Donald Glover aka Childish Gambino "This is America": A Review and Self Reflection

I love the arts. I always have a strong admiration and appreciation for the artistic mind. Especially when it makes me wonder about the message behind the art piece. Donald Glover or his alter ego Childish Gambino video clip of his latest single “This is America” will make you sit up and take notice. 

The four minute video cracks open a discourse  of current issues that is symbolic and metaphorically well executed. Saying that this multi talented actor, singer, comedian, writer, producer, director, songwriter, rapper and dj is a sheer genius is an understatement. 

The essence of the video showcases how we easily mask important issues that goes on behind the scenes of clouded reality. In this case, issues of the black community. 

The song begins with a festive upbeat and the presence of a man sitting on a chair and Glover topless at the back. The camera moves in and we see Glover turn with a unhappy and forced expression then awkwardly dancing to the music. This was a foreshadow of something sinister that was going to happen But viewers watching for the first time were completely oblivious to what was about to come in the next few seconds. Then came the first gunshot to the head. 

What..is..going..on? That was the first thing that came to mind. Then in an instant everything just blew up in our faces. 

This is America

Don't catch you slippin' up

Don't catch you slippin' up

Look what I'm whippin' up

The juxtaposition of carelessness and seriousness is a mirror of what is happening in real life. Now switch it up with other poignant issues, women’s rights, sustainable developments, political warfare and other equally pressing matters. Are we flipping between being carelessly cool or self righteously proud of giving a damn. 

Now sit up and think.

Queen N

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