Re: Read A Book

[telegramsam]

"IT'S A PROBLEM WITH EVERYBODY" thank you! Plenty of rednecks should hear that song too. Damned idiots everywhere!

[lazaruslongstg]

The biggest problem with our country today is education, all else stems from this...

[ajaben]

you are so right

[flwessel]

I decided that the video does not apply to me because my race was not represented. I will discontinue the use of deodorant and toothpaste until someone makes a country video about it being cool to do so. Till then I got to get back to gettin' drunk and driving a big ol' pick-up truck. and shootin' things. like beer cans. yee ha.

[Martiinkun]

your the best African american EVER

[lycrest15]

agreed.

[jerkface27]

agreed, also lets not ignore the fact that it is a parody of what the current "rap" scene is.

[Jms386]

true

[jkroberts89]

i agree. good song lulz

[Tododialisimo]

I agree. Sometimes people get so offended by racism that they eventually turn racist themselves. I hate it when I watch some really great video and then someone just come and bash the hell out of it just because it had the 'N' word in it. Snap out of it people.

[haloabc1234]

Agreed!

[tapirdrummer]

Truth.

[leolava]

your right!

[888soyjuice]

more class less race

[ermoney14]

LOL

[toxicshock87]

The only part I found racist was the part about deodorant. There's a stereotype that we stink, and that's not true. All people stink if they don't take care of themselves, not just black people. But the other parts were good because we have a problem with taking education serious.

[WorshipInTruth]

toxicshock, its not true?

Have you ever smelt baltimore??

[sonicflam]

so true

[00579G47]

I agree brother. Peace!

[Stanthecornfarmer]

I think the song is hilarious. As for the black people in the cartoon. The cartoon was made by African Americans so that was just fine.

[PhoenixFlight90]

I didn't realize that there were people actually saying the video was racist. From what I understand, and correct me if I'm wrong, the video was created predominantly by black people. It was also aired on BET, so I don't see how anyone can call it racist. The majority of black society is obviously embracing it.

[PianoChick36]

Thank you for saying that.

[TehEmoGirl01]

that was soo true

[emojojo1000]

lmao thats niice i feel u XD

[Greglikesbabies]

Thank God, finally somebody sees it for what it is. Rock on brother

[reduserisk]

amen

[phreebuttsecks]

yo, it's true.

mad respect.

[MidnightMacabre]

real talk homeboy.

[sciencectn]

Well said!

[jokuel]

READ BOOK!!!!!!

[Robox35]

Read a book,read a book,read a mo fuckin book! Raise yo kids,raise yo kids raise yo god damn kids!

[metalmacbeth]

kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk­kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

[Watchin876]

Right On!

[whitebishop1]

I'm glad that you get the message instead of crying racism. If there were more people like you in the world, then we'd all get along better :-)

[titojack8]

amen

[tiebo0]

why are you making this video.

YOU COULD BE READING A BOOK!

[666xailiant]

i agree

thank you very much

I hate how if a white guy said the same exact thing it would be racist... except to the open minded fine people like you =] kudos

[kthomsen84]

Well said my friend.

[humanshaped]

Thank you!!!

[BowmanD96]

damn i need to put on some deodorant

[SmokeOrGetSmoked]

I have to say, this is one of the most clear, and inteligent shit I've heard in months, Im feelin' yo' logic, and the media is only mad cuz like they like "niggers" to be ignorant so they companies and corporations can keep sellin' em the most useless cool flashy shit

[engineering1002]

a young cedric the entertainer

[Velvetgoldmine92]

lmao, dude you actually do resemble cedric.

Good video though man, it's good that people are actually getting the message.

[cyberchub87]

jholmesgd for president !!! ;)

[chesirekitkat]

exactly!

[0nly0nTuesdays]

true dat.

[TrueReligionJones313]

i feel u

[LihAniaih]

I like you, jholmesgd. I really do. Finally, somebody is smart enough to understand Read a Book for more than what you initially see. You're a smart guy, we need more like you in the world. Take care :)

[miburke2007]

Obama on Father's Day spoke on Parental Responsibility which in sum said "Take care of your kids!" REVEREND Jesse Jackson replied that he'd "want to cut his nuts off" for TALKING DOWN to black people...TALK! If not he, if not our reverends, if not credible people who can reach the target, then who?? We've seen what silence and lack of accountability has done to families(illiterate children, poverty, poor health/diet). This video addresses these issues to begin a dialogue for change. I like it.

[crappy60]

Fo Sho

[PJesus]

You are mad true... Keep it as truthful as always.

[ragnar336]

black people made that video. i mean it is racism when white people say those things but when your own race gets in your face about it maybe you dont live in a towm where you see these people but its a big group of people that this video bashes on. if a white guy started saying shit about whites to me i would stop and listen as long as its not religious because in the 70's DNA was decoded

[sethissochill]

good job man that was dead on :)

[neogeek23]

congratulation on being a competent person

[Reggomenra]

The song is entertaining with one of the greatest messages.

Thank you for making it even more clearer. Though clearly, some people are still to ignorant to get it.

Some of the comments prior to mine are living proof of that.

[StregaKyto]

Kudos

[Ghost162]

Why not attack this video?

How could you honestly look at this piece and say it's the way we should be teaching the young people? In my opinion, it's a bunch of idiotic, wana be thugs making a little joke, and BET, the stupid network that it is, decided to air it.

It's like going to a majority-black school and giving them text books with swearing and illiterate grammar. It's stupid, and if you can't see that, I will have to assume that you are as well.

[Reggomenra]

So you disagree with what we should teach children? Then what's the alternative? The opposite? Personal hygiene is bad? Reading is wrong??

Are you familiar with the word "parody" and/or "Satire"?

This is merely making fun of rap/hip-hop songs with THE REAL terrible messages, whether they be blatant or subliminal.

The creators have said this themselves in a well spoken matter and are in fact NOT 'idiotic' or 'wanna-be thugs' as you so claim.

Try reading a book.

[Ventura5555]

i agree man

[CaptainInternets]

Your hat discredits your entire speech.

[AdriansHoney]

People really thought that this was racists? Wow.. Gee.. I wonder who would be offended by this? Maybe somebody who doesn't read a book.

[Saberdud]

Go read a book nigga

[Anonymous5214]

Completely right sir. This video isn't racist, it's a lesson for everyone, even if it happens to be a black cartoon.

[OwenAB83]

dude you're fucking awesome!

[thecaz16]

shut the fuck up

[skatefanatic666]

we need more logical black dudes like this guy thered be less bullshit goin on

[gir908922]

I've already applauded the maker of this video. He's absolutely right. If more of our people read books, became more responsible, took care of ourselves, and learned to use our money more wisely, we'd be better than the whole "gangsta" image that society and today's hip-hip make us look like. The creator of the video is not racist at all. He's saying that we need to ignore the gangsta image and work on bettering ourselves. Kudos a million times to the "Read A Book" video.

[andrewstubeaccount]

READ A BOOK NIGGER

[JigglesJingle]

Its because the only demographic that apply's to the song over-welmingly are african americans. not to mention the guy who sings it is one.

[Velvetgoldmine92]

Good video.

You did a good job at explaining the true meaning and interpretation of the video.

[mamakunem]

you're one smart cat, homie. ignorance attacks and misunderstands, wisdom listens and learns.

[Themissedartist]

I agree with 40% of what you're saying.

But if you read statistics, black, latino/hispanics, and other minorities ARE in the lower range of education and social standards.

I'm white, but certainly not racist. I have numerous black/hispanic friends, but you guys just have to open your eyes.

Instead of buying weaves and grills, how about a book? Thats what the video is saying.

[ikkakubestbankai]

1. I think educational trends have to do more with economics than race. If you live in a poor neighborhood, the quality of education you receive is usually sub par 2. Don't use phrases "like you" guys because the majority of Blacks do not buy rims and such. It's SOME people in every culture who buy expensive things to give the impression they have more money than they do. What's the point of having the newest Ipod or Xbox? Why do some people spend over $100 on one Abercrombie outfit?

[ls1z28chris]

I agree with you.  Conspicuous consumption is prevalent in every corner of American society and is not exclusive to the black community. As a whole, Americans spend rather than save.

[thesorrow777]

agreed all the way and people usally bitch that black people arent inculded enough in things but when they are it's apparently rasisct

[ihateemos6]

wow ur smart

[irishdrunkie101]

yeh these are problems in all communites not just the black

[testicularhomicide1]

read a book nukkah.

[hothellokit]

are u retarded or just plan stupid

[testicularhomicide1]

neither...thats not a nice thing to say.

read a book nukkah.

[Lil285]

ur the rasist one calling people a nigga if u aint black dont say the shit and i can tell u a lil kid

[michaelarmstead]

Shut tha fuck up trick. u just mad u ain't dat smart.

[ilikemypie]

its not racists

only if your ignorant and blow things out of context it is

its telling people to better themselves, their culture and life in general

instead of wasting life stupefying yourself and blowing money on senseless crap

its catchy and think they should make more like it

[proofisinthepuddin]

The only way that video "offends" me is by forcing me to think about how shitty the black culture has become. Everyone whom is offended by that video truly is either naive, misinformed, or dumb individuals.

[twilightdusk2]

u need 2 sit yo fat ass down somewhere cuz nobody listenin 2 yo bitch azz

[proofisinthepuddin]

aparently you did aswell as all of us that watched. The video may be vulgar etc but thats only because it ws used in the same light mainstream hip hop has turned. It used the same format but with a possitive message. What is sad is that besides the obvious jokes about brusing teeth, Speed stick, etc the more serious stuff pointed out important facts of promoted stereotypes pushed onto the black community and the actions of a large part of it that feed into the role os stupidity.

[mmohabir]

your fucken retarded

[mowriter]

this dudes 100% right on. The real racists are those pushing the stereotypes MOCKED by the "Read a Book" video.

[rawwqq]

Good comment. The fact that they get pop culture and turn it educational, usually doesn't affect anyone. But this video seemed like it was down to earth that it would actually impact people.

[TheRealSavvy]

Americans in general are ignorant and apathetic people with the top 10-15% of the population doing its best to change that to no avail. The fact that you have open your mind to things out of your reach but still in sight is commendable though. I hope you keep that thirst for knowledge and understanding about you. Its priceless it really is.

[textheshermantank]

thank you- i agree

[HxHenry]

anyone that would find this racist doesn't care about our well-being

that's a good way of putting it. i think the video is basically a goofy summary of something Bill Cosby would make jokes about.

[samusachick]

I completely agree the thought that this video is raciest is just the ignorant response of really dumb people the point is that the only people I have seen find this video raciest are actually white and thats funny to me they are taking offense for the black community which I must say is rather odd but i see it day in and day out people take offense for other people its very odd behaver those sorts of people need this video thats the ironic thing lol I hope they make more videos like this

[sirnubenegra]

thank you!

[arkivx1]

I agree 1000%.

[OMOV]

This guy is 100% right. You cant think of this video racist or anything cause its comcerning all people in there dam bad habits

[Grimmy15]

brilliant, utterly brilliant.

[poetnathan]

We are surrounded by lunatics - from the left and the right... this is one of those videos with the ability to draw them out of the woodwork - Common sense tells you this a message of truth - anyone but a lunatic would think so... Check out my video response!!!

[ofusion]

Right on man!!!! Thank you for taking a stand. YOU ARE ABSOLUTEY SOLID IN YOUR STANCE AND COMMUNICATE IT VERY ELLOQUENTLY!!!!!!!!!!

[filipinofolk1]

Damn straight.

[xLaserJesusx]

Right on man. I agree 100%.

[newplanet15]

and another thing!If youve ever seen the boondocks, you probably have heard of a "nigga moment" a private one shames you, a public one shames the WHOLE race.simple concepts and principles nigga.

[newplanet15]

34 second mark....

yes it is just a problem with black people.Anyone with knowledge of self is aware that ignorance,decay,and spiritual death is WAY more prominent in regards to us wich is why the country and the world looks down on ALL black people that way.

[projektaquarius]

First point, the world doesn't look down on all black people. They look down on the American black people. You can go around the world and the only place you will find this kind of ignorance among black people is America. It's because American urban society puts too much emphasis on the quick dollar and not enough emphasis on education. And that is not only a black problem it's an American urban problem. Especially in the poorer parts of the urban areas.

[TheRealSavvy]

Its not just urban that this takes place. I'm from South East Alabama I live in a town with a population of 3,000. A lot of the influences in music and movies come from urban areas for both black and white people. In my experience, there are as many ignorant, less than intelligent white people as there are black people.

[TheRealSavvy]

The ONLY difference in our races in this country is numbers. Thats it. Coming from South Alabama there are many times I've found my stomach turning because of something a white guy said to or about a black person *yes most of the racism I've seen is from white men.* I'm not racist thats not how I was brought up, I see the POTENTIAL for equal standing in both races to be the same.

[TheRealSavvy]

Not everyone is equal after they're born not in terms of intelligence, knowledge, and drive. We're equal in what we deserve as far as treatment and opportunity go, NOT regard. You should know though the world looks down on ALL Americans not just white not just black not just hispanic, etc etc.

[kdascher]

Agree 100%!

[grandmabeatinstick]

seriously your right on bishop.

[DJslayer66ftw]

good response.

[elvirasweeney]

Thanks for your sensible video response. Yes, I think this is a really thought-provoking (and obviously satirical) video.

"I wanna go platinum!" There the singer is saying that it (sadly) requires profanity and sexism to get a song to go platinum. He doesn't like it, and neither should anyone else.

[angiesdomain]

Why would you want to mix positive themes like reading a book, buying land, brush your teeth, etc. with negative conotations such as fuck or booty girls or the like. It seems as if bc its a satire, he is making fun of those positive things. I mean really, after that song, is it really going to get people motivated to read? No! It's just another damn hit! He was an intelligent counselor that sold out AGAIN to make records. Sounds like he wasn't too sure of his so called rap talent.

[bmjemison]

What I took from the video was this: They took what some young adults liked which is that type of music and those booty dancing chicks in videos and tried to put a positive note on it. IF he didn't do that it would not catch the attention of some of these teenagers/young adults. I am a parent of a sixteen year old and unfortnately sometimes you have to take a negative and turn it into a postive. I thought the video was great.

[KFChris]

who?

[touetteman]

lol nub

[hyedrum]

Right on man, right on.

[whataTWISTstudios]

*read starting from the third one from me*

-anjela

its not right. thats coming from a filipino to all the filipinos out there. they should remove those women immediately. but the PH doesnt realize that. so yeah. we ALL have problems. KUDOS. :)

[koalorka1]

Hey STFU, or I'll send you back to Africa. You'll get eaten alive there!

[whataTWISTstudios]

you need to be quiet. racist.

[koalorka1]

I'm not racist, I had a black friend. Until my parents had to sell him. Difficult times they were...

[jholmesgd]

That was uncalled for koalorka1

[XRisingPhoenixX]

Ignore him. Racists cannot be reasoned with. Leave him in his folly. Also, Great video response!! :)

[whataTWISTstudios]

& yes, everyone has problems. not just black people. im filipino, & truthfully i have never been to the Philippines & i already hate it there. if you watch their tv shows you will see that on this one game show called "Wowowee" they have half naked women like hooker dancing on stage in front of little children!

[whataTWISTstudios]

i like the video too. i love the message that the "Read A Book" video gives. its just the cussing that gets to me. ya know?

[tkatinpdx]

I totally agree with what the guy in the video is saying. I find it funny that everyone jumps on a video like this but never stops to examine why a video like this has to be made in the first place. Our community has little to say about the 50 cents, and the Hurricane Chris', but we'll jump on a satirical cartoon. Why can't we focus on the real issues?

[xxlatoyaxx]

The only people who are mad about the "Read a Book" song are the people who: Don't Read Books, Don't Raise Their Kids, Want to Buy Rims, and possibly Don't Wear Deodorant.

[holditnow]

*applauds*

Finally, someone gets the point of the song instead of crying racism.

[Bloodsport1]

Dude if you going to make a video speak loud and clear and dont start to mumble when speaking nice vid kid

[DragonmasterA1ex]

Good points

[penguinlad2]

doesn't look like your reading a book?

[jholmesgd]

i know im not reading a book penguinlad2 cause im making a video...were you reading a book when u replied to this?

[penguinlad2]

yes

yes i was reading a book

and i am right now

and later

and forever

and when i am banging your wife

and kids

[ChokensProdigy]

Just so you know, you spelled "you're" wrong. Maybe you need to go read a few books yourself.

[KFChris]

Your claim that white people invented hygiene is absurd. I think it's unlikely that empires like Cush, Khemit(Egypt), (Ancient)Ghana and others could have risen to such greatness (long before Greece and Rome were of any consequence) if they had no knowledge of hygiene. In any of their large cities, their people would have been decimated by diseases similar to those that nearly wiped out Europe in the Middle Ages without proper hygiene.

[Loakum]

Secondly, and lastly Mtv's TRL and Sucker Free Rap Show, play the same degrading videos as Bet, but I have still yet to hear a outcry from parents on this! Can we say a double standard?

[Loakum]

All I have to say on the subject is why all this attention is being geared toward this video and BET when we can see the same, or worse, images on Mtv. Look at the Mtv shows Next,Real World,The Hills, Sweet Sixteen and you will see them promote casual sex,racism,classism,materialis­m, and pro homosexualality. And alot of these shows come on between 3 and 6 o'clock. Where's the outrage over them?

[obefiend]

right on jholmesqd.... i dunno what furor is all about. im not black but i do get the satirical message. its not really a black problem. im from malaysia and we have people like that here too. and they aint black.

[FranklenWylder]

Any time any black/african american whatever label we switch to.... anytime some real shit is said some ignorant fools just have to put that racist label on it so no one will pay attention to the real message. Rap has devolved into such an embarrassing art form. I can say the same for heavy metal cause I like that too. yes you heard right. I like metal. Hell is serving snow cones right now.

[evananderson2]

Now Damn Jewf4c3 You Bitch The video is talking about everybody and I don't care if yall invented hygene but Some of you white people don't use hygiene and I'm speaking for everybody that we do need to read a book, use hygiene, and buy deodorant, and if you're down with that, all of us have two words for you.

FUCK YOU!

[gateway1178]

True, only reason why its even being considered racist because its black people tryin clue each other in on what they are doing are not doing in there life, that should be done. Its called satire, kids feed into hip-hop when its talkin bout shootin stealin and dealin the cartoon was simply tryin to get point across people only sport flashy rims because its cool or whatever maybe readin need to be cool as well.

[MaiMai76]

Are you sure that whites invented hygiene? I'd invite you to read Dirt: A Social History as seen through the uses and abuses of Dirt. by Terence McLaughlin. Your comment is misinformed and more than slightly racist.

[Cancer4sho]

U r so right n as 4 Jewf4c3 its not jus blacks its whites to it might not b u but ppl do many........have problems like that

[DJZobe]

right on brotha... it sad that we got to go to the extremes of satire to get people to even talk about real shit...but hey what ever works...it's like the panthers ten point program...land, bread, housing, education, clothing, justice and peace but to a crunk beat...21st century agitprop!

[rscoreyman3]

I agree i dont know y people say it racest it has a good message thats y its under people and blogs (i think it is) and at the same time it is entertaining thats

[slickysmooth]

he look like a young version of cedrick the entertainer lol...but i agree wit him, it's not aimed at just black ppl, it's talkin about everybody it applies to

[bluenotes1981]

LOL HE DOES.

[goonikamen]

Amen. Love it. Agree with everything. I hear love in the video. Especially the buy land section. 1luv

[jholmesgd]

you are right...but like i said before, it's just like the little public service announcements you see on cbs, and the other stations telling you to stay in school, dont do drug, get active etc...so you cant just say blacks because its not just black people but and not even just one race but it is all races. We all have problems this time it was just aimed at black people and was viewed as disrespectful, instead of the humorous self expressive art.

[AlexGT230]

I Agree and disagree. I don't think you can call satire racist, its just for entertainment. But also It does genneralize black america as all the same, it suggest that they all like rap, they all are poor, and they all live in the getto, wich we all know isn't true.

[KFChris]

I dont' think this video generalizes black america. I think it speaks about particular sections of black america (those who aren't investing in themselves, their families and communities) and points out some of the things they should be doing. when you listen to it again, listen for the artist (Bomani Armah) to say something like "all blacks do this or don't do that". I don't think you'll find it. If you do, let me know.

[jholmesgd]

So now you want to make this racial all over again?...it is not how we educate ourselves, and if it was would it really b different from your cartoon public service announcement...so this is how all races educate themselves

[SoraSol7]

Quoted For Truth.

[ICEMAN415pimp]

that is exactly what I have been trying to tell people. if you think this video is out of place than you probably don't watch BET.

[Supadave7]

Speak on it homie. You do kinda look like Ced, tho. LOL.

[butterflysuper12]

He looks like my Cedric the entertainer and my uncle

(no offense)

[greatgmasta]

I dunno about the uncle part but when I clicked on his video at first glance, I thought he was.

[Skates2much]

LMAO, he does look like Cedric the Entertainer. But, that doesn't take away from the truth in his statement.

[montanaholbrook16]

The writer was black, the producer was black...the stationed it was aired on was a black entertainment channel...so targeting white people would have been pointless huh. Quit trying to make a race thing out of it.

[jholmesgd]

Thats what i'm trying to say...everyone want to make such a fuss about it i just wanted to air my feelings.

[RumbleHD]

Its interesting that white people aren't targeted to this video. White people don't make videos like that.

[jholmesgd]

Have you ever thought that it was meant to be funny, and just target the viewers?

[montanaholbrook16]

I totally agree with you man! It suppose to be funny and comedic! Black cartoon characters because the video was on BET. Nothing raciest at all.

[blackacadian]

Great vid. The message is much more important than the profanity. Some people can't see that.

[monkee74]

biggup bishop, only thing i think that shouldnt have been in the vid was the "N" word thats why peeps got beef i thinks but yo u are completely right its a good message for us all, i kno u and i dont needs it but i see a whole lot of peeps that do, peace and love bro and good lookin out, one

monks

[CritchLO]

You're 100% right.

[bigbandit]

You said it Bishop.

[iamjohnstone]

nice job man.