Open-minded thinkers only: What do you think the purpose of the "Read a Book" video is?

Question

http://youtube.com/watch?v=rN2VqFPNS8w

This video aired on BET. It is obviously trying to send a message. What do you think that message is?

Let's keep this as ignorant free as possible.

Answer 1

I thought the message is pretty obvious: "do better." More specifically, "Black people, let's work to better ourselves and our people. Let's stop being walking stereotypes." Personally, I thought it was funny. I like skits that use satire and humor to bring attention to real world problems and concerns.

I think the motive behind the way the message was presented is simple - just like Lauryn Hill said in "Zealots," "Even after all my logic and my theory/I add a muthafucka so you ign'ant n****s hear me." Sometimes to get a message to people who wouldn't normally pay you any attention, you've gotta get down on their level to almost "trick" them into hearing you. Considering how often I've heard people talk about this video, I'd say that guy definitely got heard - lol.

Just my two cents.

Answer 2

I seriously don't get why people are mad over this video. Yes, it is controversial, but the creator is a teacher and his students helped him make the song. He said in order to become popular you need to curse a lot and have a crunk beat. He was right, because they play it on BET. I think the real message is to read, he said that most people watch videos and listen to the radio and that's being passive, to read a book you have to be active, you have to participate more. The funny thing is that BET plays "Read A Book" in between the "regular" videos that they play. The song and video can be a bit ridiculous, but it has a message, and it's basically making fun of the popular videos that air on BET. It would of been nice if BET would air a typical PSA, but that's a different story.

Answer 3

I don't find that ad funny at all. And I saw several more in the queue. Were all of those aired on BET?? I have to keep BET off our TV just because my son is too young to be seeing things just like that. What on earth is wrong with the people that wrote that horrible ad/song??

I think the message is, you are worthless if you're Black. That every single Black parent is irresponsible, that they don't take care of their personal hygiene (toothbrush/water drinking), that women are to be used (all that booty-licious action), and then they go and say Read a Book? Their use of the N word was absolutely telling the view that the only way NOT to be an N word is to read a book. That N words don't read books and that is why they are so horrible (see the first couple sentences of this paragraph). Why would someone allow something so obviously negative about the Black community on a station that is directed toward that community?? Do they think putting down Black people is a way to get them to read?

I seriously hope the video was aired in an attempt to embarrass the writers/illustrators. Please tell me that was the case! I can't imagine using something so vile to tell Black people to "read".

If that had been an ad with Paris Hilton and her ilk telling white people to read a book in the same insulting way, I'd be just as offended. Or rather, maybe an ad to teach white people they need to eat. (look at how many anorexics there are in Hollywood...it's going to trickle down to the masses quickly.) "Eat a meal, eat a meal, eat a gd meal..."

Oh, (wanted to mention), I didn't expect the ad to be that bad. I couldn't even finish watching it. My son would have been irate and would have started writing letters to BET. I would, but I did not see it on air. If I saw it on the air, I would have been bombarding BET with emails and I'd also talk to the FCC. That ad was just too sick.

Answer 4

It seemed it was trying to say get educated and live responsibly. They used the lowest form of rap to reach those that would benefit from the message. I don't know that IS what the authors were going for or if it was just satire, nor do I know if it would be very effective.

Answer 5

because of the fact their minds have been closed via brainwashing!! popularity of a supernatural declare has a tendency to sell cooperative social relationships. This verbal replace demonstrates a willingness to settle for, without scepticism, the impression of the speaker in a manner such as a toddler's popularity of the impression of a make certain. via encouraging this variety of habit the place the main extreme social relationships ensue it helps the shortcoming of skeptcism and deters extra open minded thinking. they're christian because of the fact they have been indoctrinated via their mothers and dads as very youthful babies. they'll pass directly to indoctrinate their own babies and those will pass directly to indoctrinate their grandchildren!!

Answer 6

Well....certainly tasteless. But maybe the creators had good intentions....? I dunno, sometimes you gotta think real far outside the box to get to certain people, and maybe the creator thought it was so laughably cheesy that the underlying message would somehow stick with them. Kinda like that Campbell's Soup commercial? I know I'm not the only one that has that "Possibilities" jingle going through my head alot, and I don't even watch T.V. that much. But...point being....sometimes the goofy, retarded, out of whack things stick with you....and maybe that's what they meant to do when they made it.

Or....maybe....they are just tasteless fools that didn't really think that deep....

Answer 7

I think it is trying to target the black people who fit the "stereotype" to stop giving people reason to stereotype others and make something of themselves. Other than that i just think it is meant to be funny. Was it really on BET? must have been censored haha.

Answer 8

read a book *****..naw im playing. i think they are trying to encourage these ****** who are sitting on the couch and not doing anything for themselves. ( I am black By The Way) It was more funny than a message.

Answer 9

you cannot be "open minded "when filth is being poured on your head.
the video is a disgrace,a buffoonish attempt to use shock value to get black audiences tuned in.
If I had kids I would never let them watch BET ever,mainstream America just loooks at this and ridicule black people more.

Answer 10

Everyone has a target audience and that show its a market for anything!