THE TOUCH THE FEEL OF COTTON!!!!! Yooo, I've been seriously searching for more stuff from this dude and I'm pretty sure I finally found him on Vimeo! He's def on some NEXT TYPE SHIT FOR REALZ, DUDES CRAZY!!!!! vimeo.com/
years ago, two parents went out for dinner. A few hours later, the babysitter was calling to ask if she could cover up the clown statue in the kids' room, the father said,"Take the kids and get out of the house. We'll call the police, we don't have a clown statue." The "clown statue" is really a killer that escaped from jail. If you don't post this letter on to 10 videos tonight, the clown will be in your bed at 3:00 am with a chainsaw in his hand;sorry i didnt want that happening to me
@snotice12 No one should ever forgive AND forget. Forgive sure, forget never. When you forget, that it when history is likely to repeat. SHould the people dwell on things of that nature, no. But you have to realize "equal opportunity" is not as equal as you may think it is. I know there are people tired of "white guilt" but I say feel that guilt, and do something productive with it. It should remain there as long as there is White Privilage.
stop feeling sorry them and help them by allowing them to make the choice to stay poor or not. you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Welfare, food stamps, and every other gov't program the democrats and republicans have used to "help" the black community has failed. They are blind to the reality that slavery is rare and the more hold on to the thought, the more it will stay. Forgive and forget.
capitalism is about you pursuing your own self-interest. If your not going to pursue it then the government will tell you what to pursue. The history of the world is slavery. I'm not saying their not people who abuse the ability to make money but that shouldn't stop you. capitalism is freedom to pursue your own self-interest. when the gov't steps in, the business suffers and in turn everyone does. the ghetto is still the ghetto because we aren't handling it the right way. If want to help the
ok capitalism is slavery by having slaves be freed w/o proper education to survive in an educated world and then seperating them from society "the ghettos" and telling them everyone has equal opprotunity when we all know the oppressed people have to worl 3x as hard as his counterparts to be recognized as an equal
@snotice12 capitalism is all about the maximizing profit. The best form of maximization of profits is to get workers to work for free which is what slavery is. i hope i was able to help you a little
Here's the meaning of this spoken word. AT FIRST, I thought he was discouraging black people from being materialistic. And saying that the wealthy "musical artist" are in another tax bracket and receive the benefits of the minority being consumers. All the while, reaping the benefits of the rich with one hand and bamboozling their monopoly with the other.
HOWEVER, after watching this a couple of more tymes and reviewing CAREFULLY I find this is not what the artist meant. The artist is expressing with "Dry-clean my Green Gods 'cause their Cotton lined" that money is held in high esteem. The comparison of Slavery to Cotton is obvious. But these are better tymes and the conditions have changed with the work. "Cotton the fabric of our lives...” But now, we take pride in the places we live, trends we set, and the clothes we wear.
Even today's rappers can be heard singing about the status they've accumulated. Traveling along a road to better living with the charisma and character it takes to do so. "And We Built This Shyt Here.!," We have turned our backs on picking cotton and in turn, now pick from store racks, another form of capitalism.
As we move for greater prestige and economic status, the government raises taxes and balances budgets on the backs of people who buy the most and work hard. African Americans are the largest consumers in this country. Unfair practices leave hardships and strains on the less fortunate. While America reaps the harvest of the hard working citizens, many issues are desensitized and overlooked like "No Proper Healthcare, No Welfare, and Prisons in Abundance Everywhere."
Despite modern injustices, we progress and produce. “As we Build! And Build! And Build! YEA, WE BUILT THIS SHYT.! WE BUILT THIS SHYT.!!” “The touch, the feel of COTTON. Shyyttt.! It’s our lives.!!!”
Despite modern injustices, we progress and produce. “As we Build! And Build! And Build! YEA, WE BUILT THIS SHYT.! WE BUILT THIS SHYT.!!” “The touch, the feel of COTTON. Shyyttt.! It’s our lives.!!!”
To be honest , i ` m not very materialistic minded... MOST niggas in the hood is like this..., but there's some humble ones , who couldn`t care less . So anyway , i didn`t get this poem the first time , but i watched it over , and tried to feel whut he saying , and now i remember back through states i've went through ;; very true ! , Again, crackers got niggas in this mentality purposely , PSYCHOLOGICAL LOCKS... its like they dangle cotton infront of u , then tell u u can't afford it , hence - !
@smitty1276 Ok dipshit go ahead, spit. Let's see some of that "substance" that you're obviously to blind to see. Man spoke the truth. I suggest you actually try and listen before you make comments like that.
@nihkkka I did listen, that's how I knew that he compared shopping to slavery, which is objectively stupid. He should use his amazing talents to make valid, compelling points.
@smitty1276 Wrong. In all honestly you shouldn't listen to sets like this if you do not posses the mental capacity to comprehend concepts of depth. Yes, to a complete simpleton, it seems there is an obvious parallel made between slavery and shopping, but this is poetry! The meaning goes far deeper than what appears on the surface. The point is that there is a metaphoric struggle, that is being perpetuated by materialism, hindering the development of African Americans. Slavery is a METAPHOR.
@nihkkka I understand that slavery is a metaphor. My point is that slavery is a very bad (and, frankly, insulting) metaphor. He is minimizing slavery.
@smitty1276 The dictionary definition of metaphor:a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance. You cannot minimize a metaphor. He used it as a literary mechanism to propel a legitimate issue. It's absurd that you could even come to such a conclusion. Listen to it again, and instead of hearing slavery and writing it's use off, try and understand what he's actually saying.
"Man's inhumanity to man" is not the last word. The truth lies deeper. It is economic slavery, the savage struggle for a crumb, that has converted mankind into wolves and sheep.
Simply, the poem is about how slavery built up America and brought it to its present state. Although slavery no longer exists in plain sight, we are ALL slaves to materialism and capitalism now,regardless of race. So basically slavery, oppression and manilpution based on race is now based on class. This poem is not a whining about slavery poem. It is showing we the "commoners" are united in the struggle against the mighty and rich.
@amazingyou1uber and we should be all poor without capitalism. In every system there are poor people, but only capitalism is "runnin". look at cuba, look at russia, tell me, what do you want to put instead of capitalism?
@vojtisesesek Cuba has free health care, & education thru college, More schools than prisons, & the peoples "approval rating" for their govt is much higher in Cuba. More than half of their population praises their leadership. You only know what the media wants to think about places like Cuba. You make it seem as if a capitalist system is the best option. There are benifits to communist systems if they have benevolent leadership. Poverty exsists because of Malevolent leadership.
@RevolutionaryINK Cuba has no health care, their govs "rating" is high, because theyre brainwashed. we, my nation, has lived in communism. it was horrible. communism totally doesnt work, my grandfather used to be a communist but after 40 years of terror he had changed his mind. do not try it again, simple man..
You know me not yet you dare to call me "simple"? Your comment was fine until you thru that silliness in there. Grown up and be a bit more mature with your comments.
Now you say Communism doesn't work and you are blaming COMMUNISM for it. Show me a Political structure that does work? Democracies?Capitolistic systems? Monarchies? NO SYSTEM WILL WORK if it's ran by MALEVOLENT LEADERSHIP. That is the point I am making. And As far as me being simple, TRUST ME, I am far from it.
The touch, the feel, of cotton? The fabric of our lives?? I love how he brought that into focus something that most people probably didn't think of like that l...
I would like to know how can anything change for Blacks if we continue to participate in a system designed for another mans progress..We can get trained or "educated" to become Doctors Nurses and Engineers but then where will we use those skills in a poor community or in a rich one to pay back the loans?.Will we open our own stores and factories or apply for slave labor at another?.Will we teach our Daughters how to be mothers and partners or tell them they don't need a man?
We are more than just Men..We are the Kings Gods Rulers who have been blinded into believing we're less than Men..You shouldn't blame a victim you should always blame the opressor..You can't ask for freedom you have to take it on demand..Having a job and paying bills isn't success it's a temporary status..Men with millions lose all so let us not think we're on top when comparing ourselves to those who are the lowest..Love ya brothers they're only poor victims you are the fortunate victim..
We can't even be men and provide a home for our women. Sometimes i'm ashamed to be a black man but I try to be different and nobody's "nigga". I don't "pick cotton". My money goes to educate my kids & provide for ma family, give them a home. We have the brains we just don't use them 2 have more black people in colleges, Doctors and engineers and scientists. Instead we sell drugs & shoot each other. we got kids don't know their fathers and we brag about it and say we hard. Disillusioned fools!!
Maybe you all should read allenanb's comment. He seems to be the only one who saw what the poem was talking about. It's not about the slavery of yesteryear, it's about the slavery of today. We enslave ourselve trying to keep u with fashoin, buy brand name clothes etc only to enrich the same white man who owns the factories. When will we learn?? We so stupid we spend our paycheck on timberlands and then ride the bus, or buy rims for our whips and then live with our mamas or baby mamas.
Smh.. yo, really.. while you all are quoting your historical facts On here.. as "SexyTSUMami" stated.. You are Missing the point of the poem. PPL kill me how they can pick up a Book and READ.. but from the words they speak.. they obviously havent learned a thing. get yo mind right please.
this reminds when Pat Buchanan said it was white america that bulit america, (NOT THE CASE!!) he also had the nerve to say it was whites that fought and died in the civil war, ww1 and ww2, i guess his racist mind just fogot that blacks are part of america and also fought and died as well, and we unwilling built up the wealth of America, with out the cash corp cotton, and slaves America would have been destroyed by european power, your welcome America
ok for those of you who may have missed the point of this poem. If you have ever heard the saying they took the shackels off our legs & put them on our heads it applies here. Many blacks are enslaved to materialism trying to keep up the facade of wealth or compensate for a lingering feeling of inferiority. Its not a whiney poem about slavery its a play on words comparing picking cotton from the fields to picking it off store racks even if trying to keep up w/ the jones holds us back.
So basically , they flash you things infront of the TV , and in the media everywhere, then deprive you of opportunities in the hood . So you see that , step out of your crib and see DIRT, poverty , crackheads , suffering , hunger, strife, struggle , everybody broke etc , go uptown shoppin , & you see the same shxt from the TV in the stores , Again, teasing a nigga , go back downtown to yuh head , same ishh , so whut happens ? , yu get famished for all that material they present on tv as ...
'' LOOK , this will make yo life better , Flashy jewels , & material , labels , blah '' , ; -- instead of saving , investing , niggas is wasting money tryna feel COTTON , fake fantasies of the hood, that it feels good, or it feels anything , jus want it cuz yu think it holds some magical happyness in it ,, THIS POEM IS GOOD ! LOL ; SUB MY CHANNEL !!!
The point isn't missed- but it is poorly stated at best.
Slaves had no choice.
NONE.
We DO. Plain and simple.
We have choices because of the sacrifices past generations made for us. Comparing our society to that of the slaves is disrespectful, and horribly uninformed. Not to mention dangerous.
Speak messages of positivity when you have something our forebearers didn't. An OPPORTUNITY. I praise and thank them for their imposed sacrifice.
FREE NEGROES OWNED SLAVES TOO! Read your history! In New Orleans alone there were over 3,000 Free Blacks who had slaves.... These include individuals such as Justus Angel and Mistress L. Horry, of Colleton District, South Carolina, who each owned 84 slaves in 1830. In fact, in 1830 a fourth of the free Negro slave masters in South Carolina owned 10 or more slaves; eight owning 30 or more (2).
wow is that all u heard in the poem?Problems in the black community may not concern u so u might not be able to understand, but if that is the case why even comment? If u heard the poem at all you'd know thats not all he was talking about, it seems like u just wanted 2 trivialize slavery all together maybe you'd like to stop hearing about it but its a part of americas history that is a foundation for a large group of ppls lives. these internalized problems have a lot 2 do with problems of 2day
1st off no 1 is wining about slavery there just remembering it n not letting it be forgotten and 2 sum1's grandmom mother was a slave so that shows its not 2 far back yes i no its not occurring n today's time but some people still feel the need to talk about it n speak their views on it which gives u NO right 2 say quit wining about slavery so intill u have experienced wat the next person has gone through then please STOP being an asswhole
What do you mean people should stop whining about ENSLAVEMENT(not slavery)? YOU should stop acting like it never existed, and realize that is a fundamental cause in disparities of wealth and social stature in america today. It is easy for you to live off the benefits that enslavement brought to non-blacks and then because it is 2009 we are all on a level playing field. WE ARE NOT! The point of the matter is that it happened and we are overcoming the consequences; acknowledge that.
It's true, africans aren't the only one that can relate to slavery, but they are the ones that had to go through the some of the hardest slavery delimas (spelling) and that cannot be denied and i kno everibodi's tired of hearin the slave story but it's true and some things that have happened to us haven't even been documented or have been rarely heard,
how could anyone relate unless they have lived in extreme poverty... in which case any person of any race could understand. While obviously the most exploited on the planet, claiming only Africans can relate to slavery is ignorant.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
Wait let me see if I get this straight you are going to agree with someone about something I never said and still have the nerves to call me ignorant?
Thats why we celebrate EACH AND EVERY THING. Yeah, there are gangs and black on black crimes, but those same gangs operate on the basis of unity (not to justify it and also take notice that some members are white). If you look at tillio's profile, you will see that no words will be enough to validate his protest of opinion. He is ignorant...yes, there are other words for the type of person he is. Let him continue to live in fear...of what he THINKS blacks are.
tillio2008 will never understand blacks or african americans. Whites are racist by nature. Its something they are born with and taught throughout their lifetimes. Just like when they realized our President is Black...the true reality was that they were afraid that we would retaliate from years of oppression. But what whites dont realize is that in every mother and grandmother's home, blacks are taught to love one another, to appreciate each other, and to strive for unity.
but should I pack up the 3 generations of my family and move back to europe? Since we didn't help or support black slavery and racism and are still lumped into this generic hatred and racism towards the "white man"?
I have many black friends, and hispanic, and asian, and and and... but all of them can slam down my race without fear of being called racist - while I and my family have never played a part in the racism they claim to still be fighting.
the disenfranchised do not have the power to be racist, racism is the system of advantage based soley on race. so the colors of this nation all together do not have that adavantage. not to say we as people of color dont make it in the word yea we do but in the end the white man still has the advantage....sorry thats the way it is..o it lik that in europe too trust that!
don't get defensive. i'll never understand what it'slike to be you, to grow up in your household and you'll never understand what being black in america is like period. the point i think tillo was making is a black guy giving you a dirty look makes you uncomfortable it doesn't hurt you. a white guy who happens to own a company where i'm applying for a position has much more control over my life. there are many more whites who are business owners and ceos. so it's more than discomfort for us
johnny can get through under grad with a mediocre average and take over daddy's company because his great grandfather started a business a long time ago. my great grand father didn;t have those opportunities and education was not stressed through the generations. so i can graduate with a 4.0 and still end up in the unemployment line. that doesn;t mean hate all white people and it's certainly not an excuse to throw in the towel. i don;t expect you to understand the frustration, but it's real
I agree, I will never know what being black in America is like, and thank you for acknowledging that your perspective on whites is similar. I appreciate it.
I'm wondering though, if you graduate with a 4.0, what stops you from starting your own company that you might give to your children and grand children?
I don't intend to be crass, and wish to express this delicately: I hear alot about America's history of slavery but everyone knows that's exactly what working for someone else is today...
there are many who have, but that's beside the point. my generation has to work hard or get stuck in the same rut our parents were in. it's more likely that a white kid would become a part of the family business regardless. that's no to say all whites have money and businesses nor does it mean all blacks are poor and struggling. it just means the scaled aren;t tipped in our favor. but..are u serious????? i assure you neither of us will EVER have a job that even remotely resembles slavery.
no, working for someone else is slavery. You are referring to the social segregation of slavery in American History. There are places in the world where slavery still exists without segregation - including Africa (Black masters, Black slaves).
Much of America's chocolate comes from slavers. Search "Blood Chocolate" to learn more.
1 (of many) definitions of slavery: hard work with little reward, often in conjunction with benefiting of another in a position of authority
if that is the definition u were referring to then your statement wasn;t brazen it was irrelevant. either way it's pointless to talk to someone who doesn't want to hear. i thought u were trying to understand a state of mind, but seems like u want to bicker. so i'll let u have it. this is an amazing piece and if u took the time to set your own views aside and listen you'd learn something...perhaps tolerance
perhaps you're right and I should just shut up and listen. I'll listen to people of all races make cracker jokes right in front of me. I'll listen to people taking "credit" for a history of suffering few alive have experienced and blame it on a superficial division (skin color) that I have been raised to ignore entirely.
You asked if I was serious. I was showing you...
You didn't make any point that I could tell... You pointed out that the scale wasn't tipped in your favor. Me either!
to be honest you're playing victim when you're not being attacked. i've been in a class of 50 students where i'm one of two blacks and they look at me like why are u even here and spit out whatever "slang" they've heard on bet and compare anything i wear to beyonce. my name is no longer cleopatra i'm "homegirl" or "girlfriend" every time they see me. not to mention the time or 2 i've been called a stupid nigger to my face. do i take it to heart no. an idiot is an idiot white, black, brown, or
blue. i'm not justifying ignorance i'm saying there's a deeper frustration that i just can't explain and you just can't get that drives it. i believe success is the best revenge but others use it as an excuse to not try. you'll never go in for a job and see the disappointment on someone's face cause you "sounded white" on the phone. that doesn't mean i'm going to start making babies and collect checks from the government. it means i try harder everyone isn't racist. not all white people are out
to get me. all black people aren't thieves and liars or rappers and video girls. what's important to understand is that slavery isn't something that happened a long time ago. my grandmother's mother was a slave so it wasn't that long ago not to mention my parents were alive when they weren't allowed to walk downtown just cause they were black. you don't think that has an affect on me? no different than a cycle of domestic violence in families. i was raised to not make excuses and to love but
many weren't. i feel like i'm wasting my breath here.... but i'm sure you were taught to ignore it. that doesn't surprise me at all. in all honesty i'm sure that was the best advice you could be given. there is value, however, in learning about it and learning from it. no different than anything else in our country's history. there's another poem i'd love for you to hear i'll find the link and send it to you
I believe the reason we arent able to start our own businesses as a norm is the banks. We'd have to apply for a loan, and even with great grades and graduating from a good college we (blacks) are less likely to get a loan from a bank then a white person. Thats not to say we never get loans and white ppl always do its just its more likely that a white person will get the loan and a black wouldnt. I hope that answered your question. Let me know.
i don't mean to be a smart-ass, but I think most people with a 4.0 avg in a valuable post-secondary education could afford a loan. Even then, I started my own with pocket change from a minimum wage job... it's just hard to hear that kind of thing personally.
I do see your point though. Could this perhaps be a perspective (ie: someone saying "Because I'm black I won't qualify, I'm not going") or does your scenario hold up to statistics of approve/deny loan applications? I'd love to see studies!
just fyi tillo, most business fail so starting one isn't some magic solution. also, the largest factor in determining success or failure of a business--yes, even yours--is pretty much blind luck. this whole bootstraps kick you're working from is based on a fundamentally flawed myth that never existed. recent studies suggest that in america, the wealth of one's grandparents is a far larger factor in predicting any given person's economic status
I made no claims about failure or success. If people consider self-employment as a dream life, they know not what they say. Self-employment is not like going on vacation. If anything it's harder work than most "Jobs", but luck takes a lower importance to tenacity on the success-o-meter.
Your studies would suggest that I will always be poor, never own my own home, or graduate highschool, yet that is not the case.
You make your life. Learning how is step one. Overcoming barriers is step 2
The touch, the feel of cotton. It's the fabric of our lives. LOL
Mike9339 1 week ago
hot damn! this gave me goosebumps
adilmohamedhameed 1 month ago
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THE TOUCH THE FEEL OF COTTON!!!!! Yooo, I've been seriously searching for more stuff from this dude and I'm pretty sure I finally found him on Vimeo! He's def on some NEXT TYPE SHIT FOR REALZ, DUDES CRAZY!!!!! vimeo.com/
theonemanexperience
JUSTBEALL 1 month ago
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JUSTBEALL 1 month ago
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JUSTBEALL 1 month ago
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JUSTBEALL 1 month ago
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JUSTBEALL 1 month ago
Yeesss!! I felt him.
MsNene2525 1 month ago
Aw yeah. Reppin' Kansas City.
Copidat 1 month ago
@LEGENDZ360 you're right
indy1391 2 months ago
you didn't build shit ijs great poem though
jojoballer13 2 months ago
damn shit man there was soo much passion in that shit mann.. much much loove.
murdok620 3 months ago
blew my mind...
SuperEboni15 4 months ago
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SNAP... SNAP.... SNAP
MsTaya926 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
years ago, two parents went out for dinner. A few hours later, the babysitter was calling to ask if she could cover up the clown statue in the kids' room, the father said,"Take the kids and get out of the house. We'll call the police, we don't have a clown statue." The "clown statue" is really a killer that escaped from jail. If you don't post this letter on to 10 videos tonight, the clown will be in your bed at 3:00 am with a chainsaw in his hand;sorry i didnt want that happening to me
susNetwork7 5 months ago
any lyrics?!!?!?!!
please ? :DD:DDD
randomdudeam 6 months ago
Where is more from this dude?
MrJoeBlunt 6 months ago in playlist spoken word 2
GOT DAMN!
NTtheLion 6 months ago
that look in his eyes when he said "the touch ....the feel... of cotton !?!!?!?!"
missdirtydiana1993 6 months ago 7
Just opened my eyes. I love people who do that.
koolinturn 6 months ago
@snotice12 No one should ever forgive AND forget. Forgive sure, forget never. When you forget, that it when history is likely to repeat. SHould the people dwell on things of that nature, no. But you have to realize "equal opportunity" is not as equal as you may think it is. I know there are people tired of "white guilt" but I say feel that guilt, and do something productive with it. It should remain there as long as there is White Privilage.
cutelhoney 6 months ago
stop feeling sorry them and help them by allowing them to make the choice to stay poor or not. you can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Welfare, food stamps, and every other gov't program the democrats and republicans have used to "help" the black community has failed. They are blind to the reality that slavery is rare and the more hold on to the thought, the more it will stay. Forgive and forget.
snotice12 7 months ago
capitalism is about you pursuing your own self-interest. If your not going to pursue it then the government will tell you what to pursue. The history of the world is slavery. I'm not saying their not people who abuse the ability to make money but that shouldn't stop you. capitalism is freedom to pursue your own self-interest. when the gov't steps in, the business suffers and in turn everyone does. the ghetto is still the ghetto because we aren't handling it the right way. If want to help the
snotice12 7 months ago
ok capitalism is slavery by having slaves be freed w/o proper education to survive in an educated world and then seperating them from society "the ghettos" and telling them everyone has equal opprotunity when we all know the oppressed people have to worl 3x as hard as his counterparts to be recognized as an equal
prodhart20 7 months ago
tell me how capitalism is slavery? anyone. give me a reasonable answer.
snotice12 7 months ago
@snotice12 capitalism is all about the maximizing profit. The best form of maximization of profits is to get workers to work for free which is what slavery is. i hope i was able to help you a little
Underpress21 7 months ago
I love Def Jam Poetry
valax300 7 months ago
i hate when people clap when a poet is still talking save that shit for the end u rude mofos....
MrCronzy 7 months ago
isn't it kinda awkward for caucasians to sit through poems like these? =/
KayLyda 8 months ago
Here's the meaning of this spoken word. AT FIRST, I thought he was discouraging black people from being materialistic. And saying that the wealthy "musical artist" are in another tax bracket and receive the benefits of the minority being consumers. All the while, reaping the benefits of the rich with one hand and bamboozling their monopoly with the other.
brandyn0910 8 months ago
HOWEVER, after watching this a couple of more tymes and reviewing CAREFULLY I find this is not what the artist meant. The artist is expressing with "Dry-clean my Green Gods 'cause their Cotton lined" that money is held in high esteem. The comparison of Slavery to Cotton is obvious. But these are better tymes and the conditions have changed with the work. "Cotton the fabric of our lives...” But now, we take pride in the places we live, trends we set, and the clothes we wear.
brandyn0910 8 months ago
Even today's rappers can be heard singing about the status they've accumulated. Traveling along a road to better living with the charisma and character it takes to do so. "And We Built This Shyt Here.!," We have turned our backs on picking cotton and in turn, now pick from store racks, another form of capitalism.
brandyn0910 8 months ago
As we move for greater prestige and economic status, the government raises taxes and balances budgets on the backs of people who buy the most and work hard. African Americans are the largest consumers in this country. Unfair practices leave hardships and strains on the less fortunate. While America reaps the harvest of the hard working citizens, many issues are desensitized and overlooked like "No Proper Healthcare, No Welfare, and Prisons in Abundance Everywhere."
brandyn0910 8 months ago 2
Despite modern injustices, we progress and produce. “As we Build! And Build! And Build! YEA, WE BUILT THIS SHYT.! WE BUILT THIS SHYT.!!” “The touch, the feel of COTTON. Shyyttt.! It’s our lives.!!!”
brandyn0910 8 months ago
Despite modern injustices, we progress and produce. “As we Build! And Build! And Build! YEA, WE BUILT THIS SHYT.! WE BUILT THIS SHYT.!!” “The touch, the feel of COTTON. Shyyttt.! It’s our lives.!!!”
brandyn0910 8 months ago
Comment removed
brandyn0910 8 months ago
YEEESSSS!!!!! Speak knowledge!
convincedon8 9 months ago
lmao
cacyclade 9 months ago
legalize hemp.
MRGENERATIONADD 9 months ago
& LMFAO at the guy laughing @0:55
MissGoGetta96 9 months ago
"The touch, the feel, of cotton?" Lol..That last one killed me
MissGoGetta96 10 months ago 9
Cotton is made from money, I believe that is the reference here.
NugenProductions 10 months ago
Wow makes so much sense I feel you on this one........
well said
cj06feb 11 months ago
HELL YESSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
misdelivery 11 months ago
MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE FROM THIS SHOW!!!
Aqua916 1 year ago
Oh we cotton pick! FROM STORE RACKS NOW NOT FIELDS!! WOW THATS STRONG
markee871 1 year ago 2
snaps snaps
HOPOFFy0 1 year ago
To be honest , i ` m not very materialistic minded... MOST niggas in the hood is like this..., but there's some humble ones , who couldn`t care less . So anyway , i didn`t get this poem the first time , but i watched it over , and tried to feel whut he saying , and now i remember back through states i've went through ;; very true ! , Again, crackers got niggas in this mentality purposely , PSYCHOLOGICAL LOCKS... its like they dangle cotton infront of u , then tell u u can't afford it , hence - !
G0LDENL0VEMUSIC 1 year ago
HE PUT HIS FOOT IN THIS ONE LOVE IT
LOVEMYSELF822 1 year ago
the touch..the feel
MrSuperdyke07 1 year ago 3
Did he actually just compare involuntary slavery with 100% voluntary shopping? Wow... kudos for the delivery, but the substance was lacking.
smitty1276 1 year ago
@smitty1276 Ok dipshit go ahead, spit. Let's see some of that "substance" that you're obviously to blind to see. Man spoke the truth. I suggest you actually try and listen before you make comments like that.
nihkkka 1 year ago
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smitty1276 1 year ago
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@nihkkka I did listen, that's how I knew that he compared shopping to slavery, which is objectively stupid. He should use his amazing talents to make valid, compelling points.
smitty1276 1 year ago
@smitty1276 Wrong. In all honestly you shouldn't listen to sets like this if you do not posses the mental capacity to comprehend concepts of depth. Yes, to a complete simpleton, it seems there is an obvious parallel made between slavery and shopping, but this is poetry! The meaning goes far deeper than what appears on the surface. The point is that there is a metaphoric struggle, that is being perpetuated by materialism, hindering the development of African Americans. Slavery is a METAPHOR.
nihkkka 1 year ago
@nihkkka I understand that slavery is a metaphor. My point is that slavery is a very bad (and, frankly, insulting) metaphor. He is minimizing slavery.
smitty1276 1 year ago
@smitty1276 The dictionary definition of metaphor:a figure of speech in which a term or phrase is applied to something to which it is not literally applicable in order to suggest a resemblance. You cannot minimize a metaphor. He used it as a literary mechanism to propel a legitimate issue. It's absurd that you could even come to such a conclusion. Listen to it again, and instead of hearing slavery and writing it's use off, try and understand what he's actually saying.
nihkkka 1 year ago
"Man's inhumanity to man" is not the last word. The truth lies deeper. It is economic slavery, the savage struggle for a crumb, that has converted mankind into wolves and sheep.
~ Alexander Berkman ~
This the problem with society
pilots213 1 year ago
Why did everyone clap when he said "the touch, the feel of cotton."?
iAmSuPeRsPeCiAl 1 year ago
@iAmSuPeRsPeCiAl the play on words of consumerism and slavery
Hannibalthehigh 1 year ago
One of the most accurate depiction's of real history.....preach my brotha
wetnwildism 1 year ago 3
amazing
realdanimusiq 1 year ago
Enough said.. this guy told the bold truth, its just too bad that so many ppl cant see or dont get what he is talkin about
w023kag1 1 year ago
the touch the feel of cotton...its the fabric of our lives...AMEN! this brother was on point!!!!
MizzJay777 1 year ago
i love LOVE this poem from the words to the delivery! open your eyes...EVERYONE!!
nvdischulita 1 year ago
the touch the feel!...of cotton.dat man felt that one lol
dorotheaperkins 1 year ago 2
Simply, the poem is about how slavery built up America and brought it to its present state. Although slavery no longer exists in plain sight, we are ALL slaves to materialism and capitalism now,regardless of race. So basically slavery, oppression and manilpution based on race is now based on class. This poem is not a whining about slavery poem. It is showing we the "commoners" are united in the struggle against the mighty and rich.
ToTheTenthPower 1 year ago 3
we would be nothin without capitalism real talk
vojtisesesek 1 year ago
@vojtisesesek Who is "we"? The 1.1 billion people in this world who are making less than a $1 a day? Fool, you are rich because they are poor.
amazingyou1uber 1 year ago
@amazingyou1uber and we should be all poor without capitalism. In every system there are poor people, but only capitalism is "runnin". look at cuba, look at russia, tell me, what do you want to put instead of capitalism?
vojtisesesek 1 year ago
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RevolutionaryINK 1 year ago
@vojtisesesek Cuba has free health care, & education thru college, More schools than prisons, & the peoples "approval rating" for their govt is much higher in Cuba. More than half of their population praises their leadership. You only know what the media wants to think about places like Cuba. You make it seem as if a capitalist system is the best option. There are benifits to communist systems if they have benevolent leadership. Poverty exsists because of Malevolent leadership.
RevolutionaryINK 1 year ago
@RevolutionaryINK Cuba has no health care, their govs "rating" is high, because theyre brainwashed. we, my nation, has lived in communism. it was horrible. communism totally doesnt work, my grandfather used to be a communist but after 40 years of terror he had changed his mind. do not try it again, simple man..
ForestCrewYT 1 year ago
@ForestCrewYT
You know me not yet you dare to call me "simple"? Your comment was fine until you thru that silliness in there. Grown up and be a bit more mature with your comments.
Now you say Communism doesn't work and you are blaming COMMUNISM for it. Show me a Political structure that does work? Democracies?Capitolistic systems? Monarchies? NO SYSTEM WILL WORK if it's ran by MALEVOLENT LEADERSHIP. That is the point I am making. And As far as me being simple, TRUST ME, I am far from it.
RevolutionaryINK 1 year ago
@ForestCrewYT pt.2
So blame your Czech LEADERS for he strife and turmoil that the citizens faced. A system does not run it self.
RevolutionaryINK 1 year ago
He did that!! and his mohawk go hard!
5sizes2big 1 year ago
Capitalism kills.
amazingyou1uber 1 year ago
the touch and feel of cotton the fabric of our lives.......we built this shit
legs091 1 year ago
We built this shit.
LeatherWhistle 1 year ago
I love this!
furbyfem83 1 year ago
The touch, the feel, of cotton? The fabric of our lives?? I love how he brought that into focus something that most people probably didn't think of like that l...
brooklynchocolate9 1 year ago 4
wow this guy has a voice
zazenzach 1 year ago
WE BUILT THIS SHYT !
yuricanz 1 year ago
The Real Gospel Truth
netta87 2 years ago
WE BUILT THIS SHIT one love
peoplz50 2 years ago 3
EVERY time I watch this I get goosebumps. Sooo much truth.
sweetnsassy09 2 years ago 5
REAL TALK - DO dope!
lilmama05pimp 2 years ago
WE BUILT THIS SHIT
5sizes2big 2 years ago 6
Truth!!!!!!
Dudda42 2 years ago 3
Wow, that was good!
holywomen 2 years ago 7
Yeah we built this shit, deep brotha
monkeygirl993 2 years ago 9
wow that was real
theflyestbell 2 years ago
DANG HE DID THAT
AND HIS MOHAWK GO HARD
a2krulez 2 years ago 22
Yes!!! Preach the truth!
Dizwater 2 years ago 2
If anyone knows a website or email I can get in contact with this poet at, please let me know!!
caramelita69 2 years ago
He put his heart into that poem, excellent work my brother.
DopeBoyMagic66 2 years ago 106
@DopeBoyMagic66 Im the 100th thumbs up :)
dashe95 4 months ago
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If he finished it off with "the touch, and feel, of green"
it would have been more emphatic for me imo
liosama 2 years ago
Amazing Poet!!!!!
Great Job !! =D
PepeCotton9 2 years ago 6
I would like to know how can anything change for Blacks if we continue to participate in a system designed for another mans progress..We can get trained or "educated" to become Doctors Nurses and Engineers but then where will we use those skills in a poor community or in a rich one to pay back the loans?.Will we open our own stores and factories or apply for slave labor at another?.Will we teach our Daughters how to be mothers and partners or tell them they don't need a man?
GzUp82 2 years ago 13
Great points.
LaTainaIndia 2 years ago 2
We are more than just Men..We are the Kings Gods Rulers who have been blinded into believing we're less than Men..You shouldn't blame a victim you should always blame the opressor..You can't ask for freedom you have to take it on demand..Having a job and paying bills isn't success it's a temporary status..Men with millions lose all so let us not think we're on top when comparing ourselves to those who are the lowest..Love ya brothers they're only poor victims you are the fortunate victim..
GzUp82 2 years ago
We can't even be men and provide a home for our women. Sometimes i'm ashamed to be a black man but I try to be different and nobody's "nigga". I don't "pick cotton". My money goes to educate my kids & provide for ma family, give them a home. We have the brains we just don't use them 2 have more black people in colleges, Doctors and engineers and scientists. Instead we sell drugs & shoot each other. we got kids don't know their fathers and we brag about it and say we hard. Disillusioned fools!!
ReachingOutToYou 2 years ago 10
"we chasing up the death just to call ourselfs brave" - Thiefs in the night.Mos Def & Kweli
franciso7 2 years ago
Maybe you all should read allenanb's comment. He seems to be the only one who saw what the poem was talking about. It's not about the slavery of yesteryear, it's about the slavery of today. We enslave ourselve trying to keep u with fashoin, buy brand name clothes etc only to enrich the same white man who owns the factories. When will we learn?? We so stupid we spend our paycheck on timberlands and then ride the bus, or buy rims for our whips and then live with our mamas or baby mamas.
ReachingOutToYou 2 years ago 9
yeah the poem reminded me of a Dave Chapelle skit where black peopleget reparations and spend all the money on useless stuff..
the white news man in the skit said then:"Seems like those black people are breaking their necks to bring this money back to us"
..thats why i love chapelle..he is a genius
franciso7 2 years ago 8
Smh.. yo, really.. while you all are quoting your historical facts On here.. as "SexyTSUMami" stated.. You are Missing the point of the poem. PPL kill me how they can pick up a Book and READ.. but from the words they speak.. they obviously havent learned a thing. get yo mind right please.
Troubleclef02 2 years ago
this reminds when Pat Buchanan said it was white america that bulit america, (NOT THE CASE!!) he also had the nerve to say it was whites that fought and died in the civil war, ww1 and ww2, i guess his racist mind just fogot that blacks are part of america and also fought and died as well, and we unwilling built up the wealth of America, with out the cash corp cotton, and slaves America would have been destroyed by european power, your welcome America
minididi42 2 years ago
ok for those of you who may have missed the point of this poem. If you have ever heard the saying they took the shackels off our legs & put them on our heads it applies here. Many blacks are enslaved to materialism trying to keep up the facade of wealth or compensate for a lingering feeling of inferiority. Its not a whiney poem about slavery its a play on words comparing picking cotton from the fields to picking it off store racks even if trying to keep up w/ the jones holds us back.
allenanb 2 years ago 135
@allenanb very good explanation.
skeenaration 1 year ago
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@allenanb thumbs up thumbs up !
G0LDENL0VEMUSIC 1 year ago
So basically , they flash you things infront of the TV , and in the media everywhere, then deprive you of opportunities in the hood . So you see that , step out of your crib and see DIRT, poverty , crackheads , suffering , hunger, strife, struggle , everybody broke etc , go uptown shoppin , & you see the same shxt from the TV in the stores , Again, teasing a nigga , go back downtown to yuh head , same ishh , so whut happens ? , yu get famished for all that material they present on tv as ...
G0LDENL0VEMUSIC 1 year ago
'' LOOK , this will make yo life better , Flashy jewels , & material , labels , blah '' , ; -- instead of saving , investing , niggas is wasting money tryna feel COTTON , fake fantasies of the hood, that it feels good, or it feels anything , jus want it cuz yu think it holds some magical happyness in it ,, THIS POEM IS GOOD ! LOL ; SUB MY CHANNEL !!!
G0LDENL0VEMUSIC 1 year ago
SIDENOTE # , THIS NIGGA CAN SCREAM BOY !
G0LDENL0VEMUSIC 1 year ago
@allenanb
The point isn't missed- but it is poorly stated at best.
Slaves had no choice.
NONE.
We DO. Plain and simple.
We have choices because of the sacrifices past generations made for us. Comparing our society to that of the slaves is disrespectful, and horribly uninformed. Not to mention dangerous.
Speak messages of positivity when you have something our forebearers didn't. An OPPORTUNITY. I praise and thank them for their imposed sacrifice.
muziel019 1 year ago
@muziel019 We have no choice,we are only given the illusion of choice and freedom.
misanthropikbunny 11 months ago
@allenanb YES, YES, YES, I TOTALLY AGREE....THANK GOD I'M FREE!!!
XsankofaX 9 months ago
FREE NEGROES OWNED SLAVES TOO! Read your history! In New Orleans alone there were over 3,000 Free Blacks who had slaves.... These include individuals such as Justus Angel and Mistress L. Horry, of Colleton District, South Carolina, who each owned 84 slaves in 1830. In fact, in 1830 a fourth of the free Negro slave masters in South Carolina owned 10 or more slaves; eight owning 30 or more (2).
TwainMcSwain 2 years ago
Sublimenal slavery is not over....
krankblackmagic16 2 years ago
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THIS IS ANNOYING!!!!
stop wineing about slavery!!!
you didnt have to go through it. neither did your mom or her mom so shut up!!!!
thats over with!!
Iwannabeastickfigure 2 years ago
clearly you don't know the experience of the african in america. by the way, check your spelling.
dcmadness27 2 years ago
and this is not so much about physical slavery as it is about material slavery now (iwannabeastickfigure)
dcmadness27 2 years ago 8
wow is that all u heard in the poem?Problems in the black community may not concern u so u might not be able to understand, but if that is the case why even comment? If u heard the poem at all you'd know thats not all he was talking about, it seems like u just wanted 2 trivialize slavery all together maybe you'd like to stop hearing about it but its a part of americas history that is a foundation for a large group of ppls lives. these internalized problems have a lot 2 do with problems of 2day
allenanb 2 years ago
you so ignorant for this comment.... u missing the point! listen again...its not about the cotton and the slavery....
SexyTSUMami 2 years ago
1st off no 1 is wining about slavery there just remembering it n not letting it be forgotten and 2 sum1's grandmom mother was a slave so that shows its not 2 far back yes i no its not occurring n today's time but some people still feel the need to talk about it n speak their views on it which gives u NO right 2 say quit wining about slavery so intill u have experienced wat the next person has gone through then please STOP being an asswhole
zxcvbnm1228 2 years ago
What do you mean people should stop whining about ENSLAVEMENT(not slavery)? YOU should stop acting like it never existed, and realize that is a fundamental cause in disparities of wealth and social stature in america today. It is easy for you to live off the benefits that enslavement brought to non-blacks and then because it is 2009 we are all on a level playing field. WE ARE NOT! The point of the matter is that it happened and we are overcoming the consequences; acknowledge that.
revolucionturquesa 2 years ago
Wow ....
that was is real
Iteach101 2 years ago 4
It's true, africans aren't the only one that can relate to slavery, but they are the ones that had to go through the some of the hardest slavery delimas (spelling) and that cannot be denied and i kno everibodi's tired of hearin the slave story but it's true and some things that have happened to us haven't even been documented or have been rarely heard,
Tashigurl1 2 years ago 10
hes amazing .....
thislifeofmine 2 years ago 2
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Another black panther rally, brought to you by Mos Def, HBO, and Commywood, California.
EvanMonster 2 years ago
We Built This Shit!!!
LTColAF12 2 years ago
i love this
aim20062010 2 years ago
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LyRiCaLlPoEtT 2 years ago
Im sorry i really find it hard to see how other minorities can relate to cotton picking. Unless there was I missed in history class.
Fe11a11 2 years ago 2
ever heard of sugar cane?
Ch33seMan 2 years ago
Actually I have heard of Sugar Cane...but we also did that as well... around 1505 so whats your point?
Fe11a11 2 years ago
how could anyone relate unless they have lived in extreme poverty... in which case any person of any race could understand. While obviously the most exploited on the planet, claiming only Africans can relate to slavery is ignorant.
You did miss a history class. world history.
FloodPower 2 years ago 9
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Im sorry but where do you see me saying "Only Africians can relate to slavey"???
Fe11a11 2 years ago
...
FloodPower 2 years ago
Your very first response. It wasn't a quote, he reworded what you said. I'm going to go ahead and agree with him, you ARE ignorant.
Kurnurs 2 years ago 5
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Wait let me see if I get this straight you are going to agree with someone about something I never said and still have the nerves to call me ignorant?
So what does that make you really?
Fe11a11 2 years ago
Comment removed
devyxmas 2 years ago
This shit again...lol
The author deleted the comment I had replied to so its hard to see what I was talking about.
But to be honest Devy. I dont really see what there is to explain about my comment.
Fe11a11 2 years ago
WoW!
We surely did..
FeatherRay 2 years ago
Powerful! I love it. We built this sh*t!!!!!
moniquethe1 2 years ago 2
Thats why we celebrate EACH AND EVERY THING. Yeah, there are gangs and black on black crimes, but those same gangs operate on the basis of unity (not to justify it and also take notice that some members are white). If you look at tillio's profile, you will see that no words will be enough to validate his protest of opinion. He is ignorant...yes, there are other words for the type of person he is. Let him continue to live in fear...of what he THINKS blacks are.
aNaLyRiC 2 years ago
tillio2008 will never understand blacks or african americans. Whites are racist by nature. Its something they are born with and taught throughout their lifetimes. Just like when they realized our President is Black...the true reality was that they were afraid that we would retaliate from years of oppression. But what whites dont realize is that in every mother and grandmother's home, blacks are taught to love one another, to appreciate each other, and to strive for unity.
aNaLyRiC 2 years ago
wow, this word is nice! I really like: "...picking cotton off racks in stores..."
aNaLyRiC 2 years ago
*sigh* Just another racist.
aallppiinnee 2 years ago
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The NEW SESSON of Def Poetry
started last Sunday on HBO
this season is called "NEW VOICES"
it is also in HD !!!
for those who missed it
the 1st show is going to be Re-Run
@ - 2:30 am CST on HBO
PowderSpirit3 2 years ago
Comment removed
PowderSpirit3 2 years ago
D@mn, can he just spout poetry to my p&ssy? Get my mind AND my body off!
WellDamn24 2 years ago
This is so... epic... i dont know what to say
TheHippoFish 2 years ago
JUST AMAZING!!!
gummy1977 2 years ago
I'm not saying it never happened.
but should I pack up the 3 generations of my family and move back to europe? Since we didn't help or support black slavery and racism and are still lumped into this generic hatred and racism towards the "white man"?
I have many black friends, and hispanic, and asian, and and and... but all of them can slam down my race without fear of being called racist - while I and my family have never played a part in the racism they claim to still be fighting.
tillo2008 2 years ago
the disenfranchised do not have the power to be racist, racism is the system of advantage based soley on race. so the colors of this nation all together do not have that adavantage. not to say we as people of color dont make it in the word yea we do but in the end the white man still has the advantage....sorry thats the way it is..o it lik that in europe too trust that!
MzReacn90 2 years ago
@MzReacn90
"the disenfranchised do not have the power to be racist"
---Disenfranchised:deprived of the rights of citizenship especially the right to vote---
Please tell me what rights and privileges I enjoy that you do not. I have yet to hear anything but excuses
"the white man still has the advantage" White doesn't equal rich and doesn't entitle me to anything
"racism is the system of advantage based soley on race"
no. Racism is discriminatory or abusive behavior towards members of another race
tillo2008 2 years ago 2
i understand where you're coming from but youre missing the point sweetie
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
my intention of posting was to find that missing point missie
tillo2008 2 years ago
don't get defensive. i'll never understand what it'slike to be you, to grow up in your household and you'll never understand what being black in america is like period. the point i think tillo was making is a black guy giving you a dirty look makes you uncomfortable it doesn't hurt you. a white guy who happens to own a company where i'm applying for a position has much more control over my life. there are many more whites who are business owners and ceos. so it's more than discomfort for us
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
johnny can get through under grad with a mediocre average and take over daddy's company because his great grandfather started a business a long time ago. my great grand father didn;t have those opportunities and education was not stressed through the generations. so i can graduate with a 4.0 and still end up in the unemployment line. that doesn;t mean hate all white people and it's certainly not an excuse to throw in the towel. i don;t expect you to understand the frustration, but it's real
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago 2
I agree, I will never know what being black in America is like, and thank you for acknowledging that your perspective on whites is similar. I appreciate it.
I'm wondering though, if you graduate with a 4.0, what stops you from starting your own company that you might give to your children and grand children?
I don't intend to be crass, and wish to express this delicately: I hear alot about America's history of slavery but everyone knows that's exactly what working for someone else is today...
tillo2008 2 years ago
there are many who have, but that's beside the point. my generation has to work hard or get stuck in the same rut our parents were in. it's more likely that a white kid would become a part of the family business regardless. that's no to say all whites have money and businesses nor does it mean all blacks are poor and struggling. it just means the scaled aren;t tipped in our favor. but..are u serious????? i assure you neither of us will EVER have a job that even remotely resembles slavery.
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
no, working for someone else is slavery. You are referring to the social segregation of slavery in American History. There are places in the world where slavery still exists without segregation - including Africa (Black masters, Black slaves).
Much of America's chocolate comes from slavers. Search "Blood Chocolate" to learn more.
1 (of many) definitions of slavery: hard work with little reward, often in conjunction with benefiting of another in a position of authority
sounds like a Job to me..
tillo2008 2 years ago
if that is the definition u were referring to then your statement wasn;t brazen it was irrelevant. either way it's pointless to talk to someone who doesn't want to hear. i thought u were trying to understand a state of mind, but seems like u want to bicker. so i'll let u have it. this is an amazing piece and if u took the time to set your own views aside and listen you'd learn something...perhaps tolerance
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago 2
@QC0606
perhaps you're right and I should just shut up and listen. I'll listen to people of all races make cracker jokes right in front of me. I'll listen to people taking "credit" for a history of suffering few alive have experienced and blame it on a superficial division (skin color) that I have been raised to ignore entirely.
You asked if I was serious. I was showing you...
You didn't make any point that I could tell... You pointed out that the scale wasn't tipped in your favor. Me either!
tillo2008 2 years ago
to be honest you're playing victim when you're not being attacked. i've been in a class of 50 students where i'm one of two blacks and they look at me like why are u even here and spit out whatever "slang" they've heard on bet and compare anything i wear to beyonce. my name is no longer cleopatra i'm "homegirl" or "girlfriend" every time they see me. not to mention the time or 2 i've been called a stupid nigger to my face. do i take it to heart no. an idiot is an idiot white, black, brown, or
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
blue. i'm not justifying ignorance i'm saying there's a deeper frustration that i just can't explain and you just can't get that drives it. i believe success is the best revenge but others use it as an excuse to not try. you'll never go in for a job and see the disappointment on someone's face cause you "sounded white" on the phone. that doesn't mean i'm going to start making babies and collect checks from the government. it means i try harder everyone isn't racist. not all white people are out
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
to get me. all black people aren't thieves and liars or rappers and video girls. what's important to understand is that slavery isn't something that happened a long time ago. my grandmother's mother was a slave so it wasn't that long ago not to mention my parents were alive when they weren't allowed to walk downtown just cause they were black. you don't think that has an affect on me? no different than a cycle of domestic violence in families. i was raised to not make excuses and to love but
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
many weren't. i feel like i'm wasting my breath here.... but i'm sure you were taught to ignore it. that doesn't surprise me at all. in all honesty i'm sure that was the best advice you could be given. there is value, however, in learning about it and learning from it. no different than anything else in our country's history. there's another poem i'd love for you to hear i'll find the link and send it to you
QueenCleopatra0606 2 years ago
I believe the reason we arent able to start our own businesses as a norm is the banks. We'd have to apply for a loan, and even with great grades and graduating from a good college we (blacks) are less likely to get a loan from a bank then a white person. Thats not to say we never get loans and white ppl always do its just its more likely that a white person will get the loan and a black wouldnt. I hope that answered your question. Let me know.
adibaby1979 2 years ago
i don't mean to be a smart-ass, but I think most people with a 4.0 avg in a valuable post-secondary education could afford a loan. Even then, I started my own with pocket change from a minimum wage job... it's just hard to hear that kind of thing personally.
I do see your point though. Could this perhaps be a perspective (ie: someone saying "Because I'm black I won't qualify, I'm not going") or does your scenario hold up to statistics of approve/deny loan applications? I'd love to see studies!
tillo2008 2 years ago
just fyi tillo, most business fail so starting one isn't some magic solution. also, the largest factor in determining success or failure of a business--yes, even yours--is pretty much blind luck. this whole bootstraps kick you're working from is based on a fundamentally flawed myth that never existed. recent studies suggest that in america, the wealth of one's grandparents is a far larger factor in predicting any given person's economic status
drone81 2 years ago
@drone81
I made no claims about failure or success. If people consider self-employment as a dream life, they know not what they say. Self-employment is not like going on vacation. If anything it's harder work than most "Jobs", but luck takes a lower importance to tenacity on the success-o-meter.
Your studies would suggest that I will always be poor, never own my own home, or graduate highschool, yet that is not the case.
You make your life. Learning how is step one. Overcoming barriers is step 2
tillo2008 2 years ago