The VERY Messed up Origins of John Henry | Fables Explained - Jon Solo

Head to www.squarespac... to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code "JonSolo" ! ᕦʕ •ᴥ•ʔᕤ
► SOLOFAM MERCH:
» www.bonfire.co...
► Support the series on Patreon!
» / jonsolo
► Want more?
» Messed Up Origins: bit.ly/MessedU...
» Disney Explained: bit.ly/DisneyE...
» Fables Explained: bit.ly/FablesE...
» Mythology Explained: bit.ly/Mytholo...
» Messed Up Murders: bit.ly/MurderP...
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
► Social Media:
» Twitter: / jonsolo
» Instagram: / jonsolo
» Facebook Fan Page: / therealjonsolo
» Official Subreddit: / jonsolo
► Join the Official Channel Discord:
» / jonsolo
► Send Fan Mail to:
» [e-mail]
► Business:
» [e-mail] (Business Inquiries ONLY)
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
▼ Sources ▼
» Steel Drivin' Man: John Henry by Scott Reynolds Nelson amzn.to/2PvaJ6g
» www.nytimes.co...
» ilab.org/artic...
» www.loc.gov/it...
» Rooted in Slavery: Prison Labor Exploitation: www.reimaginer...
▼ Music Sources ▼
» REVEALING MY INTRO SONG! goo.gl/Z9eHu1
» Background Music: Killing Time Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
» If I used your art in the thumbnail or any portion of this video please send a message to my business email with proof that you're the original artist so I can give you credit!
#MessedUpOrigins #JohnHenry #BlackHistoryMonth

[@grapeshot]

I remember my grandfather telling me this story when I was a little kid. He was a West Virginia coal miner from the Beckley area of West Virginia. Before him and his brothers went off to fight in World War II.

[@lilj4818]

BLOODY POND LIVES I live just about an hour south of Beckley!

[@loki2240]

@@lilj4818 - My wife is from Marietta, Ohio and competed against Beckley in high school. And my maternal grandparents are from Philippi, West Virginia. They made a more positive spin on the Industrial Revolution. They moved to Northeast Ohio, my grandfather worked for a railroad, and they let many extended family members live with them to work in factories in NE Ohio during the week. It was awe-inspiring and humbling, when I learned about it as an adult and how so many people held held my grandparents in such high regard. I wish that my siblings and I would've been informed about it much earlier. There's a lot more that we could've done as products of an affluent family. One sad note is that the people who stayed with my grandparents sometimes got robbed, when they took money home to WV on the weekends. And the people who robbed them were local WV police officers. My family has a lot of Native American ancestry, so it's easier to profile a lot of us. And then a lot of people are probably aware that some police officers have been more likely to pull over people with out of state license plates. So, working in Ohio and having Ohio plates turned out to be a risk factor for a lot of people, even though they were West Virginians with ancestry going back long before there was a West Virginia or Virginia.

[@reliomese2873]

What was the name of the other giant guy with a blue ox that cuts wood?

[@loki2240]

@@reliomese2873 - Paul Bunyan. He is a giant, and John Henry is just really big in the fables.

[@grapeshot]

@@reliomese2873 Paul Bunyan and his blue ox Babe

[@TahtahmesDiary]

Height can be utilized in (Black) storytelling to represent things such as strength, charisma, boldness, and having a strong presence. I'm not shocked we described him as tall because he had an energy that couldnt be denied.

[@dameonpounders7211]

That's how height is often utilized in a lot of story telling, though it's not always a good thing.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

@@dameonpounders7211 I wasn't sure if everyone else did it, I just know how we use it and it's typically positive to call a man tall and it implies a lot of manliness about him symbolically. I didn't want to speak for other cultures so I was sure to point out that I was only speaking from mine.

[@dameonpounders7211]

@@TahtahmesDiary it's all good. Ive seen some use the color black to show some people as charismatic and and bold, however that was in movies, books, and games that were made in different countries.

[@lashondatalbert8271]

Racist

[@hillarycastillo5594]

Lashonda Talbert she is speaking out of her own POV. She’s black, she views the world black. So for you to tell her that she’s racist for viewing the world the way she was born and raised is ignorant.

[@hippo11222]

What sort of man must John Henry have been to make such an impression on other workers that they decided to immortalize him forever as a folk hero?

[@armedwithwings3953]

It would have been nice to meet him

[@CrepuscularQueen]

I wonder if he saved someone's life

[@christianmccauley7340]

Maybe he was just that great a guy.

[@girl1213]

We'll never know. It could just be an instance of how a "nobody" can have a big impact on the world around them without meaning to. In the end, it doesn't really matter as much. It matters that he was at one time a real person and that resonates much stronger then any fictional character for people.

[@chrisarmstrong8211]

He was a free man

[@r2b2ct1]

Not only did he get a far worse sentence due to being black, it is entirely possible that he didn't steal anything at all. He was a black guy in the South a few years after slavery was abolished by the insistence of Northerners. All it would take is someone accusing him and he would be assumed guilty.

[@acidolimpia3388]

Not like they had security cameras to prove him wrong

[@liseegeskov8769]

Acid Olimpia they had still ways to find evidence Maybe not that Many ways but it is never okay to arrest someone without evidence!

[@aliway4136]

Or he did shoplift. Jesus christ. Just because hes black doesn't mean he was wronged

[@acidolimpia3388]

@@aliway4136 that may apply now but back then what ever a black man did was just a little wrong ment they could go to jail for 5 years, you're applying today's society to the society in the late 1800s to early 1900s, get a little bit more information you walnut for a brain

[@19Pyrus70]

@@acidolimpia3388 You *do* realize you may have responded to a trolling comment, don't you? And today isn't a whole lot different in context, only in degree: If a Black person does anything that can be construed as wrong for any real or imagined reason, punish him or her as harshly as you can get away with. Back then as now, there were most likely *lots* of people doing something "illegal" who were just "trying to get by", or "make their way in the world" for themselves and/or their families (especially in the wake of the Civil War) & since Blacks want to be "free" & "equal" lets just teach them a lesson about being free & equal...

[@vizzylotl5623]

Oh man I haven't heard of that name since 3rd grade such memories singing a song about him XD

[@amberwebb9684]

Right I've been singing it non stop now my kids are too

[@luissanchez-fm7cb]

Every now and again I sing it. Its been a long time since I've listened to it so my interpretation is short and choppy

[@kirkberryjr8724]

I haven't heard this since I was 8

[@TaZzYS]

Right!!

[@mmmochiman3843]

Omg yesss

[@moonprincesst.s.h.4ever115]

As an African American, I would like to thank you for teaching people about our history.

[@ginnyjollykidd]

The stories of People of Color need to be brought to the fore of history class. There is so much we don't know.

[@grace5033]

@@ginnyjollykidd at the end of 8th grade, my social studies teacher announced that we would be doing a project completely outside of the curriculum. We were split into groups and each group was assigned a country that slaves were shipped over from. We had to research things like that particular country's government, economy, social structure, etc. Because the people who became slaves are always depicted as riding wild animals and screaming tribal chants at every opportunity they get. That ignorance just pisses me off SO badly (and that's coming from me, your typical basic white girl!) I just find it awful how more than half of black Americans know little to nothing about their exact ancestry. Like, you could ask me about my lineage and I'd know exactly what to tell you: British, Irish, and Scottish, with a little bit of French. And while some African Americans are well aware of what country their ancestors came from, most of them are completely clueless as to what region of Africa their ancestors came from, let alone what country! I really hope tracing African roots can become a lot easier in future years...

[@moonprincesst.s.h.4ever115]

@@ginnyjollykidd I totally agree with you.

[@KarutoZoaldyeck]

JOHN HENRY WAS A MIGHTY MAN. JOHN HENRY WAS A MIGHTY MAN

[@loki2240]

I didn't learn that the criminal "justice" system was often used to "re-enslave" African Americans, until I was out of law school and researched it more myself after interning for a prosecutor's office. My primary and secondary education was "Blacks were slaves and then they were freed by the Emancipation Proclamation," which is inaccurate in addition to being ridiculously short of important information. My public schools didn't even do anything for Black History Month. A HS English teacher took it upon herself to organize students into a Black History Month committee to prepare and deliver presentations to elementary school students.

[@cuteladybug8622]

Such a sad and thought-provoking episode about how people were and still are, thought of disposable labor. If someone gets sick, is injured or dies, oh well, there's more to replace them. It's still an all too common mindset in the developing world.

[@jordanglasper1064]

Very true

[@slothful2039]

cuteladybug86 Very relevant with corona virus going around. A lot of jobs in America aren't giving time off or any other benefits to workers despite the fact that schools, big events, etc have shut down.

[@CrystalDoggoIsMissing]

Tora didn’t even think about that but that’s very true too

[@YUN6_V3NUZ]

we really need to move past it. humans are living things; not fucking machines.

[@bradmason4706]

Many jobs were dangerous back then, especially miners. With a 12 hour day, he would've slowly weakened over time as his lungs gave out.

[@nintendogh0st]

The most shocking thing was hearing I’m taller than THE John Henry, I had to take a minute to take that in. We’ve always been told he was a giant so to hear he was actually on the shorter side is a shocker.

[@YUN6_V3NUZ]

little man with a big heart

[@tabathafeucht3513]

I remember learning about Jon Henry in school. I much prefer your version. It sheds more light on his back story and the injustice that the poor man had to suffer. Great job and great video!

[@willhuey4891]

he beat the drill but it came at a heavy price.

[@naranciaisbestboi125]

@@willhuey4891 And that price was lung disease.

[@willhuey4891]

he died of a heart attack according to the legend.

[@naranciaisbestboi125]

@@willhuey4891 Did you even watch the video? He most likely died of lung disease like most of those workers from inhaling so much dust.

[@liv1522]

Plus being that he shoplifted from a general store and his background, it was most likely out of desperation to provide for his family or not starve to death himself.

[@AJ49377]

it's likely he didn't shoplift at all. your a man that grew up being beaten, demonized, and worked to the bone with no pay, heck your wife could be sold of or used by your master everynight..., and they could have strung you up for fun, like has certainly happened to someone you knew, and your going to steal from one of these people knowing full well what they can do to you, with no consequences. yeah, no. prisons were the new legal slavery, and they made up any excuse to get a black man back in chains. "birth of a nation" eh.

[@uhhkeanan3216]

Tera Pan they could if your starving to death

[@blissfulrain]

@@terapan1742 I think you're a bit confused. A general store doesn't just sell candy it sells a bit of everything. It's closer to a corner store than a convience store. So he could have stolen (if he in fact even did steal in the first place) anything from food staples like bread and rice to infant care items to candles to candies.

[@coonboy3558]

QueenOlivia as a low income family in the americas I can confirm most likely

[@crab4993]

@@AJ49377 okay yes don't forget that but forgive

[@cartoonmaster2401]

Remember that one SpongeBob episode where he was John Henry and he was trying to out-flip Krabby Patties against Plankton's machine?

[@testificateman9327]

It was squidword he wanted to get spongebob fired

[@memesarekeem]

@@sgmoneyy219 Why not? It's a legendary story they retold in a Spongebob-style. Is it wrong to retell stories?

[@memesarekeem]

@@sgmoneyy219 Yeaahhh I can't argue with that. I thought the episode was fine though. I guess it's more about the ends rather than the means.

[@ogreface8]

@@sgmoneyy219 The message of the episode was probably supposed to be about manual labor triumphing over automated labor. I don't think the writers meant any harm.

[@Pynkfoxx_]

Wow u learn something new everyday

[@suzannehartmann946]

As a teacher I was always faced with the problem of a defensive complaint of "I don't have an attitude!" I was not sure why a particular group of my students would yell that at me when I never used the term at all. I had simply asked someone to stop talking or sit down or please get back to work like any one else in the room. I would gently explain everyone has an attitude, sometimes it is happy or sad which are emotions, sometimes it is cooperative or obstinate, righteous ( I am right you are wrong) forthright (I am right and I am not changing my mind) but we all have an attitude. And then ask for cooperation. I taught high school. My pitch on what type of attitudes we might have changed sometimes. I wasn't always creative on spur of the moment. I am a scientist. Not great with emotions. Thank you for enlightening me on where the defensiveness came from. I live in North Carolina. And sadly many of the kids hurting and defensive, although they certainly looked somewhat black and were descended from runaway slaves, they were members of the Lumbee tribe and had been for generations and were not that dark any more. Other members were descended from the survivors of the Roanoke colony and had blonde hair that was white. It is a lovely group of people. Generous and welcoming.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

I was scared to click on this because John Henry is my boy, but you did him respectful justice. Thank you.

[@JonSolo]

I'm glad you thought so. Thank you for watching!

[@bigray-sd2kv]

Why was you scared to click on the video

[@TahtahmesDiary]

@@bigray-sd2kv I get concerned when other communities tell our story because a lot can get lost in translation from community to community and this story is very important to me and my people and a true hero story from our community. It was fear for my history being repeated on a large platform, but I shouldn't have been concerned. Jon kept the tone respectful and even taught me a few details I hadn't known before which delighted me. I think he did a good job 💜

[@starshipcommand183]

@@TahtahmesDiary yessss

[@hunkyfunkychunkymunkey6561]

You knew him?!

[@isaiahwashington9918]

I'm black and I appreciate Jon on this vid I like all his vids but he's not pandering to black ppl and he's being factual with the information and honest ab his opinion.

[@Shappire0926]

Same, I respect him even more because of this. I am so glad I found his channel!

[@lyssettehorne9580]

Seriously !!

[@JohnGalt916]

I guess anything short of saying slavery and anytime before.... 1980 was like a Song of the South and happy is pandering to black people.

[@Julie_jul]

No one cares that you're black💀

[@Clown_the_Clown]

@@Julie_jul This

[@cheriluna615]

John Henry was my favorite tall tale growing up. And I literally learned about all of em, both in school and at home: Paul Bunyan, Johnny Appleseed, Davy Crockett, Casey Jones, Calamity Jane, Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind Crockett, the works. Out of all of em, I loved John Henry the most.

[@wendychavez5348]

My dad's grandfather was a miner in Colorado. He was in a mine that collapsed, and since he was a big guy he held up the main support while the other guys got out. Of course that left no one to help him get out, so he bore the brunt of the collapse. A month or two later he died of his injuries, and a foot-long wooden spike was dug out of his brain at autopsy. My dad has compared Grandpa Joe to John Henry.

[@ash1rose]

This is mad respectful, extremely well researched and just beautifully presented. You took the time to look up the history and present it in a way that shows how truly messed up and unfair it was. This is stuff I didn't know like the "air of satisfaction" being illegal. Holy shit.

[@JonSolo]

thank you so much for saying this!

[@geekdivaherself]

I knew about all this up to that point in the video _except_ the "air of satisfaction" part. I had to pause the video and yell at the past a bit. Again.

[@richiemarciano6478]

Thanks for the info bro you truly did your research on this.

[@TheMeatMon]

Unfortunately I don't think Jon did Justice to the "air of satisfaction". From what I understand it could even cover if you're in a good mood walking down the street smiling and a white person did not like the way you looked, happy. It was so much worse, but that doesn't mean much for those still dying and turned into hardened criminals in prison for being caught or set up with a joint!

[@coryderrickson7769]

The silica lung makes sense, because in some versions of the story John walked home to "the white house" after defeating the drill, sat his hammer down, went to bed, and never got up again.

[@samuelL.mackin]

Convict leasing was a big thing then. Another form of slavery that was “legal”. There’s a good documentary on this. Great video! Use to love the John Henry cartoon as a kid.

[@epion660]

Convict leasing is a legitimate thing. You did something bad, and instead of having you sit in a stone box leeching food and water from us, you work. That's how prisons should be. Now the legitimacy of the prisoners themselves at the time... that's another story.

[@christopherneelyakagoattmo6078]

It's a real thing, but it ain't legitimate. Convicts should be paid a minimum wage. Prison for profits is a drain on society arguably worse than crime. Sub-minimum wage convict labor puts a negative pressure on the job market. And prisons are allowed an unfair bidding advantage on any contract as a result, making corruption and kick-backs that much more common. Legalized slavery, is still slavery and has no place in a modern society. Inmates getting out with real cash in their pockets would have more legitimate options to integrate back into society... The upside to paying them a real wage is beneficial, as seen elsewhere, to lower rescitivism rates. They may have earned their way into prison with crime, but they're still human beings, deserving of dignity. Treating them like disposable trash does not improve life for anybody. When you step on another man, you bruise your own foot.

[@senint]

Huh. I actually remember having seen another cartoon version of John Henry… 🤔 Cannot remember by whom, but that animation style was really beautiful by my memory.

[@DSan-kl2yc]

@@epion660 sounds like slavery

[@epion660]

@@DSan-kl2yc What it is, is the result of poor decisions. If somebody murdered your family, do you really want your tax money to go to housing them, and feeding them? Or would you rather they be put to use?

[@DrDolan2000]

I'm guessing the people who wrote the ballad thought John Henry needed to seem larger than life Just like how Maui was given a burly physique in Moana, even though that's not how he's described in Polynesian mythology

[@Akuononsite]

I started watching Jon’s videos awhile back and I can honestly say I NEVER get tired of watching his videos. This, much like your other videos was very much enjoyable to watch. Thank you for the hard work and time you take into the development of these video topic researches!

[@ginabriane3444]

Me too. I adore these videos

[@juboo4015]

This is why I love this channel...he respects our history and is very thorough when explaining it❤️

[@Mimi22668]

As usual, you did an excellent job with this fable! It would be a great idea if you did more American history stories like this. Also, I think you'd make a awesome teacher! You have an engaging way of telling these tales.

[@shmay6148]

I received a book of this story in a pile of hand me down books when my son was born. I read it when he was an infant and I involuntarily sobbed through the whole thing. The one I have has such beautiful heavy metaphor based imagery written in the words. It’s such an artistic rendition of the power of the human spirit and the potential of each person.

[@calebkopp7636]

Not gonna lie, always loved John Henry's tall tale. I still see it as a bitter sweet story that shows the highest humanity can go, but still showing our limits. Man can beat steel, but man can tire and man will die. Honestly the history accentuates this, showing a man who takes hell in stride, but still collapses in the end. It's honestly one of the few truths I have of humanity: our greatest strength and biggest weakness is that we are human, and that is something to be praised, but should be done with caution.

[@XonixDerps]

One of his - he just retired and helped out his son, still beat the machine o: hell one of the popular ones has nothing to do with his death which is why im weary of watchin further, still gonna though! Edit: Though given now that it seems his name became more of a mantle for any african american during those times who worked through hell, I can see why so many tales of him appeared!

[@agame._.]

Dang....ok that's deep

[@barbarasims354]

Caleb Kopp I have watched videos and short films about him when I was young but I never really knew who he was. In public school he was just another cartoon character . Now I want to know more.

[@RainbowEssence-c3w]

Amen!

[@bloodisfrightening1203]

Caleb Kopp You just said the same thing around 4 times.

[@candiigurl7893]

Perfect way to end Black history month. 👌

[@Roeclean]

This message is sponsored by RAID SHADOW LEGENDS🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@magicamadeye]

@@Roeclean no bad, GO TO YOUR ROOM!

[@candiigurl7893]

@@Roeclean It definitely feels that way with videos playing the same ads. Lol

[@destrokincaid6318]

@Candigurl7893 you couldn't have made a better statement: well done

[@SofiaBerruxSubs]

Wish people would talk of Irish History Month.

[@skylapower2372]

At the time: *African American stealing 1 dollar* judge: 70 YeaR iN prISon

[@johnnyblingg]

skowla power That still happens

[@NeedyBoBeedy]

a dollar back then is worth around 16 bucks.

[@TahtahmesDiary]

@@NeedyBoBeedy Still not worth a life in prison and most back then would agree if the life was white!

[@chadev9748]

If you don’t be careful, I’ll steal your shoes and your tires 👍🏾

[@austindraws4876]

Tahtahme Xero I agree it’s to me not as bad as it was and I hate hearing about slavery but I’m white and I don’t know what really happens cause you really can’t trust the news anymore

[@susannebeer-eyk7054]

I love how you always strike the right chord. You paid John the respect he earned. Nice job Solo.

[@tizodd6]

Jesus...They outlawed black people from having an "air of satisfaction" (@6:09)! Now that's some hardcore hatred. Thank you for this video by the way 😊

[@amaravega838]

@Cathy L Umm... I don't understand what you wrote either. Was your comment supposed to be sarcasm, or do you legit hate Jewish people?

[@user-hl4dy4xo9d]

Cathy, your comment lacks rationality by the long run. Taking your hate towards Jews (at least, that’s what your comment implied) on a comment chain that obviously opposes any opposition or prejudice against a race or religion is quite... ironic. Morose behavior won’t get you anywhere in a debate, much less an internet one. And going out of context, such as mentioning frenchfrylovers comment and whether or not she liked it doesn’t make you look so bright either. Celebrating freedom is natural when a HUMAN has been held in captivity and forced to do things that stripped them of basic rights; The fact that they couldn’t celebrate their freedom proves so. Also, Jewish people have been hated on throughout history for their religion (if you know Hitler and that entire scenario, you’ll understand.) Hating on someone (which is negative, and which seems to be built off of a foundation that lacks reasoning) and celebrating something miraculous aren’t even in the same compartment. It’s almost as if you’re putting activists and Hitler in the same category. They stood for different things and expressed different ideas, one for better and one for worse. I don’t understand why you hate Jews so much or why you even bother to compare something like celebrating your freedom to expressing your hate. Also, you’re comparing something from an era of extreme racism to a modern-day society that is more accepting. No one is stopping you from having your opinions, but for black people throughout that time, they couldn’t express anything without being criminalized.

[@amaravega838]

@@magical_frylover466 I think they do too

[@amaravega838]

@@magical_frylover466 I have no idea lol. I've been trying to figure it out and I'm still confused

[@geekdivaherself]

I almost dropped my drink at that-I'd heard the rest, but not the "air of satisfaction" ban. Had to pause the video and yell at the past.

[@candiigurl7893]

I remember watching a cartoon about this in elementary school, but couldn't remember the name. This filled in the hole and now I can live happily. Lol

[@rustydaboyrobot]

I always loved John Henry's story; he was someone to admire. I always hated that he died to prove a point; he was Superman before he was even thought up. The real life story...well, there's not much to admire in poor treatment of other people, railroading a person in the justice system (pun intended) due to biases or prejudices is just wrong. This is definitely one case where the fiction is more satisfying than true...but you end up with sadness with either conclusion.

[@erraticonteuse]

And that's why Steel's real name is John Henry Irons!

[@levenderscent]

*john Henry* *john henry* *john Henry was a powerful man* God, kindergarten memories 🥺👌💕

[@joela8979]

@WesleyB1994 Yes

[@joela8979]

@Ethan Schmid Was it Disney or other.

[@AshaSelfsDemoFilms]

Happy end of Black History Month y'all! - p.s. love how you broke down the messed up origins of Jim Crow 😎

[@osmosisjones4912]

The Cosby trial bared witnesses and information on the accusers to protect their crediblity. And though you hear he admitted to drugging women . But legal definition of drugging was to force or slip drugs to someone with out their know .to witch on page 135 of the deposition no And the deposition was legally sealed but the judge unexpectedly unsealed it and chary picked the most incriminating sections

[@sambaxter7035]

Masters Of Moore that was when Democrats were pro slave

[@ZimVader-0017]

@@sambaxter7035 Yeah, it's so weird isn't it? It's like the Parties switched and the Conservatives who were original against slavery are now unapologetically racist and the Democrats who were originally all for it are now against it. I remember seeing a Frontline documentary about it, I'll see if I can find it again. Also, I'm not sure if something similar happened in the US, but in Spain the Republicans =/= Conservatives, in fact they were against Conservatives and it's probably the only time in history where Liberals and Conservatives worked together and tagged teamed the government to keep the Republicans out.

[@terra_the_nightingale135]

Osmosis Jones why Is. Everything. You typed Formatted So weird?

[@Acanofalconpunch]

@@terra_the_nightingale135 he is a white blood cell. Cut him some slack.

[@nicolehadden5486]

Finally catching a Jon Solo early. Recently subscribed and you dont disappoint. Thank you for your hard work 👍

[@ogunernile]

Amazing job dude. I am a psychologist/sociologist double major graduate with a master's degree in clinical psychology and social work and even I learned something new here. You inspired me to learn more about my cultural heritage with just this video. Well done sir...well done.

[@jabby6709]

Those animated video clips hit me with a HUGE wave of nostalgia. I remember watching the short in 3rd grade during our unit on folk tales

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

Can we do "The VERY Messed up Origins of Jon Solo | Fables Explained - Jon Solo" next?

[@meetaverma8372]

It's you again, lemme tell you, me and my bro talk about you more than anything else on KZbin

[@makylawatson3799]

Yesssssss I’m here for it

[@yesidosimp7074]

that would be cool but isn't it a little early for that?

[@itpotato6514]

YASSS IM HERE FOR IT

[@meetaverma8372]

@Big Krogan Quads wtf bruh

[@EmeraldRich]

Since you have a Adventure Time tattoo, can you do a deep dive into the story of Adventure Time and also some theories about it?

[@audy3098]

Id like this too!!

[@amyschildgamerlive4519]

Probably not since it's not a folklore or fairytale.

[@EmeraldRich]

AMYSCHILD GAMER LIVE its not but he can get into some of the stuff about its history. I mean it could be another series called “Adventure Time Explained”

[@DrtyTreeHuggr]

@@EmeraldRich there are literally hundreds of other videos on KZbin that explain Adventure time.. That video wouldn't fit on this channel. Jus search it on another channel

[@amyschildgamerlive4519]

@@EmeraldRich I'm just saying it's not his Mo so hes not likely to do a video like that not that I wouldn't watch it or anything because I would watch the h*** out of it lol

[@PurpleRhymesWithOrange]

Appreciate you treated this with respect. Also impressed anyone would find so much solid evidence of a poor black man who died over a hundred years ago.

[@angelgregory9445]

This is one of my favorite stories of all time. Heard it as a kid and never forgot it.

[@treyonay]

I havent heard about John Henry in years. My granddaddy used to tell me his story. He was a lumberjack.

[@skylardawn6383]

YOU HAVE TO DO JOHNNY APPLESEED!!🍎🍎🍎

[@iamapizzaindisguise7730]

Yes thank you

[@TahtahmesDiary]

The details of his story are hilarious and engaging, I agree.

[@briant4266]

Mr. Lemon Head

[@yoda908]

I learned a lot actually. Much more than what I learned back in high school history class. I would love to see a part 2.

[@maeve_a]

Definitely needs the part 2!! I'm amazed they could pin down any one person connecting to the story. John Henry was (and is) a very common name. I can attest to the difficulties of pinning down John Henrys as this name repeats in my own family back to at least the 1700s and I always have stacks of "probably false leads" for each generation. This one's story seems to fit until you get to his height, but then, maybe the ballads intentionally gave him the stature of his character, befitting his legend. I'd love to hear what else you learned.

[@zoiesworld123]

I was like “oh I’ve heard of this story before” then I realized I heard this from a spongebob episode when spongebob faught the steel krabby patty machine

[@Twinklethefox9022]

I remember that epsiode but never made that connection until now.

[@stinky5242]

UmbreonTwinkle same

[@stinky5242]

This made me laugh way too hard

[@BigHomieChris]

@@Twinklethefox9022 did you know of John Henry before that episode of Spongebob or even before you seen this video??? I. Jus curious

[@GMS-ChaabarYakalATL]

Omamuzo Eru The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy made an episode about John Henry as well

[@iriemanuel7487]

I appreciate how you handled the telling of this story. Part 2 please.

[@biancahargrett7119]

Could you perhaps look into some African mythology?!

[@Junkinsally]

I’m from West Virginia and there is a small town called Talcott that hosts “John Henry Days” every July. The town is about 1/2 a mile from the tunnel with the statue in this video.

[@debrayasneal5676]

Haven't heard about John Henry in a while🙃 always good to hear these stories and what inspired the Disney or "good" versions of them

[@watever1750]

This video along with a larger portion of your videos adds such a refreshing light to the honestly very bland and censored versions of history that most people are stuck with. I love your videos so much. They are such a fun time anytime I watch them!

[@JonSolo]

I really appreciate you saying that! Thanks Joshua.

[@canaisyoung3601]

The only reason most people are stuck with bland and censored versions of stories is that they don't actively seek out the original versions. It's like questioning things doesn't exist anymore and if you say you're curious these days, it has more to do with deciding your sexual orientation rather than wanting to know the world around you (not that there's anything wrong with that).

[@CBWMSJR]

Absolutely superb! You documented a hero behind a song. This man in his story is remembered. What more could you ask

[@wolf1066]

That song is so famous it was incorporated into the songs we sung at Primary School here in New Zealand.

[@wolfmeadows]

Same here in West Virginia u.s.a. In the 80's at least.

[@altounedited3]

When you’ve lived in Virginia all your life and are just NOW hearing about Black Codes

[@johnnyblingg]

Once you understand the plan the US had for black people, it’s impossible to misunderstand.

[@altounedited3]

John Barnett it’s crazy I learn more from KZbin than school

[@lacydoe]

True, schools in VA don't teach you anything. They still have some the slave records at courthouses like in Amelia etc. Most of what I know is from talking, reading, documentaries etc. It's beyond sad and makes you think more about what else are they hiding. Crazy thing to me is, va was built by slavery etc., so why so shy to talk about it. They also made Indians say they were black also and that's a lot of lost history we'll never be able to get back. My last name is Coleman, guess what huge farm is in va?? ... just makes you think

[@altounedited3]

Lacy Coleman damn that’s crazy and so true

[@garantulaboone8686]

@@lacydoe For what it's worth, I don't think it's the whole of VA. I was blessed enough to go to schools that were at least semi-conscious in regards to not only the state's history but the local history as well. Over the course of my education, I was lucky to be apart of many discussions that covered Reconstruction era injustices, our defiance of Brown V. Board of Education, the deliberate sabotage of successful black communities, etc. VA has very distinct regional differences that likely play a part in the narratives that are told. NOVA, Tidewater, Central VA, SW VA, etc. You talk to enough folks from all over and it's astonishing how our perspective of Virginia can differ so greatly. Just look at Richmond, our state capital. There are at least three separate realities in that one area alone.

[@pokelight6077]

I love how he goes back and forth, between the word Railway and Railroad lol. Railway the English term and Railroad the American term lol XD

[@thegirlwiththatface]

Pokelight60 at least in my corner of the US (California) it’s not *that* weird to interchange them. Didn’t know that though!

[@TheWorgenGamer]

We say both in georgia

[@terra_the_nightingale135]

MJ Bridges what

[@LoganCharlesII]

One of the reasons I became such a Johnny Cash fan was because of his song "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer." Also, I remember hearing about John Henry as a kid. There was a Saturday morning cartoon thing that was kind of like Schoolhouse Rock that showed a very short animated John Henry video. They only showed it that one time when I saw it, but I do remember crying at the end of it. Even as a child, I understood the underlying message.

[@varah_potter]

You did SUCH a great job covering this!! As a black person, this is how you tell our history. Subscribe!

[@blueraven0076]

Damn, this episode is REALLY deep! I learned something new today. Aren’t we all happy to live in 2020 instead of the early 1900s and above?!

[@kittye8340]

BlueRaven 007 Especially Women, People of color, and Women of Color.

[@livenandlove1980]

Unfortunately not much has changed.😔Yes there has been some improvements especially in being to be able to explicitly discrimanate. Check out "13th" on Netflix. It explains what I'm saying better than I could do it justice.

[@Kallah_DaughterOfYAHUAH]

honestly only thing that has changed is that black people have more access to job opportunities and monetary gain. a lot is essentially the same. and maybe now more devious, because now it is covert, deceptive and passive aggressive.

[@kittye8340]

Chudney Hadarah Williams And Black women face a whole other issue. Women of color in general face problems with stereotypes, fetishization, discrimination, exclusion, lack of representation, silencing, and even degradation. A lot of white men fetishize "exotic" women. Women of color are people, and they deserve to be treated as such. Although it is less severe, racism still exists and POC have every right to continue asking for the same respect and basic human decency.

[@SKAELEE]

Kitty E stop it women in general degrade themselves on there own they don’t need other people to do that for them just look all over social media they do it themselves

[@kielanENmiles]

Thank you for telling the story like it is and not sugar coating it. There is some real pain in Black History and while most would like to forget, that would fundamentally change who black folk are and how we persevere. Good video, seriously. I watch them all and you definitely handled this one as a true professional. And if the subject matter upset anyone or made them mad--it should. So we can all be better people.

[@SofiaBerruxSubs]

There is alot of history that people would like to forget. Like the oppression of the Irish and Scotish isnt talked about much but they had been considerd savages and such by the English. They had been envavied by the English and lost their culture and language.

[@kielanENmiles]

@@SofiaBerruxSubs it seems that such is life in the world of the victors. They want to appear benevolent while quieting the past. Forget the past, forget the transgressions. But if we forget the transgressions, people forget their heritage and their struggle. This is why we must always remember.

[@geekdivaherself]

EXCELLENT comment! "So we can all be better people," indeed. De-escalate America Now! If we don't talk to each other, we'll only fear each other. Find the true history and face it, mourn it, and improve!

[@johnnyblingg]

Gry Sapphire Well the Irish and Scottish people who live in modern America identify themselves as white, so as much as I’d like to believe they’re culture was oppressed out of them, I’d argue they sold their culture out to be accepted. Irish and Scottish culture may have been vilified and engaging in it may have felt oppressive, but Black American culture was created ENTIRELY from scratch. That’s just more impressive to me.

[@_Coe]

Thank you for including the history on the issues with black people and the police. That is really important for people to hear from someone as trusted and factual as you. Thank you so much I am so glad I subscribed.

[@coreywilliams2316]

Terry Crews played him in a movie! LOL! Yea, that company did some research on the character! Great stuff!

[@keraatkins7833]

Corey Williams bro that movie was the very opposite of the John Henry legend.

[@acedaryl2]

@@keraatkins7833 After reading about John for a couple weeks I decided to watch the movie. I have regrets.

[@whiskeybrown262]

in 1865 Virginia, a Black man accused of any crime was guilty Even if proven innocent

[@ispartacus1337]

So... basically 2020 United States.

[@tyrone42ful]

Was?

[@wejuggernautentertainmentl3156]

Nothing has changed

[@bignetria5786]

Phalanx yup

[@nasr2laidback]

2020 us*

[@mekastayfabsteele5989]

Thank you for the respect you gave John and the other men who worked and died on the railroad

[@tiffianysquaire]

Jon solo I just love watching you. Please keep up with the good work. I learned so much with I watch your show.

[@JonSolo]

thank you for watching!

[@brittneygordon747]

As a black woman I appreciate this Jon Solo! ❤️

[@aliventura8205]

Please do a part 2 and shed more light about black people being in mythology !! Please!!

[@TahtahmesDiary]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@SofiaBerruxSubs]

I would like him to takk of Irish Mythology.

[@terra_the_nightingale135]

Serena Parry ooooh that’d be cool too!!

[@raheemsearles4517]

find about lilith for the next one for mythology explained, i really wanna know the origins of her story

[@terra_the_nightingale135]

Raheem Searles same!

[@indiaweatherspoon5762]

Omg yes!!

[@melanietoth1376]

I love when a piece assumed to be fiction is actually preserving the story of a real person or historical event. This is a great video.

[@bizbaby]

Our stories are important and I really appreciate the respect and care you had while telling this one.

[@kennie7519]

This was nicely and respectfully done!

[@JonSolo]

thanks! I'm so glad you thought so!

[@ranjaywilson908]

i am bac beh😠👊💪

[@ranjaywilson908]

Sex

[@cashmerahuddleston1902]

Sentenced to 10 years for a misdemeanor charge, doesn’t sound any different from sentencing they do today.... any who, great video to end Black History Month. 👍🏾💪🏾

[@khaoss4024]

@Masters Of Moore Epstein didnt kill himself

[@brano13177]

@@khaoss4024 If you think Epstine didn't in fact kill himself: than please tell me about the Kittens on Mars next.

[@khaoss4024]

@@brano13177 tf do I know about Kittens on Mars. I said my piece

[@tarawalker7193]

For all the same reasons... 😢

[@brano13177]

@The Reverend Jim Jones So projects the dingus eating conspiracy theories. After all, the man was charged with several counts of child pornography and child sexual trafficking charges. Of which the FBI was able to compile a report of 34 confirmed minors and he was indited for raping underage girls at his private island . At worst, Epstine's death was result of basic negligence. Epstein, who had previously tried to hang himself, was taken off suicide watch prematurely and left alone in his cell with no cellmate and no supervision, and lower Manhattan federal prison in which Epstein was incarcerated had utterly failed to follow its own protocols, and that the monster wasn't adjusting to the prospect of facing prison sentence or being in a cell. But to claim that such an incident was because "oh someone sent a hit on him or conspired to kill him" makes no sense, especially given that he has multiple cases and victims of his sexual trafficking of minors, and the fact his death wound up in a judge dismissing all criminal charges on August 29, 2019 because his death eliminates the possibility of pursuing criminal charges, and thus leaving the crimes he committed unpunished and victims denied their rightful justice; what possible reason would there be for some supposed conspirator to conspire to kill him? Occum's razor posits that the likely reality; is the child-preying coward hung himself to escape punishment. It's happened in cases before; and Epstein isn't so special that he wouldn't do the same. This bs Conspiracy theory meme also ignore that Mr. Epstein was not the sole source of evidence that could, hypothetically, be used against those with the supposed, purported motivation to kill him. His accusers are still alive and have a voice. Moreover, evidence of other possible crimes (e.g., emails, phone records, financial statements, address books, etc.) would easily survive Mr. Epstein. Assuming that conspirators were allegedly powerful and clever enough to murder Epstein in a secure federal detention facility by himself, yet incapable of eliminating other witnesses and destroying other evidence, or too stupid to consider that killing Mr. Epstein might not be enough to cover their tracks, is beyond credulity. Ergo: I take the claim "Epstein didn't kill himself" as seriously and consider it the same and the same bs as "The Earth is Flat", "Gravity isn't real", "The Moon landings were faked", "Vaccines cause Autism", "Holocaust is a Hoax", and "The Titanic didn't sink". In other words: Tinfoil chewing deluded nonsense made and perpetuated by those devoid of rationality or logic.

[@stray1357]

My father use to tell me the story of John as he tucked me in to sleep. I'm 30 now but it will always be close to my heart.

[@brandoncruise6398]

I’ve always been fascinated by the story but you didn’t get one thing slightly off. Want to come a story that he died going against the machine the truth is that he actually survived well into his 80s and also had a son. It’s through him that it is known not only how long he lived but that he died on his own bought land in either New Jersey or upstate New York. Before going up against the machine, he’d already been freed from slavery and was looking for work before being hired for the railroad. While he did endure discrimination when getting this new job the boss, crew, and John became comrades over time.

[@cirenleone]

Do more like this ! Don’t have to wait till next years black history month .......... keep going

[@draco9200]

Any suggestions.......

[@cirenleone]

@@draco9200 don’t really know any folk tales like this do you know any with black hero’s ??

[@memyselfandi7782]

Never heard about this guy but sure am interested in learning more about him. Thank you Jon for bringing his existence into my life.

[@YahavehsSoldier]

I put this off for months, worried about what this would be like. I watched the one you did about him in prison just before this. Thank you man. You did it right.

[@lamadesurvivor5216]

Well... this took me back to elementary school!! 😬 this was well researched, and told!

[@colleenlassie2600]

the towns were notified months ahead of time the the railway track building would be at 'said' town and how many 'black prisoners' they would need to complete that section... The crooked towns would arrest any black male of any age for any reason, and make up a reason in court. The males would work building those tracks until they fell over dead or were shot if they fell to their knees of exhaustion . there would just notify the town they needed x number replacement and the towns would falsely 'arrest' (steal) more males as needed, find them guilty of nothing and add them to the chain gang. That is more likely how Master John Henry got there.. This lay the way for the prison system of today as it was/is a very prolific money maker.. praying for peace for these souls and ours.

[@wisconsinlonnie4143]

Colleen Lassie Heavy.

[@kellyritter6936]

Facts

[@stevenbooker7201]

Humans are disgusting creatures...

[@dameonpounders7211]

I've never understood why the prison system here in the U.S. is privatized like what the actual fuck? I'd put money on our government being lazy as the answer.

[@phlushphish793]

Damn! That is messed up!

[@Gabreya]

I remember hearing about this story when I was in school as a child and was so fascinated by it. As a black woman hearing the actual story in which this legendary tale is based off on makes me sad and happy at the same time. This nation has a whole lot to answer for for all of the atrocities done to black people during Slavery, Jim Crow, and today.

[@captaincrafterstudios2581]

Its nice that that this country remembers history and for the most part answers for it

[@ginogatash4030]

@@captaincrafterstudios2581 that's a pretty delusional thing to say given the state of the police force...

[@captaincrafterstudios2581]

@@ginogatash4030 how so, is there not a serious difference between how people are treated than vs how they are treated now. We have made a lot of progress and we keep going.

[@Milkmaid108]

I am astounded by this history! I hope you do more American folklore histories like this in future.

[@alexisunderwood5052]

Please please do Freddy cruger or Michael Myers! I wonder if it’s legends or true. This would be perfect to do around Halloween or even next on your list. Hope to see this one day. I follow you religiously. All these videos are great and very knowledgeable. Thank you for that. Hope you see my comment. I know you receive very many.

[@JonSolo]

interesting subjects! I’m not sure if there’d be quite the same amount of lore for those characters, but always a possibility! thanks for the recommendation and for watching homie :)

[@carlanderson2468]

The Texas Chainsaw movies were based on a serial killer from the woods of Wisconsin. He actually dressed in women's clothing and women's skin.

[@Mr.06_]

Im sure a nightmare on elm street and Friday the 13th are fictional stories

[@aliway4136]

Nightmare on elm street was based on deaths among the Hmong people. They were dying while sleeping. All ages. Not just elderly people

[@aliway4136]

@@carlanderson2468 his name was Ed Gein. Norman Bates is also based on him.

[@delilahdahlia247]

My eight grade teacher had us do a modern version of John Henry, and some people had some pretty bad renditions

[@Sleepycat29]

I'm happy to know the true and full version of events even though it's super sad 😞 my father's family is from West Virginia. My grandpa passed away from black lung working in coal mining. Such a hard life back then...thank for your hard work.

[@akauthewarrior7547]

Really enjoyed this man. I love the diligence that you show in your research.

[@JonSolo]

thank you so much!

[@JLKaizen]

Never heard of you. Thank you for this video. I look forward to watching your other videos! New subscriber!

[@Loveismyteacher]

Great episode. “Slavery by another name” is a great documentary about how the court system was and still is used to force inmates to work for corporations. I appreciate the way you handled this episode. I would love to watch a second episode!

[@astoldbyaisha2880]

CAN YOU DO CANDYMAN NEXT??

[@meetaverma8372]

Yesss, he should do that

[@MichelleMonet15]

🗣🗣🗣Candyman Candyman Candyman Candyman Candyman 😲😦😱😱😱🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️✌🏾🤣🤣🤣

[@loribarnes8462]

Can't wait

[@pineapplehead6626]

Why am I thinking of candy cadet from fnaf

[@marianne6373]

@Yes Sir! Didn't know that! Now I need to find the novel.

[@lafregaste]

It's very important to not only say the story but to also give as accurate information as possible about it and with great respect. I'm glad you took your time to present it, acknowledging as well the lack of documentation and the capacity of historian to recover said information. I'm also glad you put behind your normal salty/funny self to treat the African-American history with the respect they usually go without.

[@lucifaerislifeandstuff5181]

There was multiple people named John Henry the Coosa Mountain Tunnel had a John Henry in its construction records and steam drill contests actually happened in its construction with the idea to motivate the workers to work faster. It's far more likely that the John Henry in the song was from the Coosa Mountain Tunnel and not the Lewis Tunnel.

[@ashi_p18]

Thank you for sharing this story...really helps to understand our roots to see how far we've come yet how much we can still improve on...really inspired by this one

[@naturalgurl96]

This has been my favorite one yet!! Not only did you cover the story beautifully you also gave some insight into America’s past which you presented honestly and clearly! Great job Jon!! ❤️❤️

[@alexiswelsh5821]

I remember in elementary school we watched the Disney versions of John Henry, Paul Bunyan and Pecos Bill. And in high school I found the Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy versions. I like them both.

[@IlaMedlin]

Who doesn't love a part two? Truly. If the material is there, give it to us.

[@tedgovostis7351]

I was working in the stock room of a party supply store, taking in a delivery of helium tanks. After unloading the tanks, the delivery guy hands me his clip board and points to the bottom of the work order and says "Put your John Henry right there" I chuckle and say "You don't want me to do that. You mean John Hancock" "What do ya mean?" "John Hancock signed the Declaration of Independence extremely large while saying it was so fat King George could read it without his spectacles, and his name came to mean your signature. John Henry was a black rail road worker known for how fast he could drive a rail road spike" and I pump my fist/forearm back and forth. "Do I need to paint you a picture?"

[@Felix-de9pu]

i thought that since i was an early bird i wanted to tell you something. i absolutely love your fables, disney, and ESPECIALLY your myths explained. i watched them all the time and i love to watch them as i paint. my favorite video you've made was the one you made explaining cupid's origin. it was amazing, and i really appreciate your videos. love ya!

[@empressventress2938]

Thank you soooo much for the nod to Black History month. I would love a part 2 of John Henry's story as much as I love all of your other Messed Up Origin stories. 😍

[@SofiaBerruxSubs]

I would like to hear of Irish history this month.. its Irish history month.

[@empressventress2938]

@@SofiaBerruxSubs I would like to hear *crickets when I post positive feedback. As Thumper's mom admonishes, "If you can't say nothing nice..."

[@kenneyp1]

$20 in 1885 worth just below $540. That’s like breaking in to my house and stealing all my groceries and my pots and pans.

[@NasByTheWay24]

You just gotta new sub, this was very interesting and gave me some more things to watch over this “quarantine”

[@demetricklouis5710]

John Henry is one of personal heroes for the words my father imparted to me as a child. "A man can do anything if he puts his mind to it". I took the story of John as proof of concept. That a man would dare to match muscle against steel and win. He for me was a real Superman. I'll continue to telling his story and including the race. He may have died on railroad but his story was one hope and to never doubt our own abilities.

[@gnikawpleasant9013]

Your Righteous outrage over the treatment of John Henry is appreciated.

[@osmosisjones4912]

But still in 2018 thanks to the metoo times up. In 2018. Witnesses and Information on Accusers was bared to PROTECT the accusers crediblity. And though it's portrayed as he admitted to drugging drugging women. The legal definition of drugging is to force or sleep drugs to someone unknowing as the deposition page 135 he answered no And it was legally sealed but the judge STEVEN ONEIL unexpectedly illegally unsealed it . And charry pick the incriminating sections. When heard and Accusers crying 😭

[@terra_the_nightingale135]

Osmosis Jones what. Are. You. Saying?

[@JaynaeMarieXIV]

Well done video. The first time I learned about John Henry was in Ezra Jack Keat's children's book. He was one of the first children's authors who gave marginalized children stories they could relate to. To kids my age (at the time), it was the first time we had an African-American folk hero with "superpowers", so to speak. I know that often folk tales were based on some truth, and it's nice that you brought that to the world so eloquently. I would definitely show this video to students in both English (for the folklore/literature angle) and History classes.

[@RicarusAngelus]

Thank you for such an honest presentation of such a sad story.