I remember watching the Dukes of Hazzard in the 80s and they had it on their car. I never saw them act "racist" because of it.

[@SoloPilot6]

@@jonathandewberry289 Nah, it was getting that image in the mid-1980s.

[@jonathandewberry289]

@@SoloPilot6 nah, it wasn't and that's why nobody said a thing about it being racist during 'The Dukes of Hazard' 1980s super popularity and the widespread popularity of that flag as 'merch' and toy cars. facts.

[@brothersamuel100]

*_My uncle is a Black man and a Vietnam War veteran. He flies a Confederate flag outside of his personal residence. He also has one on his Chevy truck. It is such a blessing to live in this great Nation of ours._*

[@razheer100]

?

[@brothersamuel100]

@@razheer100 *It's call freedom.*

[@brov3313]

@@brothersamuel100 You arent black. You dont have an uncle your just lying for attention.

[@brothersamuel100]

@@brov3313 *Whatever! Peace* ✌

[@IcemanJuice]

Definitely got “Get Out” vibes when Deshaun’s manager decided to wait on the driveway

[@jmack619]

thank GOD we have your 6 conclusions!! I was totally confused! Are you one of the good ones?

[@IcemanJuice]

jmack619 ?

[@pixeled9683]

what

[@pixeled9683]

doesn't really mean anything tbh

[@williedavis4926]

U r one of the good ones how racist is that

[@paxotium7971]

So the coward who threw the rock is also the coward who abandoned his troops in the field. The sales leader who threw the rock, also told DeShawn to go by Sean. Interesting writing.

[@arwyss]

He didn't tell him to go be Sean, he clearly said to go by Shawn.

[@YON_RO]

@@arwyss he said Shon idiot

[@BrianDagame]

What do you mean?

[@thomasr.jackson2940]

And the resident of the house displaying the American flag shut the door in the face of the black man, while the guy displaying the Confederate flag let him in and treated him as a human being.

[@grantcapel9884]

Vault-Tec he was talking about the person who threw the rock through the old mans window because he thought the flag was racist. He meant that the very same person that was calling someone racist was being racist himself. He thought that nobody wanted to by from Deshawn because of his skin color and them left him there on his own after he realized his wrong.

[@georgemcmillan9172]

This just proves that you cannot judge someone merely upon appearances. Just because what you see on the outside may be unsettling to you, that person/ persons could be something other than what you see. Good job...

[@Lugh444]

So why do you think the sales person crumpled up his check? He isn't going to get the knives he thought he ordered.

[@kevinmackay5233]

@@Lugh444I was under the impression he sold the knifes out of his bag, and he just threw the money away. in turn screwing his boss and the man getting a “free” set of knives because the money will never be pulled from the bank

[@PrincessMermista]

I've met many many ppl with that flag.....a lot were really kind. Sadly that flag wasn't always supposed to be that way.

[@FordPrefict42]

I've sold door to door. I feel his nervousness and self-doubt.

[@DragonJin78]

Michael Giovinazzi yep. I did door to door years ago. I’d all ways prayed it’s not crazy persons house I’m entering. There were 2 strange encounters. That I was so glad when I got back outside. 😂

[@freedomloverusa3030]

Brave man.

[@senosab]

I did door to door for over a year. No problem, just gotta have some balls.

[@FordPrefict42]

I believe my biggest hurdle was memorizing their sales pitch. I felt like Mr. Orange from Reservoir Dogs, except the "making my own" bit. They want to recite it word for word. If a product is THAT good, I shouldn't need 5 pages of dialogue.

[@TheAzynder]

I am quite happy the trade is more or less done, locally at least. I know people are just trying to make a living but I am too polite to say no to a demo but too cheap to buy anything which leads to both of us wasting each others time and neither of us want to be there.

[@bryanryan4504]

I'm a person of color and back in 1999 I rented an apt right next to a person who had a huge confederate flag attached to his living room wall (covered the whole wall like a 6 foot by 8 foot flag ) He had long heavy metal hair and a lot of other dudes lookin like him hanging out at his apt during the day. I never had an issue w him. He was a gentleman neighbor and treated me and everyone w respect. We always greeted each other if we come across each other.

[@AndreasEUR]

So you're a different type of person than whites? Or are you a person who happens to not be white? Are you a black man? Or are you a man who happens to be black? As Judge Judy said in an interview, she's not a female judge. She's a judge who happens to be a female. Stop oppressing yourself dude.

[@vincentsablan732]

@@AndreasEUR Unless you've lived a life free from any sort of prejudice, you'd understand his comment. If you are true to your representation here, I applaud your indiscriminate attitude/discretion. But, don't insult anybody that shares an experience that very well could help others in that same or similar position.

[@AndreasEUR]

@@aminamohamed1701 it was the official flag of the confederacy during the civil war. EDIT since people seem to misunderstand.. "The confederate flag" was the official flag of the confederacy. The flag wrongly named "The confederate flag" , aka the battle flag WAS NEVER the official confederate flag.

[@aminamohamed1701]

@@AndreasEUR oh imma just google this because I have little to no knowledge on American history.

[@VelveteenRabbit77]

@@aminamohamed1701 There was a civil war in the United States. The Confederate flag was the flag of the region that rebelled against the Federal government.

[@hohho56oy]

The ending had me choked up as my great-great-great grandfather was a Union officer in the Civil War.

[@TihetrisWeathersby]

"You're one of the good ones" one of the most racist statements ever lol

[@tomassmith1519]

I would like to think he meant the owners of the Confederate Flag and not white people but... well...

[@FitmartFitness]

The man tell the black salesman... "you are one of the good ones".... By their definitions. Anyone that assumed the man talking about "black people" is a pre-conditioned prejudiced racist. He could have meant... good salesman, good young man, good Christian. But no... ...You just assumed he was a white racist. Hypocrisy at its finest.

[@theragingrodent__]

It's gonna be a sad day when Deshaun finds out Cutco's a pyramid scheme.

[@0000YumYum0000]

Right. I used to work for them. A total pyramid scheme. But they got good cutlery though

[@ends8]

@@lewiswereb8994 It's not a pyramid scheme or a multi level marketing company, but there are a lot of issues regarding how they treat employees. Now on the other hand, saying that Cutco has some of the most quality knives in the world is ridiculous. I'm not even entirely sure if that whole comment was sarcasm. What they really offer are overpriced upper-mid tier products and occasionally they will sell high quality cutlery at a premium but still over valued price. Yeah, their lifetime warranty and sharpening is great, but besides that it doesn't take much looking to find some real high quality hand made cutlery sets, Wusthof and Henckels offers knives in the same price range that are arguably better quality.

[@evan5944]

@@lewiswereb8994 Yes, they have good cutlery, but they're STILL a pyramid scheme.

[@tintshopnc5552]

but the knives are good. just not $1400 good

[@eduardochavacano]

LOL, the film was cute, the comments better.

[@CuttyDaConMane]

I hated being a salesman as a teen. This lady cussed me out so bad that I thought she was racist. She just didn’t want people knocking on her door trying to sell her things.

[@heythere9707]

My parents just taught me to always just answer the door and tell them straight up, “sorry, we’re not interested”.

[@naashoiianinigii5266]

@Richard King wow way to be a racist mate, not everyone thinks the same nor acts the same, ya got sh¡t for brains?

[@publiusledeuxieme7404]

@@naashoiianinigii5266 Mate, you just proved his point.

[@uhtred7860]

@@publiusledeuxieme7404 LOL, IKR??

[@vihansubramaniam3593]

@Richard King And you are actually racist. Great job buddy.

[@mrpink7773]

lol let’s see the same film with a swastika flag and see how well the “meaning” translates

[@HELLO_KORO]

Lmao everyone doing mental gymnastics in these comments

[@fizkallnyeilsem]

mrpink, you be equating confederate flag with a swastika, its very funny how you wanted to project it in that direction, mustve itched your skin to not have the daily dose of "whiteman bad" news, n instead watching this to make that comment

[@jc_malone8217]

And the owner of the flag is Chinese.

[@mikewalters8710]

That man is welcome here anytime

[@imraankajee263]

“You're one of the good ones” . I think he was referring to salesmen, since his experiences with them have included a rock through his window. I think the film is supposed to play on the viewers own stereotypes.

[@elcucuygarage]

Or the idea is that [all] people suck. It was common growing up to hear "you're one of the good ones" layman's translation meaning "you are good people".

[@FEhut]

think so too

[@ondrejh5941]

Yes and it works perfectly.

[@blod9862]

I think it was just on how rough salesman have it

[@vernonjohnson1147]

I think it meant what it meant. He has a belief in something that had deep roots in his life. Believe it or not I look at that flag differently now. You don't have to hurt or hate a person to see them as different, but you do have to respect them. That is what he did, he respected that young black man and did him better than his so called " supervisor friend". I am black but now I can understand and respect that flag better. Not that I will be flying it, but respect those who lost loved ones that died for it. We all lost people in that war.

[@liltech-9677]

His bigger issue was finding a ride home

[@youngb1ood]

SLab _ LOL!

[@iTzShakenJoE]

lmaoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[@lewischarles5470]

Yeah , I've actually been through this before.

[@suryoardi7109]

if i was him i Will come to next door and try to selling more. Because i use to salesman too 😁😁

[@James-ll8su]

Audition 1999

[@CopperD5]

When he said *you're one of the good ones* I felt anger pulse through me.

[@ButterflyRebekah]

That wasn’t a racial statement, actually. It was a statement that DeShawn was one of the good salesman. I mean, c’mon, just compare him to the supervisory salesman!

[@bedlambikes]

The MSM has you EXACTLY where they want you. Think for yourself and let the anger of the Democratic Party go.... you'll live a much happier and freer life! Division is their agenda.

[@movienerd202]

Owning this flag doesn't make you a racist. Being a racist makes you a racist.

[@Dracma.]

The old guy was loyal to the flag for a decent reason. DeShawn crumpled the check because he would not be loyal to a company that deserted him. Loyalty is earned.

[@larrybee7713]

I was wondering why he tore up the check.

[@jasonmitchell6534]

Stop alcohol

[@skitmaster4130]

@@jasonmitchell6534 so random lol

[@crosscountrycrusader]

I agree. His anger was directed at the company man who deserted him. When he heard the man's real intentions for the flag, and that he intended no harm, it made his managers actions feel even more dishonorable. This was a really interesting short.

[@AgainstAllOddsFilms]

My take is that he tore up the check because he didn’t want to do business with the confederate flag owner who made racist remarks to him.

[@AlphaBravo860]

Who else thinks it's a bad idea to sell knives door to door to strangers?

[@808Fee]

Me. They were quality knives tho. I'd buy some! 😂

[@USNVA-yn6cp]

you think thats bad... trying selling hand grenades door to door.........geezz

[@image3320]

Working in any Department store

[@image3320]

He didn't seem to know apples from oranges to be confident with the sale. Your filet style knife is most comparable to our 6 inch flexible utility blade... but feel free to pick any knife up feel comfortable with.

[@markturner8597]

I used to sell knives to strangers. But it was via referral, not door to door, but yeah, similar thing here.

[@danagray9709]

The craziest thing is that the black character's prejudice and lack of knowledge of history led him to sit being terrified while he was treated better by that man than anyone else that day and then throw away the sale at the end. Meanwhile the "ally" left him to walk back with no help.

[@dundermifflin3847]

More people need to see this. That flag doesn't automatically mean racist.

[@gashafashi08]

What does mean? What does it represent?

[@dundermifflin3847]

Why are you asking? It doesn't even matter what it means. What matters is that people are legally allowed to put them up, and that too many people go around pointing and crying racist before thinking. Did you just miss the point of the video or something?

[@MusicforMe123]

The one everyone thought was a racist just wants to be left alone, the person who is friends with everyone is actually the racist. The person the salesman thought was going to kill him gave him a check towards his first sale and the person who suppose to support him abandoned him in the middle of nowhere.

[@StatusQuo001]

Thought was racist?? He WAS racist... and wanted to be left a alone

[@MusicforMe123]

@@StatusQuo001 If he was racist he would not have let the black man in the house and he definitely would not have bought a knife set from a black man. So by saying he is racist you already have a predetermined mindset of this man who did nothing that was racist, you better change your way of thinking.

[@thecampverdekid806]

@@corndrinker r/whoosh

[@darrylmarable9050]

Well, Pops need to diss the flag if he has no problem with people of color, he treasures that flag in honor of his Grandfather, well could it Shaun's Grandfather was killed under the same flag?, so how should he view that flag? That flag was conceived long before Pops came along so it's real meaning is in its birth. It simply offends people, just like the American flag may offend someone from the middle east. Yet our Fathers died for it, it was the flag for which they were killed under.

[@jaydenbrockington4525]

@@StatusQuo001 he was prejudice but not racist

[@jwalker_25]

In some of the scenes, you could literally cut the tension with a knife.

[@rashadpreston7389]

Nice pun

[@SarahSakura]

ZyX_Woke 😂

[@Steveman27]

Perhaps so thick that the first knife that was being demonstrated with would've have been able to cut it.

[@SPACEHARICE]

AYEEEEEEEEE

[@bonnie9855]

Any more tension and it will break itself

[@jamespeles8848]

I stumbled across this by accident and I am really glad I did. Excellent all around.

[@sparc77]

Best words of wisdom I've heard in a while: "People have baggage...things don't".

[@billwilliams3580]

yup, the ones with the biggest carryon are the worst.😉

[@tyronedavis2812]

As a black man living in Detroit I could not imagine that happening in an opposite scenario. A white young man selling knives in a black neighborhood. I actually thought that turned out pretty well except for the friend that left him behind.

[@WhattAreYouSaying]

I don't see the problem with selling knives in any neighborhood. Everyone has knives at home anyways, if someone wants to hurt a seller it will happen no matter if they sell knives or vacuum cleaners. But you got a point.

[@sweetpain67]

Boom! With a BLM/Panthers flag.

[@weekendjail1417]

TBH man, I can, because I did it for a few months after Highschool lol. (Well not just black neighborhoods, I went were the referrals took me, so all over the place) You on the eastside?

[@jamescrane1193]

I would like your perspective on that. How would he be received in your neighborhood ? Thanks

[@kingofgrim4761]

@@sweetpain67 that would be nice to see at the least

[@godbwithme7586]

Me and my ex delivered a washer to a trailer park community that literally wasn't on the map. They met us at a store and drove us down a dirt road where we seen the largest confederate flags on the side of almost every trailer. We was scared shitless! But as it would turn out. They were the friendliest people and everyone was genuinely nice to us even though we were the only blacks there. The guy has a major point in this video. People have baggage. Not inanimate objects. That fact is undeniable... "Liked & Subscribed"

[@brandondavidson4085]

No, symbols exist for a reason. And a racist can be very nice to you because like Marshall in the video, they think you're "one of the good ones".

[@golfinspired2058]

Excellent post !!!

[@chrisf8855]

@@brandondavidson4085 maybe Marshall meant that he is one of the good salesmen. Maybe "one of the good ones" just meant he's one of the good persons in the world. See, your mind immediately saw race in what he said. Maybe he was referring to race, maybe he wasn't.

[@Cqut1]

@@brandondavidson4085 U only saw the race, u didn't think he was talking about being a salesman. Whos the racist now

[@brandondavidson4085]

@@Cqut1 Let's just forget the part where the old man 1) assumed an idiom the black guy quoted was from a rap song and 2) assumed the cross around the guy's necklace was only a fashion statement. Marshall clearly has negative biases about black people

[@MrRadiodio]

he is just brave by going into a strangers home like that

[@raymondhebert7016]

The fact that the man invited the salesman into his house says something. It's mostly how individuals treat other individuals.

[@haleskew7112]

I knows dats rite Raymond

[@konquer247]

what if he invited him to make a sauce out of him? 😂 no one could have known.

[@geckosquad3900]

@ANTI FURRY 82 REGIMENT i can see where you coming from

[@elijahjakobsen7898]

My dad would invite Jehovas in just to debate with no intention of budging so I don't know haha

[@stoneddragon5400]

Exactly

[@spartan97351]

THE white man he thought was his enemy was a "friend" while his "friend" was his enemy...

[@BrandonTheFern]

And Ye Shall be Entertained Regularly the white man never thought that was his enemy the confederate flag stands for heritage now days and the black guy crumbed the managers number and when he said your one of the good ones he meant salesman cause the other one threw a rock threw his window

[@tobyl.1703]

@@BrandonTheFern that's a Dixie battle flag not THE Confederate flag

[@reksie7816]

@@tobyl.1703 It's all the same to these people tobias

[@Beeloved33]

Reksie Not sure what you mean by these people, but correct me if I’m wrong the so called Dixie battle flag / Confederate Flag what ever it’s called .The image is used as a hate symbol Historically . So WE as in “My people” recognizes it , with the hate it’s represented by “other people”!

[@reksie7816]

@@Beeloved33 what?

[@kulwindersaran6520]

“you’re one of the good ones” ?? hello?? why is no one talking about that part

[@FitmartFitness]

The man tells the black salesman... "you are one of the good ones".... By their definitions. Anyone that assumed the man talking about "black people" is a pre-conditioned prejudiced racist. He could have meant... good salesman, good young man, good Christian. But no... ...They just assumed he was a white racist. Hypocrisy at its finest.

[@MattiusFincham]

Commentary on the narrative aside, the casting on this was really great as well! The team lead guy was so great cause he had that typical corporate drone sorta stuff then when he's by himself he's a typical 20 year-old meathead lmao, brilliant writing even down to those small details

[@yaaxis]

i aint reading that essay

[@mikefinney423]

Lessons here: 1. Never assume you understand another person's true beliefs, values and intentions. 2. Don't be surprised if your boss is a dick.

[@javiersantiago8461]

KUDOS 💯👍🏼✌🏼😂😂😂😂

[@ogskarface6646]

AND A COWARD

[@mikefinney423]

@@ogskarface6646 So true. I had that boss one time...but only one time.

[@BushCampingTools]

right on!

[@meanieeheart4236]

the guy was still very racist, at the end he said "you're one of the good ones" aka black ppl are supposed to be bad but you're not

[@mikrowave1985]

As a minority brotha I support the homeowner. He’s 110% right despite this is all acting. “People have baggage, not things. You work hard, stay honest, don't bother anybody. It doesn't matter what color you are. If you're lazy, you're lazy. If you're a liar, you're a liar. No need to make it any more complicated than that” - Truth 101

[@DadJokesAllDayLong]

Just imagine how beautiful the world would be if people judged others as individuals instead of as groups.

[@theclimbto1]

@@DadJokesAllDayLong Some guy once said something about judging the content of one's character. What ever happened to that idea?

[@nunurbusinez8644]

@@DadJokesAllDayLong “Instead of as groups”? Do you mean like the way you judged atheists, as a whole, on another thread in this very comment section? 🤣😂🤣

[@nunurbusinez8644]

@@theclimbto1 he’s not the one to ask.

[@McShag420]

"As a national emblem, it is significant of our higher cause, the cause of a superior race, and a higher civilization contending against ignorance, infidelity, and barbarism. Another merit in the new flag is, that it bears no resemblance to the now infamous banner of the Yankee vandals." -William Tappan Thompson, creator of the confederate flag.

[@Gunshywally1369]

It's not because of his heritage, it's because he's a salesman.

[@pup9892]

It makes me think about how many of our fellow Americans died for the south and that their legacy is slowly being tarnished, and eventually erased from history. Most simple people that went to war in that time, did it due to service to country, or service to state. It had little to do with politics. To cast judgment on people that lived 160 years ago, with today's perception and ideology seems arrogant and ignorant, at best. What kind of judgment will people pass on us 160 years? Or will they just erase this part of history. I guess in the end, when we are gone, eventually we all will be forgotten. Some people sooner then later and some groups sooner than later.

[@MaturePatriot]

The only intolerant person in this video was the supervisor.

[@patrickalifo2331]

You're one of the good ones implies he believes the majority of Black people aren't

[@MelodyXpierce]

@@patrickalifo2331 Pretty sure he just meant people

[@ondrejh5941]

Yes!

[@deg1studios]

@@MelodyXpierce or salesmen. I don't think it was meant to be racist since that would contradict the entire direction of the film

[@MelodyXpierce]

@@deg1studios Yeah same. I think he thought that the guy was one of the people who put a rock through his window.

[@supremesteam3604]

Wow that happen to me back in 2010 I’m A carpet cleaner and I went to a customer house in Lakeside California and soon as we drove up it was a confederate flag inside of the garage a big huge confederate flag my wife who are black we were kind of nervous but when we went inside he treated us with respect we treated him with respect and he paid really good money to have the carpets clean and not only did he pay and have the carpets cleaned the correct way we did a good job for him and he left the most phenomenal fantastic review and it really boosted my business so don’t judge a book by its cover just cause a man has a flag in his home and he’s white and you’re in your black don’t be scared because you think the flag represents Honor and service

[@whitenoise546]

Punctuation is your friend. Please use it. Otherwise, appreciate your experience.

[@MrNess-je5bf]

We just going to ignore how the guy with the Confederate flag was racist “is that from a rap song” “You’re one of the good ones?” Excuse me? And the dude that was supposed to have his back just left him because he thought he was in more danger than the black man in a house that was flying the confederate flag. This is preposterous.

[@djpete2009]

That first door slam! Lol!! Brings back memories.

[@ChristianF15cher]

Tips for sales: 1. Smile 2. Talk confidently. 3. Avoid talking about politics and religion. 4. Talk about the product in a way that the customer feels that they would need it. Congrats, DeShawn. You somehow made a sale despite breaking all of these rules.

[@snookies1224]

exactly, this to me is the only thing you can take from this. His selling style was terrible.

[@bruce8321]

I spent my life selling and you forgot the most important rule. Ask for the order.

[@peronyx5956]

@@snookies1224 well yeah... Id be nervous if i was in a racists aswell. Anyone rightfully should

[@snookies1224]

@@peronyx5956 Maaaate ... there was no flag outside so he had no reason to be nervous at the actual door, which he was. This movie misses the mark in so many ways, I don't even know what it's trying to say.

[@peronyx5956]

@@snookies1224 there wasnt a flag outside, true. The boss originally said that the man was racist though (the boss threw the rock. he saw the flag and knows the mans racist). Thats why he was nervous... You dont understand the message of the film. that doesnt mean it misses the mark, just that you didnt get it. Its explaining that Racism comes in many forms. More explicit racism (the flag) and less explicit racism (the boss).

[@brod2man]

Supervisor: "I think I'm outside the house I threw a rock at" Some friend: "Okay, whatever" Supervisor: *manages to draw out conversation for 12 minutes*

[@ashifyer2226]

a true youtuber

[@brod2man]

@@ashifyer2226 thanks mate. I'm gonna write that on my resume

[@azure8696]

Lmao🤣

[@crazytrain03]

I had a confederate flag hanging on my wall in my barracks room while I was in the Army. My CSM came in to do inspections one day, and just stopped dead in his tracks, stared at me and said "lets here it". I told him that flag belonged to a long time family friend, a veteran...that was killed the day before my birthday, after being hit by a drunk driver on his motorcycle. I got the flag the next day for my birthday and that it was over 50 years old. He nodded his head, rendered a quick salute to my flag, about faced and left. That was that. Sometimes that flag means things to people that it doesn't to others

[@PhilipUnger-FearTheKing]

Not all racist are bad racist is what I took from it lmao

[@Jurnicurn]

The coward left his comrade in the trenches. He threw the rock and he was racist about Deshawns name. Jeez. We give things meaning. The cross, the flag are just things. How you treat people is what matters.

[@defd4564]

spot on!

[@alishanestor1135]

Mmmm still represents the millions of African Americans tht were beaten n enslaved for 209 years

[@Jurnicurn]

@@alishanestor1135 agreed but I prefer to look at people's actions rather than the things they surround themselves with when I judge a character. We don't know what the flag means to him but he's respectful more so than what Deshawns friend was. I'm not defending the flag I'm reading into the meaning of this short movie. Things are just things, we give them meaning and power.

[@andrewblack6099]

I don't think he was racist about Deshaun's name. Shaun is more common in whiter communities than Deshaun, so the guy's advice was pretty solid. Familiar things/people are easier to make bonds/trust with.

[@Jurnicurn]

@@andrewblack6099 and that's a problem. And it needs to change. You should en have to hide behind a "whiter name" to gain trust.

[@metalbikiniadventure6644]

I remember back when if you had an confederate battle flag it was "oh you like Dukes of Hazzard too."

[@naturesbest8203]

Black ppl also watched the Dukes of Hazard...Watched faithfully w/ my Granddaddy...Ddnt know anything about the flag then...

[@metalbikiniadventure6644]

@@naturesbest8203 Back then It was just an old flag that you saw in the South sometimes. Nobody cared.

[@naturesbest8203]

@@metalbikiniadventure6644 I can agree w/ that...Even in the South, the flag wasn't explained in school or in everyday life...Even now they dnt really mention that black ppl also fought in that war...

[@JohnDoe-mp1zk]

@@naturesbest8203 IN PART, I belive it was hijacked much like the swastika symbol and was used by bad people for their ignorant cause.

[@Hornblas189]

Are you sure they were the bad guys?

[@Black_Patriot-Veteran-1970]

We need more men like this guy. And I'm NOT talking about the kid.

[@zenever0]

More white supremacists

[@kbkb2219]

Americans need to understand what the Confederate flag stands for before you judge the person flying one.

[@jasonnwakaeze1683]

what he said: "go in by just Shawn" "make it sound more white"

[@capricioushighblood4055]

To be fair, Americanization of names has done a good bit to incorporate different people. Take the name Smith for example was adopted by many people such as Germans with the last name Schmidt. Americanization of names helps well in sales since people tend to like people who are familiar. In this case DeShawn to Sean, very few people know a DeShawn, everyone knows a Sean

[@itsnunyabidness1225]

@@capricioushighblood4055 The motive of the supervisor was clearly to make DeShawn appear less "urban." Being 'American' doesn't only apply to just one type of US citizen. DeShawn and Sean are both colloquially American names.

[@David-gg9kv]

Capricious Highblood I don’t know any seans but know multiple deshawns

[@capricioushighblood4055]

@@David-gg9kv 20 bucks says you don't live in a white suburbs

[@markusbonnet439]

Thats obvious , anyone over 5 would catch that

[@joshh1414]

I like how the film wants us to assume that the guy is racist. Nit-picking everything he says to go "Oh yep! He hates the blacks!", but nothing he said was racist; only how you could interpret it. Especially when he says "You're one of the good ones". We assume he's referring to Deshawn being one of the "good" blacks but the guy may simply be referring to Deshawn as being one of the good salesmen instead. The film forces us to see how our perceptions are askew in society, to both the whites and the people of colour

[@AO1989USAF]

WELL PUT! WELL SAID👍🏼 @THE NARRATOR

[@videopractice1019]

Love this comment. Very insightful. @The Narrator

[@eyecandy1336]

Great analogy, Nothing was cast in stone in the video.......... !

[@BigLew72]

he's definitely not a good salesman lmao

[@RealJohnnyG]

Thank you, Narrator, very cool.

[@designerd77]

Reading the comments looks like alot of people didn't get the symbolism here or watch the whole thing? This is not a story about a misunderstood southern gentleman guys.

[@engagingthinkers581]

Enuthusiasm and a smile are the first bridges to opening the door. Door to door was so cool and Fun back in the day.

[@WORLD8NSH5KNIGHT1]

This was an intelligent, thought-provoking one the 'team leader' was pathetic

[@okapmeinkap7311]

"thought provoking" as opposed to? Pulp Fiction? Where Zed was "pipe-fitting" Marcela's you-know-where?

[@scottcupp8129]

He sure enough was

[@thegrandnil764]

You should come out to Kentucky. Just down the street from me there's this super christian black lady, and her super laied back stoner bf with missing teeth who always has a confederate flag tshirt on.

[@davidkirk6572]

@yxcvtfgjh lkjasdh You hate anti-fascists. Does that mean you love fascists? Just asking.

[@baldoggie]

@@davidkirk6572 bro antifa are ancommies... bruh

[@kelsiermistborn]

Deshawn’s actor was really good.

[@oof-ih8ok]

yahhhhhhhhhhh that's hot, that's hot

[@roehanostornsyn3367]

@@oof-ih8ok lol, tyler

[@davisjohnson5688]

not really

[@davisjohnson5688]

@TheSwoleBroscientist I agree.

[@AriaMarie._]

He was great ✨

[@nonsibisedpatriae9522]

Once you understand that the TV hates you...then you will free your mind.

[@JayTheAdviceGuy]

So many different thoughts in this video. The different perspectives of the homeowner and the black salesman. How the salesman's boss just LEFT him like a COWARD, not knowing if he'd even be alright. The dude actually GETTING THE SALE, and his boss never even got to SEE! And lastly, the crumpling of the check as if the dude did NOT WANT the homeowner's money. I'm guessing still feeling like he was racist? I'm not sure, but this was an interesting video.

[@bassandbucks4282]

Being a black man that grew up in the heart of Appalachia I grew up seeing that flag a LOT while there were racist people who flew that flag there were also some very kind people who also flew that flag as well as a matter of fact several of my friends and neighbors had that flag (including oddly enough one who had left wing ideals on most topics) and when my truck broke down it was one of my neighbors with that flag that luckily saw me and picked me up (they also had my truck towed home for me) because of this it showed me that flag represents vastly different things to different people and just because a person flies it doesn't automatically make them a racist

[@FatalCharade]

It may not make them racist but it's a pretty good indicator that they are. Just like seeing some kid in a Che Guevara T-shirt. He may not be a hipster communist but it's a good indicator.

[@bassandbucks4282]

@@FatalCharade a fair point because there were definitely some racist hillbillies who still thought they were fighting the Civil War that also flew that flag

[@dwsinclair5282]

It’s definitely not a racist flag and anyone who says otherwise might should check their self,I love and respect others beliefs and cultures and just ask for the same.

[@FatalCharade]

@@dwsinclair5282 not a racist flag?? What reality do you live in??

[@dwsinclair5282]

@@FatalCharade sorry if me being proud of my ancestors and where I’m from triggered you

[@defd4564]

When Deshawn realized what his "trainer" had actually done(insisted Deshawn handle the sale himself,probably threw the rock, and then drove off on him) Deshawn balled the check up. He held his head up high with a new found confidence of himself. The "trainer" told him this but was patronizing him(no pun intended). When Marshall gave it to him straight and genuinely, Deshawn knew then who was truly on his team; hence "you're one of the good ones"! Not being one of the good" blacks" but a good citizen of the united states.

[@BhaktaChase]

Yes.

[@cees8797]

That’s exactly what I thought. I love how many got caught up in the tone rather than the message 😂

[@bobsonbobbybobson6888]

@FLOWER he wasnt. Nice try interpretting something good and turning it into something bad

[@belsnickel9568]

FLOWER you’re doing exactly the opposite of what this video just taught

[@nexovec]

I don't get it, what is the flag?

[@rickyarme2317]

Never seen democrats so scared of a democrats flag lol.

[@aurorejonesTV]

🤣🤣🤣🤣👏👏👏

[@AesJCoyote]

I see what you did there lol

[@samgray49]

That house looks like the house my mom grew up in... That said, this video has a great message about baggage and that some people interpret it differently. I've realized that the "lost cause" to these people were raised to believe, is just that, a belief, and that they are not responsible for it. That no one should just a person just by their image, or beliefs that just under the facade they have, they might be a person who was hurt, or just needs compassion.

[@johnniespaulding9067]

This happened to me. A young couple had a flag in the wall. While doing the demonstration, they invited my black coworker and myself to their cookout that weekend. We were hesitant to answer and they caught on. The guy explained that the flag belonged to a family member and was a family heirloom. Long story short, we went to the party and there were white and black people there having a good time!

[@brntstud608]

A⁰

[@Find-Your-Bliss-]

His family heirloom could be folded in a trunk… Choices.

[@johnniespaulding9067]

@@Find-Your-Bliss- or you can stop being so closed minded… Choices

[@_7-7-7_]

@@Find-Your-Bliss- yet another offended white woman.

[@mja91352]

Know anyone displaying a swastika? Didn't think so.

[@Brandon_J]

I love how this story turns around so quickly. Don't judge others based on what you see. I also like that the white associate outside was being offended for other people, it's hilariously accurate.

[@jacobroberts2976]

Nailed it

[@marioboyd557]

@@jacobroberts2976 I hate it when other people get offended for me. The majority the things that people believe would offend me doesn’t bother me

[@astronauttheoceangod2357]

@@marioboyd557 that’s how I felt when they got rid of cops the show

[@marioboyd557]

@@astronauttheoceangod2357 The world has changed!

[@nunurbusinez8644]

Is it ok to judge others based on what they say? Like if they assume you’re quoting rap because you’re black? (rhetorical questions)

[@Sweetasthesun]

Small fact, the flag is backside out... the folds should be on the backside and the center star is upside down since it's backwards.

[@geoffreymills9932]

People need to get over their narrow minded beliefs and see life for what it is, we all have things we're proud of and we all have things we're ashamed of, I'm a son of the Confederacy but do believe that all men were created equal, it's what you choose to do with your life that makes you the person you are, not symbols of your ancestors, put 4 men in the same room, any color you choose, all the same color, a judge, a lawer, a jailer and the criminal,,, who screwed up

[@yaaxis]

i aint reading that essay

[@wisefries4205]

@@yaaxis it's hardly a paragraph worth, whether you're joking or not, it makes you look lazy

[@baigish100]

Despite their differences and cultural backgrounds, they treated each other politely and respectfully. It's a good place to start.

[@carmonarmstrong1288]

Ugh mutual respect! You're kidding yourself.

[@carmonarmstrong1288]

Sure they did! With comments like,"You're one of the good ones", and "Do you know who threw the rock through my window?. You're kidding yourself!

[@baigish100]

@@carmonarmstrong1288 The way you change society is not to dunk on people, but to sit and break bread with them. It all begins with the simplest of conversations.

[@carmonarmstrong1288]

@@baigish100 REALLY? So does that mean that I can't point out the fact that this is another example of one sided acceptance of a minority by a majority member? I wouldn't dump on anyone had this been a balanced example of mutual acceptance. I call it like I see it. If that makes you uncomfortable, welcome to the real world.

[@puga2592]

@@carmonarmstrong1288 the “you’re one of the good ones” statement was intentionally meant to be up for interpretation as it could also be referring to him being one of the good salesmen (I think).

[@kasandride3576]

To those that don't understand the ending, I think it's all in our own interpretations mainly but how I interpret it is: he made a decision, he sold that man those knives and rather than giving the money back to the people that left him down. He stood against them by not giving them anything. The man that they threw the Rock at got a free set of knives nothing came out of his bank account. It's all his. The young salesman got the sale he needed, the confidence boost, and the respect of being a good person. On top of that he also received moral Justice for seeing past a petty thing, a small thing like skin color or a Mark that is misunderstood. The supervisor salesman got nothing, he didn't get his recognition, he didn't get courage, he showed his true colors in the end by cowarding away and leaving a man to his own Doom... little did he know the good salesman and the man with the Confederate flag became friends.

[@javiersantiago8461]

💯👍🏼✌🏼

[@sierrachoco5271]

I don't think they became friends!

[@javiersantiago8461]

@@sierrachoco5271 They became lovers, later on got married, adopted a bunch of Asian kids, and lived happily ever after. The End. 💯

[@enmiredbythelazy4401]

@@javiersantiago8461 LMAO

[@mysmirandam.6618]

@@javiersantiago8461 good one!! Ha ha 😂

[@sohamjobanputra2914]

The person who adviced about positive mental mindset was one to think the negative first.

[@kamespinosarojas9225]

This video shows how most of the time situations play.

[@The4j1123]

This short did a great job taking phrases that we consider racist and having the supervisor and the flag owner both use them, however when we hear the supervisor say them, we don't bat an eye- "You're selling yourself!", while when the flag owner says something similar- "You're one of the good ones." (as in good salesman), we assume he's making a racial comment, when he wasn't at all. Such an interesting short film, really played with my head, and was executed intelligently.

[@AndrewLohmannKent]

Good ones - Christian decent guys I think he means. Aside from being a salesman or not - which I suspect the house owner thinks he is not but gives him a chance anyway.

[@kresant1507]

Good catch buddy it’s the double meaning

[@jxy9993]

dont mean he racist for the flag

[@upsidedownpeon9984]

@@AndrewLohmannKent I took it as a "good person" comment.

[@BuddyBanchuk]

It means it's a flag. The flag doesn't assign itself meaning, people do. People can also falsely assign meaning. People read too much into things. Inanimate things.

[@proximacentauri2684]

Wow, old man has a voice like slightly melted chocolate on Christmas morning.

[@gadielplays2419]

Lmao

[@d.l.d.l.8140]

My family fought on both sides. I would not fly the confederate battle flag for any reason.

[@brax7152]

I like to think that when he said “You’re one of the good ones.” He meant salesmen.

[@tombombadil1351]

im pretty sure that was the second of his racist remarks. the first was presuming he was talking about rap. people seem to overlook that he was in fact racist.

[@BiIIyTheKid]

@@tombombadil1351A person is racist because they don't like rap? What a joke.

[@wisefries4205]

@@BiIIyTheKid no, people can not like rap because they are racist. it's pretty common to be the case

[@justaz569]

The Salesman: "Your selling yourself, that shouldn't be too hard for you." Me: He said that, he actually said that.

[@Tempusverum]

Wow, I didn't realize how bad that actually sounded until you mentioned it

[@elisejackson2854]

@@Tempusverum same.

[@agentsquid9079]

I mean wow.. I didn’t realize that until you wrote it.. wow

[@bigsoap186]

G A R Y he didn’t mean it like that

[@janaelove]

G A R Y when he said you’re selling yourself he means that what you sell depends on how you act. With a good salesman it doesn’t matter what they sell their charisma is what gets them sales.

[@raymondwitter8101]

Story is excellent. You could cut the tension with a knife. Pun intended.

[@coppersulphate002]

I think that it was the film maker's intention to have that pun

[@greedokenobi3855]

Brilliant. Didn’t cross my mind.

[@psychoadam2003]

Lmao 2 min in and I'm already having flashbacks of my time working as a Kirby vacuum salesman in Texas years ago

[@kateps1874]

Outside my office building one day years ago, a homeless gentleman regaled me with stories of his war years. He wasn't well-kempt or well educated but he was bright and animated, respectful, and his tales (especially the one where he was off-ship at Pearl Harbor that awful evil day.) He used terms and described places that aren't in the history books and the damage certain buildings took. I lived there 10 years and knew exactly the places and ppl he described. I was wiser and touched by our conversation. I challenge every one reading this to open your mind when possible and just listen.

[@p03t4]

This is a perfect way of not judging someone without hearing their stories

[@jesscast5122]

Dude, it's just an ACTED skit. In reality, Confeds are as RACIST as hell. They are just trying too appear as normal as any other person, here.

[@beanos2287]

@@jesscast5122 wtf is your issue?

[@saylorgrey1029]

@@jesscast5122 shut up

[@swagalishers9950]

@@jesscast5122 he isn’t a confederate

[@jesscast5122]

@@saylorgrey1029 :-*

[@Alan-in-Bama]

As a 50 year old White man, born, raised and still living in Birmingham, Alabama... First let me say - Alabama and all of the South is not stuck in some time loop of the 1950's-60's. It's 2021 here also ! Yes, Many of us in the South have strong feelings about our history and wanting to preserve it....While also making Massive steps forward in removing the barriers that caused so much ignorance and hatefulness. (BTW - This is Not simply a Southern issue, it's a Human issue. It has Nothing to do with geography OR one race of people.) The ONLY way to resolve differences between people over issues like that flag or Race, etc.... is to simply talk to each other. Two people sitting down, speaking and listening to each other with Equal respect and the willingness to understand each others point of view !

[@joannebailey8277]

this post of yours should have way more than 9 likes

[@piggygamin]

Well said!

[@KT-zq9us]

I’m with you.

[@AceLeader09]

This deserves more likes

[@tr1ggerhppykil]

As a fellow Alabamian I completely agree with your statement sir

[@maximussaxon8092]

Very well done. Nice to see young people have a ‘balanced’ perspective - especially in today’s divisive world. The background military drums added an excellent accentuation to the emotions.

[@Large_Woman]

When he opened the door, was anyone else thinking, "...is that Dustin Hoffman...? o.O "