James Brown-"Say It Loud" (I'm Black & I'm Proud)

Selected viewer comments from

(1-500 of 850 total as of 9:00 am 3/4/2010)

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jaywhitestripes (1 year ago) Whoooo James Brown! Inspirational song! helped change the world i reckon!
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tyrani13 (1 year ago) i'm black and i'm proud
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fremonsa (1 year ago) I SAY IT LOUD "I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD"
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cowboyanddragon (1 year ago) Black Power!!!!
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numero420 (1 year ago) but if race was not an issue or factor, why sing say it loud I'm black and i'm proud. American citizens aren't black or asian-american or part canadian or part mexican. You're American. But yea that'd still be awesome if he were still with us. "I feel good" was the first song i ever heard
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chiladin (1 year ago) Man I don't know what your talking about but i'm a Black man i'm Black and i'm proud.If you aren't I feel for you.Black is beautiful baby.This isn't a disrespectful statement to any other race it's just a Black thing that you wouldn't understand.We got our own swagger like everybody else.
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Devhawk124 (1 year ago) Im French but im still black and im proud
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babmousso (1 year ago) great lyrics. Great song.
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Randoman123456789 (1 year ago) A wonderful song by a talented musician.
R.I.P. James Brown - 1933-2006
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wallabyinc85 (1 year ago) well i think the song doesn't go only for black people or something like that is more like im a brother whit the others and if you want to stay whit me is ok...
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anthonycargile (1 year ago) Pah, I'm white and I still enjoy this song
Don't see why it should matter, though.
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dubvideoz (1 year ago) im black and im proud
(most of the time)
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Virpatrick (1 year ago)
Well said Mr. James Brown♪
Your Nª1 fan here.
Soultrain 4ever♪
Peace & ♫usic
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elderkev (1 year ago) I remember this song during the 68 riots in Detroit. It was a difficult time and a song that inspired persons that they could be somebody.
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chewbster (1 year ago) 1. 420 comments :D
2. I'm white but not allowed to say that I'm proud because of fear of being called a racist - that's the way the world works I guess
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DiscoHank (1 year ago) It goes without saying that a white person is proud. Why even say it? But if you truly were up on your history and could empathize with how crucial 1968 was when James Brown released your record, you would understand why this was needed. An exact parralel is, do you remember the song "I am woman hear me roar???" Have you ever heard a man saying that, and wouldn't it sound silly if he did? Men express pride in other ways, just as white people do
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DXMEMBER0502 (1 year ago) i disagree, i belive whites should be able to say their white and their proud.. thats not racist at all... unless they say i'm proud i'm not black... i mean i'm a black man hear me roar. did that offend anyone?
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black018707 (1 year ago) Racism is not so much reserve to a particular race. Just because in the past we have seen enormous racism from the whites to blacks doesnt mean you wont find blacks who are racist to the whites. It's a human(individual) heart sickness! So much hatred makes us indeed its own slave...And this is still pravalent in every society. Racism is every where!

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pajopendrek (1 year ago) sad but true
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sociologyben (1 year ago) I'm so feeling this right now...racism is alive and well again strong in the U.S.
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[Editor: The following comment was written in response to a deleted post.]

MUN7001 (11 months ago) whats wrong with deriving from africa, they produced some of the first civilizations, you need help
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orangel12meat (10 months ago) R I.P the legend
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chrook (10 months ago) James is having a blast.
The band, not so much!
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william7114 (10 months ago) I dont know if James Brown knew how to read music or not-but if any member of the band missed a note the got fined and they knew when they screwed up-he would let them know the minute it happened.His famous"gotcha"in the middle of a song was to let a musician know that he had been busted and would be fined.
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dolemite73 (10 months ago) All of his musicians had to keep their eyes on him...if he caught them not looking, he fined them.....You want to know why his band was so tight? Cause he was always taking money from them.....any mistakes, he fined them....
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william7114 (10 months ago) James is widely acknowledged as one of the best musical conductors and performersof all time-he didnt tolerate sloppy performers.
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chrook (10 months ago) James would finish a performance then announce a 4 hr rehearsal afterward. These guys were drilled relentlessly.
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Spike1885 (10 months ago) James you maybe gone , but your messages will always be with us...in spirit never forgetting how much you influenced everyone. :) Spike Enigma Slash.
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8DeKn8 (9 months ago) SAY IT LOUD!!! im white and proud :)
i love this song!
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usmarkone (9 months ago) This song came out during a time when Blacks were catching hell, when it was legal to discriminate. White people use a little historical perspective when discussing this song and it will make more sense to you.
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Niidoman (9 months ago) I have a school test tommorrow , and he is in it, and we are going to recognize this song. But to the thing... I thought the song would be better, but the text is divine.
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SuperJeffrey1 (9 months ago) Im white and i like James Browm and i ant got no problem with nobody
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lasmlps08 (9 months ago) Im Brown and Im PROUD! i believe anyone can be proud no matter what they are as long as they true to themselves. keep it real.
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rockero94 (9 months ago) The most important thing is that you shouldn't be proud of being white, black, yellow or brown. You should be proud of yourself. Forget skin color.
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vnocera92 (9 months ago) that's not the point. there exists a very distinct black culture. for centuries we were taught that this black culture is inferior. what the Black Pride movement advocated was celebrating that culture and affirming, for the sake of every black person's self perception, that it is every bit as legitimate as any other culture. it gave blacks the power to embrace who they are.
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rockero94 (9 months ago) Yeah but we've come a long way since making blacks slaves and having different buses for them. Let's keep progress coming.
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TWubs93 (9 months ago) pam I'm white, and I like this music,is thatworg or something.and by the way, why can't white people be proud of being white??
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Abigmandis (9 months ago) Show Hide +6 Marked as spam Reply | Spam No one said you cant,if you feel you have things to be proud of. the whole point is that throughout the last 400 years white INSTITUTIONS(education system,slavery,police,psychiat ry,science,psychology , western governments eg by declaring black people to being 3/5 humanetc) had/have undermined denigrated blackness ( through making black = less than second class citizens) to the point that black people had been reduced to a state of self shame.This song says basically throw away that state of mind
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TWubs93 (9 months ago) okay thnks for replying ;-)
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Celebutante22 (8 months ago) It was actually 250 years but I see what you're saying.
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poppaduzit (8 months ago) It's never anything wrong with embracing your race and culture,But I deal with everyone on an individual content. Every race has good and bad folks in it.
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blackcherryblitz (8 months ago) Right on, brother!!!
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Mr09lilwaynefan (8 months ago) I'm black & I'm proud! My uncle made me & my cousins listen to this when I was younger.
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vnocera92 (8 months ago) Its not the color of our skin. Its our culture man.
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AYesod (8 months ago) OK, you have a point.
But I hope you don't think your own culture better than mine or what we can't share it.
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StRuMzNdRuMz (8 months ago) Right on, I just watched a VH1 program called "The night James Brown saved Boston"". I wish the indigence people of Australia could listen to to this and LIVE IT in the spirit. Respect begins with self respect. As James said in the show, real black power is between the ears.
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longboardluva (8 months ago) Yeah I watched the same program and I completely agree with you. The state of indigenous australia is so poor its a disgrace.
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deeboi2000 (7 months ago) love james brown man
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emb706 (7 months ago) Love this!...I was blasting this song throughout my house on Election night
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[Editor: The following two comments were written in response to a deleted post that other readers voted down because they considered it to be offensive.]

janbran (7 months ago) If you've come to this video to spew racial epithets and be as ignorant as the day you were born you need to reanalyze your sanity . You actually searched for the video, listened to the song and have gotten upset by the content. Are we not allowed to uplift ourselves or do you feel left out? You can say it too. SAY IT LOUD, I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD. We are STILL told that we are apes, coons, etc. so this song still matters.
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janbran (7 months ago) Why wouldn't white people be proud to be white you are taught that you are superior. Tell me that I'm lying! I've read these comments. The same indignant racists would not know what to do if we were segregated. Who would you curse or blame for discord? Your evil soul wouldn't be able to rest. You would probably begin to turn on your own then. One more time for the road..I'M BLACk AND I'M PROUD!
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Brittanydog2002 (7 months ago) I love this song. :]
However, I have a question. It's not a question with malicious intent, but I'd like an answer that isn't aggressive.
Why is it okay to be black and proud, or any other race and proud, but not white and proud?
I don't think that it makes me racist to be white and proud, more like comfortable in my own skin.
Everyone should be proud of their ethnicity and proud of their heritage! :D
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hungurr (7 months ago) White pride is actually taking a step backwards. There's a difference between ethnicity and race. Most black people in this country don't know what their ethnicity is, i.e. Nigerian, Ghanian, etc. Race is the only distinction that Blacks have in this country, so that's what we cling to. Blacks don't have the legacy of ethnic pride that White people have. A part's of one's confidence comes from knowing
what "stock" you come from. Black people still have a ways to go, but we'll get there.

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sistagirl1234 (6 months ago) It doesnt make you racist to be "white and proud", it makes you racist if you downgrade another race. JB wasnt in this song and your post indictaes that you are not being racist . So just enjoy the music and let us all respect each other regardless of race
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ElFreako45 (6 months ago) Yep, if you think being proud is racist than don't be patriotic. Simple as that.
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bob27f (7 months ago) I'm white, and a musician, and African Americans are responsible for 90% of what we call 20th century American music: ragtime, blues, jazz, soul, funk, you name it. Whites are just trying to keep up with them and incorporate it most of the time. Take away the African American contribution to 20th Century American music and what's left is a barbershop quartet and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. So, stop this anti-black stuff. Makes no sense.
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MrCbritt3 (1 month ago) Thanks sir : ) ...... It seems us musicians are the only enlightened ones when it comes these type of situations lol
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vzrp (7 months ago) i'm as white as snow and i like proud PEOPLE. strong people have something to say and to do in this ugly (sometimes) world. i feel his power in his song.JB is an inspiration Chauuuuuuu

Selected viewer comments from

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Galero15 (5 months ago) A classic! You gotta love Mr Brown!
Peace and love my brothers and sisters - regardless of color and race and religion! ONE LOVE!!
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SewerKitten (4 months ago) What happened to talented black bands and black music? Why do black people look at me like my rock music is a "white" thing? ALL rock--whether funk, blues, classic, punk and whatever else- is MUSIC that was brought around by BLACKS! When rock came around, it was REVOLUTIONARY and unaccepted because it was a BLACK THING... I HATE that the corporations have twisted bleacks into an untalented beat with untalented vocals and the inspiration to do better for one's own people is gone... WAKE UP BK PPL
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oldschoolsituationz (4 months ago) sadly, as a musician from the old days i have to agree with you. canned music is cheaper to make than real music.
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hometown437 (4 months ago) Oh Stop It!
If you were living in the days of the sixties and seventies...you'd know that our generation encouraged peace, love and harmony...Just as today, it was the older generation who kept the hate alive, but during the time of the beatles, Sly and the family stone and more, we were determined to just get along..... Follow your own heart, lead your own life, not the life that others expect you to live...This crap gets old sooner or later. I say Peace to everybody!
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elperez3 (4 months ago) The best part is the end when everyone comes on stage. WHOOO, those people are getting down too! Classic Soul Train! thanks to YouTube we can see entertainers, musicians, and performances at their best from the
1970's. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the music from that time era!
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coollishis (4 months ago) ME TOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
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michaeljackson726 (4 months ago) IM MIXED WITH BALCK AND IM PROUD
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phantomcabycross (4 months ago) im black and im prooooooooooooooooooouuuuuuuuu uuuud!!!
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rustyoldcar (4 months ago) I am WHITE AND PROUD and I am glad that James Brown was BLACK AND PROUD !!!
EVERYONE should be proud of who they are, Black , White, Red , Yellow... White guilt is killing our Nation...if blacks can say it so can we.... Funny though, I know more about Black Music than most Blacks that I know !!!
I was a White kid who grew up watching Soul Train, and I bow down to James' talent, he was the original that all others copied !!!
R.I.P. J.B,,, my Black Proud Brotha !!!
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[Editor: The following comment was edited so that it could adhere to Jambalayah’s policy on profanity. Profanity is not permitted even if it is used for emphasis or in a complimentary manner.]

RBCHILD4EV (4 months ago) lol tell em! you remind me of me i'm black and i love,love,love me some Michael Mcdonald,Simon and Garfunkel , Hall and Oates ,etc. They look at me crazy when i jam me some Righteous Brothers , oh well , good music is good music… i'm proud that i had parents who exposed me to some … good music no matter the color of the artist . i , like you ,feel blessed to appreciate artists of many differnt genres and colors!
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Pieterseboy (4 months ago) im coloured n im african n im proud!!! im coloured n im african n im proud!!!
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vanderwyk9999 (4 months ago) b boy tune son clasiiic !!!
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thinkso2985 (3 months ago) does it count if i say i'm mixed and i'm proud?
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LUVJONZ99 (3 months ago) BE PROUD that all that counts.
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msdogooder (3 months ago) James Brown creates some of the longest songs I've ever heard...LOL, I love it :-)
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kariebeez (3 months ago) JB was touchy about his hair. The only time I saw him wear it natural and it was a nicely shaped short Afro was when he sang this song on some show. It was right after the riots in 67-68.
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gmandofgod (3 months ago) James Brown had a natural from August 1968 thru the early part of 1972.
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kariebeez (3 months ago) Thanks. Only after I wrote that did I notice JB had an Afro in 1969 ( and it was a nice one) He looked nice wearing an Afro.
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familytreemusic (2 months ago) say it loud godfather, but not with this processed hair, please;)
TaureanRuler (2 months ago) James Brown was the king of the good perm (lol)
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LaurasRubin1 (2 months ago) i was @the "black& proud" concert @ madison square garden in 1968. i was the only white person there in the audience. (except for a few photographers & media people near the stage). no one beats james brown hes the godfather.
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bboyblaze10 (2 months ago) James Brown is The God Of Soul
=]]
i aint black but im mexican lol
im mexican n proud =D
great bboy track to dance to =D
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MacxDex (2 months ago) Love James Brown R.I.P !
But I sing I'm white and I'm proud :P
zaodizao (2 months ago) you should be proud any color alike only they 've had it tough for a while soya they were singing their proud not to be 2nd class people; I don't think it was an anti white song is what i tried to mean
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MacxDex (2 months ago) agreed and I know this song isn't an anti white song.
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TheGurry (2 months ago) this man was THE man. RIP Godfather.
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rickeyrazor (2 months ago) If you notice, James is performing LIVE at a time when all Soul Train acts had to lip-sync their songs. Shows you the respect the industry had for him!
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ghanasoul (2 months ago) the song isnt as powerful today cuz a song shouldnt have to TELL u to be proud of what u are..he had to say "Black and Proud" back then to make blacks love who they are and be proud but in retrospect we ALL should be proud to be whatever we are :black, white, latino, asian, a man, a woman etc. this is the reason it was taken ouf of his live material a year or so after its release.
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thenightspot (1 month ago) in what world are you living in? this song would be more relevant 2day than ever b4 cause so many people are lost 2day its not even funny
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a588956 (1 month ago) James Brown: The Godfather of Soul

Rest in Peace
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hernz76 (1 month ago) I'm hispanic, I love JB's music, and I believe we're all Gods children, Black, white any color we are, we all the best!!!!!!!!! Racism is a state of mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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reinyray15 (3 weeks ago) those of you who say this song is racist , obviously need to go back to school and a library, pick up some books and ask yourselves why he is saying "im black and im proud"
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J5Panda90 (3 weeks ago) i don't see anything racist about this. After the civil rights movement i think we needed this kind of music. If someone wants to say they're black, white, hispanic, asian and proud then go ahead, its not hurtin anybody. Everyone should be proud of what they are. Just so long as they respect what everyone else is also.
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childofprosperity (2 weeks ago) @J5Panda90 great perspective
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Th3Boondocks (3 weeks ago) this song was written at a time when black people were greatly oppressed and seen as inferior. This song was written for empowerment, not to put others down, someone who says it's racist got no idea what their talking about.
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DollBr33zyBri (3 weeks ago) Preach,Th3Boondocks, preach! You said it best.
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hyperr5000 (2 weeks ago) I agree with J5Panda90 people needed to hear this kind of music because black people were left with such low self-esteem because of the way they had been treated in previous years. They needed other black people to tell them that it was ok to be black. There's nothing wrong with being proud of your race as long as no one race thinks of each other as better, but equal.
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david552 (2 weeks ago) Difference is, there was never laws and culture out to make you ashamed of being "white"
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LEFT4BASS (3 weeks ago) its so racist that he can be proud of his race and people think its cool but if i say im proud of my race people call me racist
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childofprosperity (2 weeks ago) @LEFT4BASS Whats was racist is holding people in slavery because of their color. What was racist is making people drink from different water fountains, and use different restrooms because of their color. What was racist is blasting people with fire hoses, and sending dogs after them because they wanted equal rights. What was racist is people killing and beating others because of their color. What was racist is not allowing others to vote because of their color.
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DROly1 (2 weeks ago) Man, when I was 10 yr old I used to love to play this song and sing it ....and I'm not even BLACK!!!
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ardawan01 (2 weeks ago) very nice J5Panda90
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BuckFush425 (1 day ago) I think the problems in inner-city America can be traced directly to the urban industrial decline of the post-World War 2 era, the echoes of several centuries of slavery, another century of discrimination and the general apathy of those lucky enough not to have to live in these neighborhoods.
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midnitesquirldog (1 week ago) james brown is awesome!!! he was at woodstock 99 everyone was jumpin up and down he got the still crowd goin to the beat an epic moment ill never forget!!
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LUVJONZ99 (6 days ago) I feel HONORED that I got to see this MAN before he WENT HOME!
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rbdzntsfrlk (1 day ago) pam i dont believe in black,white,asian whatever. your human thats it. thats all its ever going to be, this is just a way to say. be proud of it,,