An intelligent and thoughtful shock to the senses, this music video was brought to my attention when a writer/philosopher who presents comments of social/political/cultural
events made a react to this video after its explosion on the web and after noticing the amazing criticism Residente and the filmmakers made during its presentation when it comes to
showcasing particular events of certain nations. "This is Not America" shifts the strong conceited notion that America only relates to the U. S. and talks about the other Americas,
the Latin ones (Central and South) and its social and political scenary of constant violence, injustice, tyranny and neglect by governments in those several nations, fomenting
chaos, destruction, hunger and death.
Actors recreate conflicts between police forces/army and population; violent executions by the drug cartels; blood and death everywhere (I was quite surprised in seeing a
quite violent music video, a rarity so grandiose that I had to force myself to remember seeing something similar. Truth is: I haven't). And you have the nations flags and historical references in order to
identify the place of the tragedy and form a wider concept; but if you don't know much about each country history you may feel a little lost because when it comes to disregard for
human lives and violence both Americas have its unfair share of the same problems.
Besides the protests, the violence, the gun shootings and blood everywhere, the image that struck me the most (also point of reference for the YouTubber) is the one where a
president figure wipes his mouth with the nation's flag while eating and next to him there's a starving native girl. Resident knows exacly what and whom is aiming at, it's all
there, a clear and direct jab on that man in power in Brasília. He was right on the money with its criticism of the president, though a little soft I think since the ammount of
wrong doings by the man are far superior than just being a member of elite who doesn't care his population is starving to death. But it's all valid and real.
Ultimately, his is a story about the tragedy of those countries, all former European colonies that dealt with tragedy and conquest of peoples, slavery and killins, and
later on got their independence over the decades but faced the exact same tragedy of social injustice, social clashes between those who have and those who have not, yet to find
some miraculous solution to overcome their past and present difficulties to maybe create a better future. It's also a criticism from the fire below the so-progressive nation
upstairs who rejects the desperate people downstairs who want a better life; they only look down with attention when there's economical benefits to gain, advantages to take. There's
a lot more than just one America.
With all the mind, just the ideas alone make it all worth seeing and worth reflecting but there's also the music, a powerful moment in rap and in Latin music. Far from the genres I listen but I liked it a lot. Editing, cinematography, body language from the performers, it's all perfectly combined. 10/10.
