Maybe it was Blindspotting, but something compelled me to come back to this video, and see where my favorite writer started out. It's such an inspiration and even over a decade later, so poignant. Rafael is nothing short of a genius.
ummm their are so many other people than Kim k stop bully that woman 😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐 she didn't like something about her self so she change it , so maybe some of you can learn from her , instead of having pity parties for self you don't like some thing about your self change it , their is no sugar coding it
Stephen Ybarra and you are ? First don't twist my words because I didn't say that, Kim has said the reason she got plastic surgery is because she had a insecurity about her self , I'm not say that if you don't like your face you should go get plastic surgery, I'm just saying she had a insecurity about her and instead of throwing her self a pity party she change it, now she doesnt have that insecurity, in people need to learn to love their flaws but life is to short for a pity party about how big or small your lips are or whatever, and if you would get pass the negative about Kim K you would see all the positive and how blessed she is, this women literally has it all, she has wonderful family who loves and supports her, two beautiful children,her own money, a husband, her own business, she has made mistake but what human being can sit here and say they haven't messed up ?
You have such a self contradicting view of her. You claim one should "love their flaws" yet, appraise her for cutting her flesh because she had an insecurity. Do you realize that EVERYONE has insecurities but most people toughen up and overcome these insecurities by accepting who they are and learning to love themselves. How many teenage girls do you think there are that wish they could just throw money at a doctor and "fix" their insecurities.(which is actually a lazy way out.) Yet, since they don't have the money they end up falling into a depression. If you accuse them of throwing a "pity party" then you've obviously have never dealt with depression yourself. You worship this woman like she's pushed through such hard times to become successful when all she's done was been born into a upcoming family, made a sex tape, have plastic surgery, and take naked photos (even publish a book of solely provocative photos). It's fine if you see her as a hero but to be upset and not understand why she is hated by others is closed minded and foolish.
I am an African woman, who has never had a problem with my curves but as soon as I got to the US people were asking me about me losing weight.. Rafael did it for me, I know that its ok to fail Barbie & Ken especially if its not your class... Thanks so much, Much love
The first forty-eight seconds of this BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE are my life exactly because television society tells me that because I don't look "pretty" (aesthetically pleasing ) but I'm smart people will reject me but I'm just trying to teach the younger generation (my sister ) that looks aren't all that should matter
This is art. Art doesn't have to be refined to a particular taste, and if you don't like it walk away. This guy has a great message, and you ought to listen up.
Man, I've been writing poetry for years and I started watching your stuff. I love your messages. You are my hero, bro. I have been trying out this kind of style since I saw you too. I hate watching all my female friends being insecure about themselves when they are beautiful, so this poem especially rings home. Thank you so much for your impact on my life. I am publishing my first poetry book this year. God bless you, sir. Love from California.
Yoooo this video changed my life!!!! Freshman year @ Clayton Valley high (Concord, CA) creative writing class, 10 years ago. I was shown this this clip among others from def poetry slam. This for sure is a piece of the bedrock of my poetry journey. THANK YOU. So happy to find this clip again wow.
OMG. i used to watch these ALL the time. And i found out who daveed diggs was in 2003 off of Instagram and snapchat. And i found out rafael is daveeds best friend. And i was like "why does he looks so familiar" and now i know😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. AMAZING. This made my day. Im gonna go listen to clipping now😗
If you could actually understand how much this video makes me feel better about myself when I feel ugly. The fact a guy like you is the one saying it reassures me there are some good guys out there.
This poem is such a classic. It's a pleasure going through all your older works, seeing how wonderful you were and how much you've grown even more fantastic in your artistry. I feel so proud telling people you're my favorite creative.
An amazing way of telling the world what it's like to be this generation. Too many people spend so much time focusing on what doesn't matter that we lose what matters most. It's sad ...and I hope everyone eventually can fail in Barbie and Ken 101. Wonderfully done and I salute you.
I hope you know that every time you get up on that stage and perform, your speaking on behalf of hundreds and thousands of people who agree and support you 100%!!! Your poems move and inspire me so much, and for that, I want to say thank you! Your work is going to stop that 15 year old girl from slitting her wrist, and help the 12 year old girl realize that skinny isn't the ideal. We need more people like you in our society!
Thank you for this! I literally have tears in my eyes right now!! This was such a beautiful work of art that you just put out there! You are a real man, and we need more like you! Continue to keep it real!!
Ahhh this is so amazing! My school is all barbies and kens and sometimes I even hate myself for not buying into it...I wish more people were real like this! Thank you~
"Abusive boyfriend sold secretly!" "Survival of the thinnest!" LOL, "I don't give a F*CK!!" Whoa, the 12 and 15 year old girl part was dead on, that was SO beautiful! Don't stop writing, PLEASE!
You have no idea how much I love this. I watch it all the time and send it to every woman I know who hates their bodies. I also teach college and university classes and show them this video. They love it! Thank you.
This is beyond amazing and I think that everyone should listen to this. Women and men and even boys and girls of today are attending Barbie and Ken 101, whether they realize it or not. The media is the classroom; some are smart and receive Fs while some are misguided, misled, and confused into thinking these things, causing psychological problems and self harming situations in the mind, body, and soul. They are the ones who get As. I don't think thats right. Beautiful message man, don't stop!
This poem hit me hard as hell. As someone who has been effected by the poor body image the media displays to us young women, this has definitely made my day. :)
i dont care what anyone says!! this was a great , inspiring , amazing poem , the message was clear and very deep to me , everything your saying is 100 % true , i am in a academy at my school called social justice and we learn about this also. your words of wisdom really inspire me. please keep your poetry going . it is the BOMB!!!! dog -koko from Oakland CA
1:28 The lady in the yellow shirt on the far right. Her look is priceless. And I don't blame her! XD This was delivered really well and its all too true. Bless you for speaking out on it.
Such a true to the heart concept. The sincerity in your words just blew me away . This was very well delivered, despite your comment that you were looking down, trying to remember the lines. I heard no hesitation, just the truth rolling out of your intense mind. I loved every moment of it. I'm an aspiring slam poet and I consider your work to be a great inspiration!
Much respect to Rafael for taking the time to express himself on a topic that affects society so deeply, for not only the present generation but those past and those to come. Beautiful delivery, personally I can not fathom the 35 dislikes but just as I commit to my opinion everyone is entitled to their own as well or else we wouldn't be human.
AWESOME!! This is SUCH an important message. I'm really impressed by not only your style and intense way with words, but also your willingness to step up and say what so desperately needs to be said in such a strong no-nonsense way. Speak on!!!!!
this is one of the first poems i heard when i started watching Def Poetry Jam, and i fell in love with it, you were amazing from the lyrics to the performance.. and one of the reasons i really started getting into spoken word poetry, so thanks haha, and i cant wait to hear more
A friend showed this to me last year and I'm glad I remembered the title a year later 'cause it's one of my favorite poems of any genre, with any message, ever. :] [5/5]
love you rafa! blindspotting is still my favorite movie, it inspired my college essay last year! this poem was in my head yo had to come back and listen😂❤
Thank you for writing this poem. I've had an eating disorder for ten months now. My boyfriend has been yelling at me about it, and he showed me this video a few days ago. ...and I have to admit...it helps. Thank you.
It's not too late man. Everyone who has little sisters, cousins and nieces, show them this and let them learn from it. Just showed this to my 13 year old niece and i can hope the message broke through.
Thank you for this. It's the first thing that sat right with my gut and my heart since I quit this culture and the desperate purging that came with it.
I found this video a couple days ago and since then I've watched it over and over again. I'm not exactly pretty and I've been made fun of because of my weight a lot and how I look. This video helped me gain a little self-confidence. I love this so much. Thnks Rafael. I'll proudly take my F
I remember seeing this on TV a while ago...man that was a looooooooonnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg time ago but I still love how real this is. I also remember Kanye's poem and then later hearing that same "poem" in a song called Brand New
You are absolutely amazing! Thank you for speaking the truth with passion and sincerity! More women (and men!) need to hear this! :) If you ever do poetry in Florida, I would definitely come see you!
Art isn't a box. It should never be a box. Art cannot fix on a canvas. Art isn't perfectly dictated words. Art is what delves into the soul and takes your breath away. Art is messy, and big and small and unique and wonderful. Art gets it's point across and shares it's meaning without explanation. Don't live in a box...don't follow the crowd. Learn all you can, become more than what is expected of you. I expect you to not change, to continue to be narrow minded. I dare you, make me a liar. Grow.
the first time i heard this poem..i was like he is amazing and his flow is on point...but listening to it over again....i jus realized he is the best slam poet i have herd in a long tym...
Sometimes poetry like this are just a good that if you are yourself and you're happy, everyone else can keep they're opinions to themselves. No one should have to fit into what they are expected to be and sacrifice themselves to be that.
Maybe it was Blindspotting, but something compelled me to come back to this video, and see where my favorite writer started out. It's such an inspiration and even over a decade later, so poignant. Rafael is nothing short of a genius.
Awsamazing Eden saw blindspotting this past weekend
Yessss! This is literally my current situation. I'm like where do I know that name from? I've been watching this man for 16 years! What a glow up
My teacher was teaching us about poetry so she showed this to us during class. Ever since then I got motivated
able shaffer?
blindspotting (best movie is 2018) brought me here. i love rafael and daveed. this is epic
Damn. I needed this 20 years ago. I’m saving this video so I can listen to it to start my day.
I love how he's talking about a metaphorical class while wearing Berkeley jacket. Awesome.
Oh, also, dude. Rafael Casal = UH-MAZING.
The line that made my stomach drop: "The reason why 12 year old girls think skinny is a compliment." Yes!
That line got me too
Whenever I feel like not eating because of a slightly fat tummy insecurity, I come back to this poem. I swear it is so spot on
Every teenager needs to hear this!
The saddest part is this is more relevant today that it's even been. And that someone is on Kim k's insta right now.
Damm
ummm their are so many other people than Kim k stop bully that woman 😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐😐 she didn't like something about her self so she change it , so maybe some of you can learn from her , instead of having pity parties for self you don't like some thing about your self change it , their is no sugar coding it
+potato_master ಠ_ಠ If you think Kim is a good example for our youth, you should re-listen to this poem.
Stephen Ybarra and you are ? First don't twist my words because I didn't say that, Kim has said the reason she got plastic surgery is because she had a insecurity about her self , I'm not say that if you don't like your face you should go get plastic surgery, I'm just saying she had a insecurity about her and instead of throwing her self a pity party she change it, now she doesnt have that insecurity, in people need to learn to love their flaws but life is to short for a pity party about how big or small your lips are or whatever, and if you would get pass the negative about Kim K you would see all the positive and how blessed she is, this women literally has it all, she has wonderful family who loves and supports her, two beautiful children,her own money, a husband, her own business, she has made mistake but what human being can sit here and say they haven't messed up ?
You have such a self contradicting view of her. You claim one should "love their flaws" yet, appraise her for cutting her flesh because she had an insecurity. Do you realize that EVERYONE has insecurities but most people toughen up and overcome these insecurities by accepting who they are and learning to love themselves. How many teenage girls do you think there are that wish they could just throw money at a doctor and "fix" their insecurities.(which is actually a lazy way out.) Yet, since they don't have the money they end up falling into a depression. If you accuse them of throwing a "pity party" then you've obviously have never dealt with depression yourself. You worship this woman like she's pushed through such hard times to become successful when all she's done was been born into a upcoming family, made a sex tape, have plastic surgery, and take naked photos (even publish a book of solely provocative photos). It's fine if you see her as a hero but to be upset and not understand why she is hated by others is closed minded and foolish.
And a silent tear fell. Beautiful
I listen to this once every few months its been like 5 years now. Your poems still ring in my ears thank you for everything you put into this
"Sometimes I feel like I'm sitting in a class of Barbie and Ken 101"
"My teacher has no face. She's every Revlon model that women have ever chased."
I am an African woman, who has never had a problem with my curves but as soon as I got to the US people were asking me about me losing weight.. Rafael did it for me, I know that its ok to fail Barbie & Ken especially if its not your class... Thanks so much,
Much love
The first forty-eight seconds of this BRILLIANT MASTERPIECE are my life exactly because television society tells me that because I don't look "pretty" (aesthetically pleasing ) but I'm smart people will reject me but I'm just trying to teach the younger generation (my sister ) that looks aren't all that should matter
This is art. Art doesn't have to be refined to a particular taste, and if you don't like it walk away. This guy has a great message, and you ought to listen up.
Man, I've been writing poetry for years and I started watching your stuff. I love your messages. You are my hero, bro. I have been trying out this kind of style since I saw you too. I hate watching all my female friends being insecure about themselves when they are beautiful, so this poem especially rings home. Thank you so much for your impact on my life. I am publishing my first poetry book this year. God bless you, sir. Love from California.
so talented at 19! Love your work (binge watched a lot of your videos). Keep creating your work is powerful!
Yoooo this video changed my life!!!! Freshman year @ Clayton Valley high (Concord, CA) creative writing class, 10 years ago. I was shown this this clip among others from def poetry slam. This for sure is a piece of the bedrock of my poetry journey. THANK YOU. So happy to find this clip again wow.
Omgeee i love him! Love this wrk. So deep, so intense, so real. "i'll gladly take my F"
OMG. i used to watch these ALL the time. And i found out who daveed diggs was in 2003 off of Instagram and snapchat. And i found out rafael is daveeds best friend. And i was like "why does he looks so familiar" and now i know😭😭😭😭😭😭😭. AMAZING. This made my day. Im gonna go listen to clipping now😗
Even though I've watched this too many times before, I still get shivers when ever I listen to it. Such a powerful piece!
Right? I've watched this video so many times and everytime I get chills down my spine. this is a work of art
If you could actually understand how much this video makes me feel better about myself when I feel ugly. The fact a guy like you is the one saying it reassures me there are some good guys out there.
This poem is such a classic. It's a pleasure going through all your older works, seeing how wonderful you were and how much you've grown even more fantastic in your artistry. I feel so proud telling people you're my favorite creative.
An amazing way of telling the world what it's like to be this generation. Too many people spend so much time focusing on what doesn't matter that we lose what matters most. It's sad ...and I hope everyone eventually can fail in Barbie and Ken 101. Wonderfully done and I salute you.
I hope you know that every time you get up on that stage and perform, your speaking on behalf of hundreds and thousands of people who agree and support you 100%!!! Your poems move and inspire me so much, and for that, I want to say thank you! Your work is going to stop that 15 year old girl from slitting her wrist, and help the 12 year old girl realize that skinny isn't the ideal. We need more people like you in our society!
I been in love with his work since high school. huge fan!
Thank you for this! I literally have tears in my eyes right now!! This was such a beautiful work of art that you just put out there! You are a real man, and we need more like you! Continue to keep it real!!
Ahhh this is so amazing! My school is all barbies and kens and sometimes I even hate myself for not buying into it...I wish more people were real like this! Thank you~
"Abusive boyfriend sold secretly!"
"Survival of the thinnest!"
LOL, "I don't give a F*CK!!"
Whoa, the 12 and 15 year old girl part was dead on, that was SO beautiful!
Don't stop writing, PLEASE!
Awesome...so impressed with his knowledge and perspective of these issues; how wonderful it would be if the majority understood as well as he.
You have no idea how much I love this. I watch it all the time and send it to every woman I know who hates their bodies. I also teach college and university classes and show them this video. They love it! Thank you.
My favorite EVER!!!
Wow!!!! I have goosebumps❤
Who’s still in love with this in 2021?!
Creado 14 años (+) atrás y aún relevante.
Mr. Casal, this is amazing!
This piece has inspired me on soooooooo many levels!!! I and never heard it before but it will be the 1st on my list of favs
You're more than talented...There are no words for it. It made me cry.
This is beyond amazing and I think that everyone should listen to this. Women and men and even boys and girls of today are attending Barbie and Ken 101, whether they realize it or not. The media is the classroom; some are smart and receive Fs while some are misguided, misled, and confused into thinking these things, causing psychological problems and self harming situations in the mind, body, and soul. They are the ones who get As. I don't think thats right. Beautiful message man, don't stop!
This poem hit me hard as hell. As someone who has been effected by the poor body image the media displays to us young women, this has definitely made my day. :)
i read this in class today, it captivated the whole class and got a heavy applaud. I LOVE IT
i dont care what anyone says!! this was a great , inspiring , amazing poem , the message was clear and very deep to me , everything your saying is 100 % true , i am in a academy at my school called social justice and we learn about this also. your words of wisdom really inspire me. please keep your poetry going . it is the BOMB!!!! dog -koko from Oakland CA
1:28 The lady in the yellow shirt on the far right. Her look is priceless. And I don't blame her! XD
This was delivered really well and its all too true. Bless you for speaking out on it.
Such a true to the heart concept. The sincerity in your words just blew me away . This was very well delivered, despite your comment that you were looking down, trying to remember the lines. I heard no hesitation, just the truth rolling out of your intense mind. I loved every moment of it. I'm an aspiring slam poet and I consider your work to be a great inspiration!
This could damn near be the best one ive seen...real talent dude.
Wow. You have no idea how much truth you just spit out for people to hear that needed it, myself included. Thanks so much for that.
Happy birthday Rafa. Had to watch this video again because it was the first time you made me go "woah!"
Much respect to Rafael for taking the time to express himself on a topic that affects society so deeply, for not only the present generation but those past and those to come. Beautiful delivery, personally I can not fathom the 35 dislikes but just as I commit to my opinion everyone is entitled to their own as well or else we wouldn't be human.
i wish every one thought like you do.
this touched me more than you know.
AWESOME!! This is SUCH an important message. I'm really impressed by not only your style and intense way with words, but also your willingness to step up and say what so desperately needs to be said in such a strong no-nonsense way. Speak on!!!!!
Damn that is by far one of the best poems iv ever heard madd talent dude and the best part is its substance....im diggin it forreal!
ohh, this makes me so happy
this is one of the first poems i heard when i started watching Def Poetry Jam, and i fell in love with it, you were amazing from the lyrics to the performance.. and one of the reasons i really started getting into spoken word poetry, so thanks haha, and i cant wait to hear more
That was beautiful bro! keep up the good work and message!
Thank you. People like you make me feel better about the future.
How can someone dislike this? The poem is so good i had to replay it!
this is such an excelent poem i hit the replay buttom multiple times
This has just become one of my favorite poems
A friend showed this to me last year and I'm glad I remembered the title a year later 'cause it's one of my favorite poems of any genre, with any message, ever. :] [5/5]
sooo proud of you my guy!!!
love you rafa! blindspotting is still my favorite movie, it inspired my college essay last year! this poem was in my head yo had to come back and listen😂❤
Thank you for writing this poem.
I've had an eating disorder for ten months now.
My boyfriend has been yelling at me about it, and he showed me this video a few days ago.
...and I have to admit...it helps.
Thank you.
thank you for saying the words that many jst look over!!! you r one the best poets ever!!!
it inspires me to cut through all the bs and just be myself. loooove it!
you are INCREDIBLE. ahhh. I send this out to more people every week.
it's just fucking BRILLIANT.
Poerty has no color nor limits...Its the expression of the spirit that transends throught the Artist !
It's not too late man. Everyone who has little sisters, cousins and nieces, show them this and let them learn from it. Just showed this to my 13 year old niece and i can hope the message broke through.
Thank you for this.
It's the first thing that sat right with my gut and my heart since I quit this culture and the desperate purging that came with it.
This is truly amazing. It about brought a tear to my eye. It's so beautifully constructed, and the emotion! Your going places if you keep it up!
this whole thing is so true.
i cannot get over how great this is.
You Rafael are a True genious. You inspire me and my writing. thank you keep posting new poems you have and new songs i will be waiting. thank you :-)
This is the class i'd love to fail! YOU GO RAFAEL!!!
yo, that was amazing, not to mention your flow. Thanks for writing a piece like that.
I found this video a couple days ago and since then I've watched it over and over again. I'm not exactly pretty and I've been made fun of because of my weight a lot and how I look. This video helped me gain a little self-confidence. I love this so much. Thnks Rafael. I'll proudly take my F
I'm like, in LOVE. Loool. Brilliant!!
man, THANK YOU for coming up with this.
I remember seeing this on TV a while ago...man that was a looooooooonnnnnnnnnnngggggggggg time ago but I still love how real this is. I also remember Kanye's poem and then later hearing that same "poem" in a song called Brand New
one of the best that i`ve heard so far.
Dudes, you're frickin' good! I get chills listening to your stuff!
This is absolutely phenomenal..
Fantastic job my dear. You look really grounded and centered, not struggling at all. Can't wait to hear more from you! :-D
this is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen.
thank you for being so awsome. i love this poem.
I love this.
Speak it, man.
I'mma keep watching out for your work.
You are absolutely amazing! Thank you for speaking the truth with passion and sincerity! More women (and men!) need to hear this! :) If you ever do poetry in Florida, I would definitely come see you!
Art isn't a box. It should never be a box. Art cannot fix on a canvas. Art isn't perfectly dictated words. Art is what delves into the soul and takes your breath away. Art is messy, and big and small and unique and wonderful. Art gets it's point across and shares it's meaning without explanation. Don't live in a box...don't follow the crowd. Learn all you can, become more than what is expected of you. I expect you to not change, to continue to be narrow minded. I dare you, make me a liar. Grow.
This made me cry. I wish everyone could see it and feel it.
THANK YOU!!!!!! Thank you for writing it, thank you for sharing it, thank you, thank you, thank you!!
'Bless.
you are so siiick dude! :)
awesome job.
keep it up.
This was a great poem! So true, so true... I love the Barbie and Ken idea.
that was seriously like thee most amazing way of explaining our world...
He's very talented and cute. Love him
This is so deep and true. I loooove it!
This is amazing; You've got a hell of a talent.
when i heard you say this for the first time at the camp i had chills this is so real
good job rafael
Love to see a man who sees and speaks to this plight of women and sees that it's a societal problem, not just one women hae to bear. Incredible.
the first time i heard this poem..i was like he is amazing and his flow is on point...but listening to it over again....i jus realized he is the best slam poet i have herd in a long tym...
fucking amazing, i remember the first time i saw this, i was blown away, its still just as good, i've hung it on my wall.
Sometimes poetry like this are just a good that if you are yourself and you're happy, everyone else can keep they're opinions to themselves. No one should have to fit into what they are expected to be and sacrifice themselves to be that.