I love the head lines, some are stating why point out his race, "4 yr old gifted black Violinist" Why not! However even better, look at those eyes with that AFRO. PRICELESS….that's our little Gentlemen.
Very, very talented young man…..Wow, I wonder how many hours he practices each day……His parents must be very proud…..I certainly would be, but what would happen if he were a white child, or an oriental child..
FANTASTIC young gifted performer….but where is his NAME! why isn't he named instead of being a nameless 4 yr old Black child? If he were European wouldn't his name be published? I want to know more about him and how he became this young violin playing prodigy. No more objectification by a human interest story complete with details….
there have been prodigies of all races it is just a source pride for other members of whatever the race or nationality if it is the antithesis of negative stereotypes.
I love to see young, gifted black males displaying their gifts from God. To God be the glory…and yes race is relevant especially in these times, black males often get spotlighted in the media in such a negative manner.
Aberdeen Allen, I do! Would you be happy seeing people say "To be young gifted and white?" No I don't think you or anyone would, so if we as a nation are truly going to move forward in a positive way, then we are going to have to quit putting a special label on certain segments of society. If we truly want equality, then treat everyone equally.
Roland, I appreciate what you're saying, and in a perfect world what you're saying would be great but we're living in a world where we're bombarded daily with negative stereotypes of Black people. If you don't believe me check out the experiment where the Black kids were asked to choose between black and white dolls. The only reason those kids chose the white dolls is because they have been programmed to see white as desirable and black as undesirable. I see nothing wrong with having racial pride. I don't put people down because of their race. It's like belonging to a fraternity. Alphas are proud to be Alphas, and Omegas are proud to be Omegas. Lighten up my friend and let those of us who have racial pride the opportunity to beat our chests when we can. Just my two cents. Peace
Roland, I appreciate what you're saying, and in a perfect world what you're saying would be great but we're living in a world where we're bombarded daily with negative stereotypes of Black people. If you don't believe me check out the experiment where the Black kids were asked to choose between black and white dolls. The only reason those kids chose the white dolls is because they have been programmed to see white as desirable and black as undesirable. I see nothing wrong with having racial pride. I don't put people down because of their race. It's like belonging to a fraternity. Alphas are proud to be Alphas, and Omegas are proud to be Omegas. Lighten up my friend and let those of us who have racial pride the opportunity to beat our chests when we can. Just my two cents. Peace
Awesome! Yes he young gifted and of color. I'm am sure those comments about this baby being 'black' were made with a feeling of pride. Too often only the stereotypes of black youth are published. However, he is young, gifted, black, and what is wrong with that fact. Blessings,
Awesome! Yes he young gifted and of color. I'm am sure those comments about this baby being 'black' were made with a feeling of pride. Too often only the stereotypes of black youth are published. However, he is young, gifted, black, and what is wrong with that fact. Blessings,
He does say so…as does anyone else who wants to see an end to racism. Keep indicating it and it will continue to exist. Morgan Freeman on Black History Month: http://youtu.be/GeixtYS-P3s
Tom Bronson Sorry Tom, regardless of who said what, the facts remain that racial identity is with us and until white America stop using subliminal messages that portray Black people in a negative light I will continue to celerbrate the accomplishments of my people.
Tom Bronson Sorry Tom, regardless of who said what, the facts remain that racial identity is with us and until white America stop using subliminal messages that portray Black people in a negative light I will continue to celerbrate the accomplishments of my people.
Tom Bronson Sorry Tom, regardless of who said what, the facts remain that racial identity is with us and until white America stop using subliminal messages that portray Black people in a negative light I will continue to celerbrate the accomplishments of my people.
Putting it into perspective, which of these do you consider to be a greater compliment?
1) Aberdeen, you've accomplished so much in life.
Or
2) Aberdeen, you've accomplished so much in life, for someone from Georgia.
This is beautiful. I love seeing our black youth portrayed in such a positive manner. This gifted BLACK boy is going to go very far. Kudos to his parents 🙂
Yea but if he were to commit a crime, race would be the main factor, but since this is a positive story folks wanna sing we are the world. Nothing wrong with being proud of who you are. We have an uplifting story, one that paints a positive picture of African Americans so yes race is a factor. Let us be proud, be proud with us. If you really are color blind.
I don't get why his color has to be brought up. I know he is black without someone telling me. I don't care if he is black or white. I appreciate his talent. I'm not racist.
Tom Bronson respect color. Seeing color is not a bad thing. Dismissing it is. My color is apart of my ethnicity and background. Dismissing it like it doesn't exist is denying that certain things happens to a race or specific color of people. For colored people we jump through certain barriers that non-colors do not have to. @aberdeen allen is just stating that this kid has made it through some barriers and celebrating it. His skin color is considered a barrier. Therefore, to celebrate his color, his age, and his talent is a beautiful thing. As an article I just read suggest sums it up well, "A generation that hates racism but chooses colorblindness is a generation that, through its neglect, comes to perpetuate it."
Here is the link: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/05/millennials_racism_and_mtv_poll_young_people_are_confused_about_bias_prejudice.html.
Did this child overcome poverty? Is he an inner city child who overcame barriers? Or was he born in Berlin, Germany to wealthy parents who had him taking music lessons at age 2? Hint: It's C. He didn't overcome anything but youth. He has none of the hindrances that plague the African-American community and, there for, he has nothing to celebrate in regards to race. You are judging him by the color of his skin and not by the content of his character.
Tom Bronson Have a good life Tom. I'm happy to see you're color blind. Keep spreading that philosophy. I just ask you to do one thing for me. Convert as many of your friends to your way of thinking as you can. If we'd had you in control 400 years ago, this whole conversation would not be happening.
Taylor Green Taylor, I think Tom means well, he just doesn't appreciate where Black people have come from and where we have to go. It's like children in families who are achievers being constantly told, "you're no good", "you'll never amount to anything". That is the lot of Black people in America. We NEED those positive racial accomplishments to counteract the negative portrayals of Black people shown in the mainstream media. As I said in a response to his post, until the time comes when the mainstream media ceases to cast Black people in a negative light, I will continue to be proud of the accomplishments of Black people.
Tom Bronson Your making a lot of assumptions my friend. The struggle for colored folk has been a generational thing. Its not a isolated situation. Just because your black doesn't mean you have to overcome poverty in your life time. Just because your black does not mean you live in the inner city.No one is putting a stereotype on Akim. You are my friend. No one said he was some poor kid from the inner city. Even if he is German born he is still black at the end of the day. Socioeconomic privilege will give certain people access to certain tangible and intangible benefits that another black persons in a lower socioeconomic class will not experience. However, he is still subjected to microaggressions due to the color of his skin. To deny that anyones skin color does not play a role in how one lives their life, is to say that racism is dead. My friend its not. For me being a person of color, whom ancestors were never slaves, half of my family is of non-colored folk, I still am subjected to microaggressions and racism. I'm college educated, going to law school, never lived in the hood, however, my skin color still plays a role in my life. I agree with Aberdeen Allen have a good life Tom.
Racism offends me to the core of my being. That includes anyone who judges a person based on the color of their skin. I understand that you don't get it. I hope that someday you will.
Tom Bronson Thanks Tom for calling me a racist because I want to acknowledge that someone is of color. Lol. I don't deny you are non-colored. Nor am I calling you a racist. I'm just educating you on experiences that colored people go through. Assumptions again.
You're indicating. You are drawing attention to skin color as though it makes a difference. He was a talented 4 year old. Not a talented 4 year old German kid. Not a talented 4 year old black kid. He was a kid. See him as that…and only that. Like I said, you won't see that. You refuse. I get that. Maybe MLK's dream will come true in the next generation.
Even if he is German born he is still black at the end of the day.
Your quote, my friend.
Wouldn't you consider me incredibly ignorant if I were to say, "Look at how great this Jewish kid is doing in Germany"? Or did people of Jewish descent not suffer a few setbacks in Germany?
Have a good life. I hope that someday you stop judging people based on their skin color. I won't hold my breath, though. I'd turn blue and you'd judge me.
Nina Simone is the best. I think that people who claim to be colorblind want that to be the world we live in so badly and who can blame them. However, we are not there yet as a nation or a globe. As long as little black 5 year olds in all black urban schools in this country are still being screamed at, humiliated, and told they are "bad" and their families are "bad" and their neighborhoods are "bad" there is not equality. If you really want equality, you need to start with the children. Many children in this country are still seriously oppressed and depressed. They are judged for the adults in their families that are locked up. They are judged by where they live and yes, their color. Tom, take all that anger that you feel about racism and address a school board, volunteer on a field trip, share your talents with the "worst" school in Tampa. Open yourself even more and make a difference in your community.
Erica,
I teach. Correction…I foster education. I give my students the opportunity to see beyond the four walls of the classroom. I design my lessons to where the higher level mathematics that is part of my curriculum becomes the byproduct of the lesson. I teach my students about the world, their community, and themselves. I take them to head start programs to work with inner city youth. I show them the plight of the world and put it into their hands. And you know what? It works. Right now I have students working with Habitat for Humanity. I have some students organizing a soup kitchen. Correction, I don't have them doing those things. They took them upon themselves. One of my students chose to spend half his winter break working with an orphanage in Jamaica. Two others are organizing an inner city youth hockey league. I also travel the country working with teachers to help them find ways to design their lessons "for the greater good".
That's why it's so painful to see racism kept alive with statements like " 4 year old black boy." My students wouldn't see him as black. You should see the confusion on their faces when I talk to them about MLK or the civil rights movement. It confuses them that labels have ever been necessary and they definitely see no need for them now. They see racism in THE world, but not in THEIR world. They don't want it in their world. It's of no use to them.
Aberdeen Allen You don't have to explain anything to me young man. On this day MLK Day, I have the pride of a man who stood for equality in my heart. However, I was living when he was alive and watched him many times on TV and never heard him say, once we truly become equal with all others races, then we should rub it into the noses of all other races that we are BLACK! I think quite the opposite, I think he would want us all to be more compassionate towards every race, and not try to separate just because of our race. It is because of this very train of thought that caused racism to manifest in the first place. It is ok to be proud of the boy, but to equate it to race is just not cool at all. How would you feel if people who were as petty as you started posting little white girls of boy who are child prodigies themselves and posted, now this is real white talent? It would be ignorant, but no different! We will never come together as a true nation if we can't stop with the childish comparisons of race!
I wonder, what would you think if, you sat there with your eyes closed and just listened, What would you think? I loved the music and surprised in the end.
I wonder, what would you think if, you sat there with your eyes closed and just listened, What would you think? I loved the music and surprised in the end.
Aberdeen Allen , you can't make the blind see, nor the deaf hear the truth of the real America. The back and forth conversations with people living in their color blind world will be with us FOREVER. I am black and have been black all of my life, only those sharing this walk will understand or relate to the pride felt for the black little boy in the video. What's sad is for those of the opinion his color is not important and to be 'offended' by comments of those that are PROUD of not only his awesome talent, but that he's BLACK, and it matters. I applaud those wanting so much to make a point of their personal contributions to rid the world of racism. Unfortunately, it is our history and current situation that will not allow a person of color to be COLOR BLIND. My vision is good and I hear very well. Oh by the way, this is just MY opinion. Blessings,
Margaret Floyd nor can you reverse the effects of brainwashing! What you call pride for your race, if done by a white person you would call it racism. Your double standard is laughable!
Roland Hitchens, no I can't reverse the effects of brainwashing. Apparently you are a victim and I can't change that either. What is laughable is you not knowing what I'd do if done by a white person or what I would call racism. Stay in your lane Roland, you can't handle the truth, I'm sorry for you. God Bless you,
I'm with you Aberdeen… Some people want to ignore facts of bigotry, prejudice and racism to appease their comfy lives… But when the shit hits the fan they will run back home and cry wolf cause they never experienced it before… smhd
Tom Bronson Yes, well, unfortunately, not all school children are treated so well by their teachers. Some kids are treated horribly in school because they are in an all black school. You student's colorblind world is not the reality of even their generation.
Apparently you missed the part where I said I travel the country working with teachers. Like I said, racism can live with us or die with us. It's our choice.
It's called the International Baccalaureate. I work with teachers from title 1 schools all the way up to the most affluent. Teachers are making a difference and they're not the ones keeping the ignorance alive. Change yourself, first. Then worry about others. Stop making up excuses to continue to see color as a barrier. I can give you shopping lists of barriers every child must overcome. As long as you give them an excuse, they will use it. Instead, try believing in them. See if that makes a difference.
Tom Bronson Some teachers are making a difference and some are like an email my friend who volunteers in a classroom wrote to me and other friends today… here's a snippet… Over the last few weeks, I have been a witness to abusive behavior in the K-5 kindergarten room by Ms McConnell. She yells constantly at these tiny children. She shames them and threatens, arbitrarily punishes them by taking away snacks fun activities, and recess. Today was by far the worst. She screamed 2 inches from a child face so ferociously and so loudly I almost punched her myself. I don’t know why no one in the building didn’t come running. I’d think the whole block could hear her and this is how she yelled at a child of 5. Her face was beet red and she had spittle coming from her mouth. She was out of control. All I could say was, “I don’t think that’s necessary” because I’ve been trying to gain her trust, be a witness and so I can at least love these children for the 3 hrs per week I’m there. I shook all the way home and then when relaying the behavior and reenacting it to my mother precisely what Ms McConnell did, my son came bounding down the stairs terrified something earth shattering had happened. I was hysterically crying by then.
The child had already been punished once before that morning and when he cried hysterically (like the kind where you can’t breathe) calling for his Mommy, she yelled for him to get in his cubby so he didn’t disturb her. I comforted him and calmed him. But when she yelled like a crazy person this second time he didn’t cry from fear of her. I wanted to take him home with me, but I’m not sure all the love in the world can undo what this child has been through. His name is Amaru (not sure of the spelling).
It's true that there are bad teachers. That teacher is bad because she's bad. It has nothing to do with race. Hurdles. Obstacles. Every child has them. Our job is to reach out a hand to help pull them over, not validate the existence of the hurdle because of their skin tone.
Aberdeen Allen passed this link along to Roland Hitchens. Dr. King speaks for himself regarding his blackness and whether or not if it matters. http://youtu.be/Suw_CQ3zfTY
Roland Hitchens Dr King spoke so eloquently about how proud he is to be black and beautiful… We need to recognize the importance of who we are as Black people and celebrate the talents, and gifts that God gave us. You can hear Dr.King speech here…http://youtu.be/Suw_CQ3zfTY.
And many have spoken of being white and proud. I disagree with them, too. I guarantee he'd rescind that statement if he saw how it's being bastardized. Be proud of accomplishments. Be proud of who YOU are. Don't be proud of another person based in the color of their skin. That's judging them…based on the color of their skin. I believe Dr. King spoke of that, too. If you saw the following, what would you think:
Miss White America
White Pride Parade
Gifted 4-Year-Old White Violinist
I don't know about you, but it would nauseate me. If you, personally, don't want equality, that's fine. Don't condemn the next generation to the same fate. If you feel the world owes you something, that's fine, too. But you won't gain equality with that attitude. You'll gain pity or resentment. Neither of those are anything to be proud of.
Linda, like he said, be proud of who YOU are. Nowhere in his speech does he say, "Draw attention to the color of other people's skin." In fact, he states quite the opposite in another speech. Perhaps you've heard it?
La Shaun Jones Lsk Thanks. I should'n't have had to ask in the comments section though….and the fact that this performance , as awesome as it is, is 10yrs old is not cool at all.
Why does it say he is black? Please. Please just call it ''Watch This Gifted 4-Year-Old child Violinist Wow the Crowd With His Talent'' For god sake colour is not a factor in music, and shouldn't be a factor anywhere. jesus christ.
Let's give this young man his due respect. This video is old. This violinist is Akim Camara he will turn 15 later this year and still plays the violin… quite well I may add. Watch his videos, enjoy his music, and for the love of God quit fighting about something that is supposed to be uplifting!
Tom Bronson o I thought it was the killing/oppression of black men women n children, and the worldwide support of it by the media. I thought it was white privilege/supremacy at the workplace that keeps blacks under paid and overworked and the employers who support it. I thought it was the constant negative images we c daily of blacks portrayed in the media… o but u mite be rite… anyone pointing out the Positive about blacks is keeping racism alive… Bye Felicia.
You have some anger issues there, Shayna. Please explain how indicating a rich German kid makes the oppression go away. I'm curious. As long as you continue to see color, so will everyone. Why should anyone stop?
Tom Bronson I agree completely. Why do we continue to use skin color in our description of human beings. Why can't he simply be a gifted 4 year old violinist. Would we have said, a gifted 4 year old white violinist, probably not. When we as a species reach the point that we no longer use race, or skin color to describe another person, then we will know that we have arrived at a time where racism will be in the history books as a lesson for our children to ask why.
The hate is real, it is palpable to say the least. If you read all of the comments you will see the anger, and intolerance of the respondents with whom are black towards the white respondents. At times they even call whites CRACKAS, so who is really projecting the attitude that Dr. King died for to see end? It is wonderful to be proud of your race, but to point out the race of someone simply because they are good at something is no different than what Hitler did as he was exterminating 6 million Jews. Yes the ancestors of the African American race went through living hell, but there has to come a time in life where we put the past in the past and start to live for today. You can't continue to use the pain of the past as the excuse for today's failures. No matter how standardized the answer is as to why your not going nowhere in life, white people are not your oppressors as you would like to think them to be. The simple fact that the African American race is the fastest growing segment of society that are becoming millionaires should be an indication that it just may be you who is actually holding you back. Furthermore the fact that more and more blacks are becoming CEO's of Fortune 500 Corporations takes way from the typical talking points of whites run the corporations which run the country. McDonald's, American Express, Darden Enterprises, Microsoft, Merck Corp, Sam's, Zerox and TIAA-CREF just to name a few are run by black men and women. That doesn't account for the many Vice Presidents, and other officers that are up and coming. There are also at least 5 black billionaires in America. So you see, you will soon have to find another excuse to mask your hatred and racist views. We must STOP ALL FORMS OF RACISM IN THIS COUNTRY, AND THAT INCLUDES FROM PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY HAVE THE RIGHT BECAUSE OF WHAT THEIR ANCESTORS WENT THROUGH. Let's learn to live and love together, or we will surely come to and ugly end together!
Black people should decide when acknowledgment of race should end. It should not be left in the hands of others. We did not ask for or invent the concept of race. It was imposed upon us. Now we own the designation of "black" given to us. No, you can't have it back. It is up to us when we will relinquish this designation; not up to you.
Why is it such a big deal to point out he's black or of color. Because when it's positive suddenly it's a collective win for the human race but when it's negative it's "and you wonder why people don't respect our race and black people should really stop *add whatever black stereotype here".
Young Obama…all people of color have it. It's called melanin. What they call hard….we call natural. Just saying ….stop performing for whitie and apply his skill of out performing to up lifting his life.
Why the compulsion to identify this wonderful young artist with the irrelevant adjective "black"? IT DOESN'T EVEN IDENTIFY HIM BY NAME! If it's to express "pride" because he is African-American then I suggest re-evaluating your priorities. People should be proud of their accomplishments, not things bestowed upon them purely by circumstance. I'm not proud to be short, blue-eyed or white (nor ashamed of those things either). The source of this child's self-esteem should be the level of expertise he has achieved and – more importantly – the dedication and effort it has taken to realize it.
Why are we arguing because someone said he is Black, he is Black and we should be proud. The only way for racism to go away is to talk about it instead of trying to ignore it or say "I do not see color"., which is a boldface lie…
Roland Hitchens but color is….africans did not make it about color. it was the 14 some european who choose to make it about color…when they wanted to steal africa from the africans. there have been so many killings becuase of color…we have to stop tell our nations black people are stupid and lazy… white people have been taught major lies about race. there is not superior race, just like there arent any chosen people… all race have to stop lying. and for the africans who help this sell our people… now they see the cost for the aiding of their people. but if we are gonna be honest. we know it was not the africans alone…far too many white faces were greedy….we need to check some history and begin to tell the truth. remember the creator gave us eyes to see everything as beautiful… its time we start to think and check the truth.
Most people want racism to end, but most everything in America is grounded and rooted in someone's race or ethnic back ground. Everything from our census, Military enlistment applications, job applications, college applications, even most people's preference in mates is based on race or ethnicity. Even people's fears are pre-conceived or experiences with a certain race. With that said, until these things end completely, many of us will always identify or pre-fix a statement with a person's color.
…and I'd like to add that as Viola Davis said in acceptance speach…"The only thing that separates us is opportunity". This young Black child has been blessed with that opportunity. His perserverance lies ahead. And that being said, there CAN be many opportunitities if WE seek them out with perserverance and application. Matters not that he is Black but it's always refreshing to our Black souls being not that many decades removed from what was once thought as trained immulations. Wonderful vid!
His little fingers.
To be young gifted and Black………as Nina Simone says.
That was Beautiful Great job
Amy Venticinque I thought you when I seen this 4 year old boy playing the violinist. I thought it was good. He have much to learn.
WOW !
I love the head lines, some are stating why point out his race, "4 yr old gifted black Violinist" Why not! However even better, look at those eyes with that AFRO. PRICELESS….that's our little Gentlemen.
Very, very talented young man…..Wow, I wonder how many hours he practices each day……His parents must be very proud…..I certainly would be, but what would happen if he were a white child, or an oriental child..
bless his little fingers.
Can't watch the video keeps giving me a commercial!!!
WOW…OMG….WONDERFUL…FANTASTIC..GREAT….MAGNIFICENT….AWESOME.
BEAUTIFUL…WHAT A CHILD CAN DO IF U GUILD THEM N THE RIGHT DIRECTION..
He is so awesome!
Oh my God, I feel so insignificant. Beautiful!
To be young gifted and human! Color is of no recourse!
FANTASTIC young gifted performer….but where is his NAME! why isn't he named instead of being a nameless 4 yr old Black child? If he were European wouldn't his name be published? I want to know more about him and how he became this young violin playing prodigy. No more objectification by a human interest story complete with details….
This is awesome!!!
there have been prodigies of all races it is just a source pride for other members of whatever the race or nationality if it is the antithesis of negative stereotypes.
YES HIS NAME AND PARENTS PLEASE!
Excellent!
Excellent!
A 4 year old kid playing the violin. No race needed. Move on AL Sharpton of the world…
Roland Hitchens Ok, if you say so………..
I love to see young, gifted black males displaying their gifts from God. To God be the glory…and yes race is relevant especially in these times, black males often get spotlighted in the media in such a negative manner.
Aberdeen Allen, I do! Would you be happy seeing people say "To be young gifted and white?" No I don't think you or anyone would, so if we as a nation are truly going to move forward in a positive way, then we are going to have to quit putting a special label on certain segments of society. If we truly want equality, then treat everyone equally.
4-Year Old ———Violinist!
Wow. Beautiful.
Man this kid is very talented. Ase!
Roland, I appreciate what you're saying, and in a perfect world what you're saying would be great but we're living in a world where we're bombarded daily with negative stereotypes of Black people. If you don't believe me check out the experiment where the Black kids were asked to choose between black and white dolls. The only reason those kids chose the white dolls is because they have been programmed to see white as desirable and black as undesirable. I see nothing wrong with having racial pride. I don't put people down because of their race. It's like belonging to a fraternity. Alphas are proud to be Alphas, and Omegas are proud to be Omegas. Lighten up my friend and let those of us who have racial pride the opportunity to beat our chests when we can. Just my two cents. Peace
Roland, I appreciate what you're saying, and in a perfect world what you're saying would be great but we're living in a world where we're bombarded daily with negative stereotypes of Black people. If you don't believe me check out the experiment where the Black kids were asked to choose between black and white dolls. The only reason those kids chose the white dolls is because they have been programmed to see white as desirable and black as undesirable. I see nothing wrong with having racial pride. I don't put people down because of their race. It's like belonging to a fraternity. Alphas are proud to be Alphas, and Omegas are proud to be Omegas. Lighten up my friend and let those of us who have racial pride the opportunity to beat our chests when we can. Just my two cents. Peace
Explain that to Roland Hitchens.
Awesome! Yes he young gifted and of color. I'm am sure those comments about this baby being 'black' were made with a feeling of pride. Too often only the stereotypes of black youth are published. However, he is young, gifted, black, and what is wrong with that fact. Blessings,
Awesome! Yes he young gifted and of color. I'm am sure those comments about this baby being 'black' were made with a feeling of pride. Too often only the stereotypes of black youth are published. However, he is young, gifted, black, and what is wrong with that fact. Blessings,
Why does his skin tone matter? Let the ignorant add the part about his race. Let the rest of us see his talent.
He does say so…as does anyone else who wants to see an end to racism. Keep indicating it and it will continue to exist. Morgan Freeman on Black History Month: http://youtu.be/GeixtYS-P3s
Tom Bronson Sorry Tom, regardless of who said what, the facts remain that racial identity is with us and until white America stop using subliminal messages that portray Black people in a negative light I will continue to celerbrate the accomplishments of my people.
Tom Bronson Sorry Tom, regardless of who said what, the facts remain that racial identity is with us and until white America stop using subliminal messages that portray Black people in a negative light I will continue to celerbrate the accomplishments of my people.
Tom Bronson Sorry Tom, regardless of who said what, the facts remain that racial identity is with us and until white America stop using subliminal messages that portray Black people in a negative light I will continue to celerbrate the accomplishments of my people.
Keep racism alive, then. Don't blame anyone but yourself. "White America". You're a sad, sad person.
That'll work
And by the way, celebrating is fine. Indicating is not. Indicating only shows your ignorance and you perpetuating the myths you're trying to dispell.
Tom Bronson Your opinion and you're welcome to it.
Thank you. My opinion is that you're blind and racist and I feel very, very sorry for you all who believe your lies.
I repeat, your opinion and you're welcome to it. Notice I haven't tried to label you for your opinion in any way. Intelligent people act that way.
Go ahead and label me open minded and color blind. I have no problem with owning the labels I've earned. It's what intelligent people do.
Putting it into perspective, which of these do you consider to be a greater compliment?
1) Aberdeen, you've accomplished so much in life.
Or
2) Aberdeen, you've accomplished so much in life, for someone from Georgia.
I believe his name is Akim Camara. Check YouTube. He is awesome!
This is beautiful. I love seeing our black youth portrayed in such a positive manner. This gifted BLACK boy is going to go very far. Kudos to his parents 🙂
Yea but if he were to commit a crime, race would be the main factor, but since this is a positive story folks wanna sing we are the world. Nothing wrong with being proud of who you are. We have an uplifting story, one that paints a positive picture of African Americans so yes race is a factor. Let us be proud, be proud with us. If you really are color blind.
I don't get why his color has to be brought up. I know he is black without someone telling me. I don't care if he is black or white. I appreciate his talent. I'm not racist.
Very nicely done…
Amazing talent
Tom Bronson respect color. Seeing color is not a bad thing. Dismissing it is. My color is apart of my ethnicity and background. Dismissing it like it doesn't exist is denying that certain things happens to a race or specific color of people. For colored people we jump through certain barriers that non-colors do not have to. @aberdeen allen is just stating that this kid has made it through some barriers and celebrating it. His skin color is considered a barrier. Therefore, to celebrate his color, his age, and his talent is a beautiful thing. As an article I just read suggest sums it up well, "A generation that hates racism but chooses colorblindness is a generation that, through its neglect, comes to perpetuate it."
Here is the link: http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2014/05/millennials_racism_and_mtv_poll_young_people_are_confused_about_bias_prejudice.html.
Did this child overcome poverty? Is he an inner city child who overcame barriers? Or was he born in Berlin, Germany to wealthy parents who had him taking music lessons at age 2? Hint: It's C. He didn't overcome anything but youth. He has none of the hindrances that plague the African-American community and, there for, he has nothing to celebrate in regards to race. You are judging him by the color of his skin and not by the content of his character.
His name is Akim Camara. He's German…and 14. (He was 4 in this video)
Tom Bronson Have a good life Tom. I'm happy to see you're color blind. Keep spreading that philosophy. I just ask you to do one thing for me. Convert as many of your friends to your way of thinking as you can. If we'd had you in control 400 years ago, this whole conversation would not be happening.
I think way more people share my philosophy than you think.
Taylor Green Taylor, I think Tom means well, he just doesn't appreciate where Black people have come from and where we have to go. It's like children in families who are achievers being constantly told, "you're no good", "you'll never amount to anything". That is the lot of Black people in America. We NEED those positive racial accomplishments to counteract the negative portrayals of Black people shown in the mainstream media. As I said in a response to his post, until the time comes when the mainstream media ceases to cast Black people in a negative light, I will continue to be proud of the accomplishments of Black people.
Tom Bronson Thanks for that info Tom…………
Akim Camara is a German born, wealthy 14 year old young man. How does he, in any way, fit the stereotype you're casting upon him?
Akim Camara is a German born, wealthy 14 year old young man. How does he, in any way, fit the stereotype you're casting upon him?
Tom Bronson Have a good life Tom…..
Tom Bronson Your making a lot of assumptions my friend. The struggle for colored folk has been a generational thing. Its not a isolated situation. Just because your black doesn't mean you have to overcome poverty in your life time. Just because your black does not mean you live in the inner city.No one is putting a stereotype on Akim. You are my friend. No one said he was some poor kid from the inner city. Even if he is German born he is still black at the end of the day. Socioeconomic privilege will give certain people access to certain tangible and intangible benefits that another black persons in a lower socioeconomic class will not experience. However, he is still subjected to microaggressions due to the color of his skin. To deny that anyones skin color does not play a role in how one lives their life, is to say that racism is dead. My friend its not. For me being a person of color, whom ancestors were never slaves, half of my family is of non-colored folk, I still am subjected to microaggressions and racism. I'm college educated, going to law school, never lived in the hood, however, my skin color still plays a role in my life. I agree with Aberdeen Allen have a good life Tom.
Racism offends me to the core of my being. That includes anyone who judges a person based on the color of their skin. I understand that you don't get it. I hope that someday you will.
Tom Bronson Thanks Tom for calling me a racist because I want to acknowledge that someone is of color. Lol. I don't deny you are non-colored. Nor am I calling you a racist. I'm just educating you on experiences that colored people go through. Assumptions again.
You're indicating. You are drawing attention to skin color as though it makes a difference. He was a talented 4 year old. Not a talented 4 year old German kid. Not a talented 4 year old black kid. He was a kid. See him as that…and only that. Like I said, you won't see that. You refuse. I get that. Maybe MLK's dream will come true in the next generation.
Tom Bronson I didn't say I refused to see him as a 4 year old kid. Assumptions. Please argue something better.
Even if he is German born he is still black at the end of the day.
Your quote, my friend.
Wouldn't you consider me incredibly ignorant if I were to say, "Look at how great this Jewish kid is doing in Germany"? Or did people of Jewish descent not suffer a few setbacks in Germany?
Tom Bronson No I wouldn't. Lol. Also my quote does not say I don't see him as a 4 year old. That is an assumption. Bye Tom. lol
Have a good life. I hope that someday you stop judging people based on their skin color. I won't hold my breath, though. I'd turn blue and you'd judge me.
Nina Simone is the best. I think that people who claim to be colorblind want that to be the world we live in so badly and who can blame them. However, we are not there yet as a nation or a globe. As long as little black 5 year olds in all black urban schools in this country are still being screamed at, humiliated, and told they are "bad" and their families are "bad" and their neighborhoods are "bad" there is not equality. If you really want equality, you need to start with the children. Many children in this country are still seriously oppressed and depressed. They are judged for the adults in their families that are locked up. They are judged by where they live and yes, their color. Tom, take all that anger that you feel about racism and address a school board, volunteer on a field trip, share your talents with the "worst" school in Tampa. Open yourself even more and make a difference in your community.
Erica,
I teach. Correction…I foster education. I give my students the opportunity to see beyond the four walls of the classroom. I design my lessons to where the higher level mathematics that is part of my curriculum becomes the byproduct of the lesson. I teach my students about the world, their community, and themselves. I take them to head start programs to work with inner city youth. I show them the plight of the world and put it into their hands. And you know what? It works. Right now I have students working with Habitat for Humanity. I have some students organizing a soup kitchen. Correction, I don't have them doing those things. They took them upon themselves. One of my students chose to spend half his winter break working with an orphanage in Jamaica. Two others are organizing an inner city youth hockey league. I also travel the country working with teachers to help them find ways to design their lessons "for the greater good".
That's why it's so painful to see racism kept alive with statements like " 4 year old black boy." My students wouldn't see him as black. You should see the confusion on their faces when I talk to them about MLK or the civil rights movement. It confuses them that labels have ever been necessary and they definitely see no need for them now. They see racism in THE world, but not in THEIR world. They don't want it in their world. It's of no use to them.
We are the generation keeping racism alive.
Aberdeen Allen You don't have to explain anything to me young man. On this day MLK Day, I have the pride of a man who stood for equality in my heart. However, I was living when he was alive and watched him many times on TV and never heard him say, once we truly become equal with all others races, then we should rub it into the noses of all other races that we are BLACK! I think quite the opposite, I think he would want us all to be more compassionate towards every race, and not try to separate just because of our race. It is because of this very train of thought that caused racism to manifest in the first place. It is ok to be proud of the boy, but to equate it to race is just not cool at all. How would you feel if people who were as petty as you started posting little white girls of boy who are child prodigies themselves and posted, now this is real white talent? It would be ignorant, but no different! We will never come together as a true nation if we can't stop with the childish comparisons of race!
I wonder, what would you think if, you sat there with your eyes closed and just listened, What would you think? I loved the music and surprised in the end.
I wonder, what would you think if, you sat there with your eyes closed and just listened, What would you think? I loved the music and surprised in the end.
This is amazing! What is this kid's name?
Aberdeen Allen , you can't make the blind see, nor the deaf hear the truth of the real America. The back and forth conversations with people living in their color blind world will be with us FOREVER. I am black and have been black all of my life, only those sharing this walk will understand or relate to the pride felt for the black little boy in the video. What's sad is for those of the opinion his color is not important and to be 'offended' by comments of those that are PROUD of not only his awesome talent, but that he's BLACK, and it matters. I applaud those wanting so much to make a point of their personal contributions to rid the world of racism. Unfortunately, it is our history and current situation that will not allow a person of color to be COLOR BLIND. My vision is good and I hear very well. Oh by the way, this is just MY opinion. Blessings,
Margarett Floyd You nailed it Margarett.
Margaret Floyd nor can you reverse the effects of brainwashing! What you call pride for your race, if done by a white person you would call it racism. Your double standard is laughable!
Roland Hitchens, no I can't reverse the effects of brainwashing. Apparently you are a victim and I can't change that either. What is laughable is you not knowing what I'd do if done by a white person or what I would call racism. Stay in your lane Roland, you can't handle the truth, I'm sorry for you. God Bless you,
Roland, my name is spelled Margarett, thanks.
God bless u as well, and all lanes are my lane!
and why can't it be just "History Month"? lol
I'm with you Aberdeen… Some people want to ignore facts of bigotry, prejudice and racism to appease their comfy lives… But when the shit hits the fan they will run back home and cry wolf cause they never experienced it before… smhd
Sandi Taylor there shouldn't be a month. Just like non colored history is celebrated through out the year so should other colored folk history.
Tom Bronson Yes, well, unfortunately, not all school children are treated so well by their teachers. Some kids are treated horribly in school because they are in an all black school. You student's colorblind world is not the reality of even their generation.
Apparently you missed the part where I said I travel the country working with teachers. Like I said, racism can live with us or die with us. It's our choice.
Tom Bronson Is this some sort of non-profit you run? Working with teachers? What organization?
It's called the International Baccalaureate. I work with teachers from title 1 schools all the way up to the most affluent. Teachers are making a difference and they're not the ones keeping the ignorance alive. Change yourself, first. Then worry about others. Stop making up excuses to continue to see color as a barrier. I can give you shopping lists of barriers every child must overcome. As long as you give them an excuse, they will use it. Instead, try believing in them. See if that makes a difference.
Tom Bronson Some teachers are making a difference and some are like an email my friend who volunteers in a classroom wrote to me and other friends today… here's a snippet… Over the last few weeks, I have been a witness to abusive behavior in the K-5 kindergarten room by Ms McConnell. She yells constantly at these tiny children. She shames them and threatens, arbitrarily punishes them by taking away snacks fun activities, and recess. Today was by far the worst. She screamed 2 inches from a child face so ferociously and so loudly I almost punched her myself. I don’t know why no one in the building didn’t come running. I’d think the whole block could hear her and this is how she yelled at a child of 5. Her face was beet red and she had spittle coming from her mouth. She was out of control. All I could say was, “I don’t think that’s necessary” because I’ve been trying to gain her trust, be a witness and so I can at least love these children for the 3 hrs per week I’m there. I shook all the way home and then when relaying the behavior and reenacting it to my mother precisely what Ms McConnell did, my son came bounding down the stairs terrified something earth shattering had happened. I was hysterically crying by then.
The child had already been punished once before that morning and when he cried hysterically (like the kind where you can’t breathe) calling for his Mommy, she yelled for him to get in his cubby so he didn’t disturb her. I comforted him and calmed him. But when she yelled like a crazy person this second time he didn’t cry from fear of her. I wanted to take him home with me, but I’m not sure all the love in the world can undo what this child has been through. His name is Amaru (not sure of the spelling).
It's true that there are bad teachers. That teacher is bad because she's bad. It has nothing to do with race. Hurdles. Obstacles. Every child has them. Our job is to reach out a hand to help pull them over, not validate the existence of the hurdle because of their skin tone.
Aberdeen Allen passed this link along to Roland Hitchens. Dr. King speaks for himself regarding his blackness and whether or not if it matters. http://youtu.be/Suw_CQ3zfTY
Roland Hitchens Dr King spoke so eloquently about how proud he is to be black and beautiful… We need to recognize the importance of who we are as Black people and celebrate the talents, and gifts that God gave us. You can hear Dr.King speech here…http://youtu.be/Suw_CQ3zfTY.
Yea Margaret you nailed it because Aberdeen said so, so it has to be true! Lmmfao
Love it!
Tom Bronson please look at Dr. King about being black and proud.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suw_CQ3zfTY&feature=youtu.be
Taylor Green love your response. Dr King spoke on being black and beautiful.
You can see it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Suw_CQ3zfTY&feature=youtu.be.
And many have spoken of being white and proud. I disagree with them, too. I guarantee he'd rescind that statement if he saw how it's being bastardized. Be proud of accomplishments. Be proud of who YOU are. Don't be proud of another person based in the color of their skin. That's judging them…based on the color of their skin. I believe Dr. King spoke of that, too. If you saw the following, what would you think:
Miss White America
White Pride Parade
Gifted 4-Year-Old White Violinist
I don't know about you, but it would nauseate me. If you, personally, don't want equality, that's fine. Don't condemn the next generation to the same fate. If you feel the world owes you something, that's fine, too. But you won't gain equality with that attitude. You'll gain pity or resentment. Neither of those are anything to be proud of.
Linda, like he said, be proud of who YOU are. Nowhere in his speech does he say, "Draw attention to the color of other people's skin." In fact, he states quite the opposite in another speech. Perhaps you've heard it?
He's 14 now.
Akim Camara he is 14 now.
La Shaun Jones Lsk Thanks. I should'n't have had to ask in the comments section though….and the fact that this performance , as awesome as it is, is 10yrs old is not cool at all.
Why does it say he is black? Please. Please just call it ''Watch This Gifted 4-Year-Old child Violinist Wow the Crowd With His Talent'' For god sake colour is not a factor in music, and shouldn't be a factor anywhere. jesus christ.
Enough of the nonsense people!
Let's give this young man his due respect. This video is old. This violinist is Akim Camara he will turn 15 later this year and still plays the violin… quite well I may add. Watch his videos, enjoy his music, and for the love of God quit fighting about something that is supposed to be uplifting!
Tom Bronson oh yeah, because 'indicating' at it is what keeps it alive….
Shayla, it's one of many things keeping racism alive…and the one you're in direct control of.
Shayla, it's one of many things keeping racism alive…and the one you're in direct control of.
Tom Bronson o I thought it was the killing/oppression of black men women n children, and the worldwide support of it by the media. I thought it was white privilege/supremacy at the workplace that keeps blacks under paid and overworked and the employers who support it. I thought it was the constant negative images we c daily of blacks portrayed in the media… o but u mite be rite… anyone pointing out the Positive about blacks is keeping racism alive… Bye Felicia.
You have some anger issues there, Shayna. Please explain how indicating a rich German kid makes the oppression go away. I'm curious. As long as you continue to see color, so will everyone. Why should anyone stop?
Tom Bronson I agree completely. Why do we continue to use skin color in our description of human beings. Why can't he simply be a gifted 4 year old violinist. Would we have said, a gifted 4 year old white violinist, probably not. When we as a species reach the point that we no longer use race, or skin color to describe another person, then we will know that we have arrived at a time where racism will be in the history books as a lesson for our children to ask why.
Taylor Green Well stated!
The hate is real, it is palpable to say the least. If you read all of the comments you will see the anger, and intolerance of the respondents with whom are black towards the white respondents. At times they even call whites CRACKAS, so who is really projecting the attitude that Dr. King died for to see end? It is wonderful to be proud of your race, but to point out the race of someone simply because they are good at something is no different than what Hitler did as he was exterminating 6 million Jews. Yes the ancestors of the African American race went through living hell, but there has to come a time in life where we put the past in the past and start to live for today. You can't continue to use the pain of the past as the excuse for today's failures. No matter how standardized the answer is as to why your not going nowhere in life, white people are not your oppressors as you would like to think them to be. The simple fact that the African American race is the fastest growing segment of society that are becoming millionaires should be an indication that it just may be you who is actually holding you back. Furthermore the fact that more and more blacks are becoming CEO's of Fortune 500 Corporations takes way from the typical talking points of whites run the corporations which run the country. McDonald's, American Express, Darden Enterprises, Microsoft, Merck Corp, Sam's, Zerox and TIAA-CREF just to name a few are run by black men and women. That doesn't account for the many Vice Presidents, and other officers that are up and coming. There are also at least 5 black billionaires in America. So you see, you will soon have to find another excuse to mask your hatred and racist views. We must STOP ALL FORMS OF RACISM IN THIS COUNTRY, AND THAT INCLUDES FROM PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY HAVE THE RIGHT BECAUSE OF WHAT THEIR ANCESTORS WENT THROUGH. Let's learn to live and love together, or we will surely come to and ugly end together!
lol anyone who see's this whole segment of conversation as more than a joke is more dumb than anything lolz.
Simply Amazing
excellent! just excellent!
The boy's name is Akim Camara and there are a few more videos of him (now a bit older) on youtube. Bravo! so proud of this young man!
Outstanding
So refreshing!
Black people should decide when acknowledgment of race should end. It should not be left in the hands of others. We did not ask for or invent the concept of race. It was imposed upon us. Now we own the designation of "black" given to us. No, you can't have it back. It is up to us when we will relinquish this designation; not up to you.
Why is it such a big deal to point out he's black or of color. Because when it's positive suddenly it's a collective win for the human race but when it's negative it's "and you wonder why people don't respect our race and black people should really stop *add whatever black stereotype here".
Y do u have commercial blocking videos.This a serious problem with Atlantic n needs to be reported n fixed!
What song is this?
I love this but WHY must we add 'black' instead of just saying "4 year old gifted violinist? Why must the obvious be stated?
Young Obama…all people of color have it. It's called melanin. What they call hard….we call natural. Just saying ….stop performing for whitie and apply his skill of out performing to up lifting his life.
How did this topic switch to race?
Why the compulsion to identify this wonderful young artist with the irrelevant adjective "black"? IT DOESN'T EVEN IDENTIFY HIM BY NAME! If it's to express "pride" because he is African-American then I suggest re-evaluating your priorities. People should be proud of their accomplishments, not things bestowed upon them purely by circumstance. I'm not proud to be short, blue-eyed or white (nor ashamed of those things either). The source of this child's self-esteem should be the level of expertise he has achieved and – more importantly – the dedication and effort it has taken to realize it.
Ive noticed only 1 intelligent answer from a white guy on here thats Mr Adler.
Would you have said " a gifted 4 year old white violinist "? Why not say what he is… a child prodigy and be done with it!
Wow
Why are we arguing because someone said he is Black, he is Black and we should be proud. The only way for racism to go away is to talk about it instead of trying to ignore it or say "I do not see color"., which is a boldface lie…
The video does not come up! It is an add for something else…
Roland Hitchens but color is….africans did not make it about color. it was the 14 some european who choose to make it about color…when they wanted to steal africa from the africans. there have been so many killings becuase of color…we have to stop tell our nations black people are stupid and lazy… white people have been taught major lies about race. there is not superior race, just like there arent any chosen people… all race have to stop lying. and for the africans who help this sell our people… now they see the cost for the aiding of their people. but if we are gonna be honest. we know it was not the africans alone…far too many white faces were greedy….we need to check some history and begin to tell the truth. remember the creator gave us eyes to see everything as beautiful… its time we start to think and check the truth.
Most people want racism to end, but most everything in America is grounded and rooted in someone's race or ethnic back ground. Everything from our census, Military enlistment applications, job applications, college applications, even most people's preference in mates is based on race or ethnicity. Even people's fears are pre-conceived or experiences with a certain race. With that said, until these things end completely, many of us will always identify or pre-fix a statement with a person's color.
Roland Hitchens Young, Gifted and BLACK! As it way mentioned.
Totaly agree. Btw, is he really black ? I think he is half white 😉
…and I'd like to add that as Viola Davis said in acceptance speach…"The only thing that separates us is opportunity". This young Black child has been blessed with that opportunity. His perserverance lies ahead. And that being said, there CAN be many opportunitities if WE seek them out with perserverance and application. Matters not that he is Black but it's always refreshing to our Black souls being not that many decades removed from what was once thought as trained immulations. Wonderful vid!
Go ahead and use this image to stereotype