This is very moving. During the same week that several gay teens were violently attacked and killed across the country, popular YouTube and Twitter personalities ShawnQT and FiveBlackGuys re-enact these disturbingly all-too-common attacks. It's a short video but packs plenty of punch. A montage of familiar scenes from the Civil Rights Movement brings the message home. Rihanna's "Russian Roulette" accompanies the video, a good selection for its theme and also to helps to attract younger viewers.
One young gay man responds: "This vid was sad and heartbreaking but its the truth...its sad that we as gay people have to experience such hate just for being true to ourself... a couple of weeks ago i was threathen by some guys i didnt even know they called me faggot they said to me get off this street before they kick my ass u faggot....i was just walking to the store minding my own bussiness they had so much hate in their eyes that it actually scared me thank God i wasnt attacked."
Thankfully he wasn't hurt. Many others are not so lucky.
ShawnQT and FiveBlackGuys are just several examples of young black gay men using new media and social networking platforms to fill the void left by traditional media. I like what they're doing. Via Darian Aaron: Watch the video WHEN YOU JUMP.
THE BEST VIDEO IVE SEEN ALL YEAR. IT MAKES YOU THINK AND MAKES YOU REALIZE THAT THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING TO US AND TO THEM.
Posted by: DRAMA DUPREE | 24 November 2009 at 16:48
I love this video and OMG I am soooooo happy to see then get some shine.
You go ShawnQT!
Posted by: Demetri | 24 November 2009 at 16:52
Very well done. I knew someone who was gaybashed and he said the strangest part is the sense of unreality that this is actually happening to you at the time. I guess we all think it will happen to someone else.
Posted by: mjolnir202 | 24 November 2009 at 17:26
This is actually a better video than her official video for the single. She could have teamed up with batter and abused to make a powerful statement regarding violence.
I like the video.
Posted by: History Major | 24 November 2009 at 17:39
I haven't seen the video yet, but I am glad someone is shining light on the matter in a way as to wake up others!
Posted by: CC | 24 November 2009 at 17:46
plz get on youtube and check the vid out folks!!! Shawn and the fiveblackgUys are outstanding!!!!
Posted by: KB | 24 November 2009 at 18:19
So agree with History Major- Artists today DO NOT use their voice and power to bring change at all except for the heavy change (money) in thier pockets. GREAT Video, love the civil rights clips.
Posted by: Lang B | 24 November 2009 at 18:37
This is such a great piece. Between this and your other recent articles, its painfully clear that gay blood is very cheap in the U.S.
Posted by: Tim Lee | 24 November 2009 at 20:50
No matter how far or how better things may be there are things that are still consider the same or a set back. I think things like this brings the message some what home. Sometimes it is the the things that are gritty that brings the message home even more. Thanks for sharing and over all this is a good video.
Posted by: Shory22 | 25 November 2009 at 06:40
The video was nicely done. I liked the integration of other showings of historic American hate crimes. The song fit with the video's content.
Posted by: Dex123ter | 25 November 2009 at 11:59
WOW
excellent!
thanks rod
i just linked you
see videos:
http://aliciabanks.vox.com/
peace
ab
Posted by: alicia banks | 25 November 2009 at 22:49