“I feel like I need to include a disclaimer.” Combining humour and sincerity, Suli Breaks discusses why he does not care if you are offended in his latest video.
In Veganism, Racism, Activism, Terrorism | i do not Care if you are Offended, Suli Breaks lets us know the effects of recent events on social media and how he has reacted to them.
Starting with a story about trying vegan chicken and how he couldn’t be honest with the lady he was having a conversation with, he reminisces: “I wish I could have said what was really on my mind… Instead I felt inclined, no, obliged to be polite and say, ‘they aite’.”
Instead of blaming her or others, he reflects on whose fault it is that he feels that he can’t be honest. In this situation, was it hers or society’s? More importantly, why does he feel the need to put out disclaimers before sharing his opinions on world events?
Throughout the video he references other current issues such as sexual harassment, mentioning that “you can comment on my Insta and tell me I’m good looking and tap the image twice too. But flip that around and tell someone they’re ‘looking good’, he might say, ‘Why’s she trying to sexualise you?’”
The main point he tries to make within the video isn’t that he is against any of these movements or what they stand for. Rather, he worries about the hypocrisy that can surround such movements. “I just hate the fact people don’t have an opinion of their own, they are just looking for an opinion to clone,” he says.
By creating memes and jumping on the bandwagon of a cause which helps their “brand”, people can be seen as trivialising issues without any activism to back it up. We can often forget there is a wider problem out there which needs to resolved and the sincere voices can get left behind.
Speaking about Brexit, he points out that “we forgot what really mattered – that there is a whole country and section of people out there who obviously had different views and you can’t fill a ballot box with bants and Twitter rants”.
He mentions of the dangers of jumping on the “second-hand bandwagon”. He makes the argument that, if you feel strongly about something, you should make sure you’re informed, know the details, and feel passionate enough to make a difference. As Suli says, “people are genuinely affected by causes”.
As with all of Suli’s spoken word, the lyrics, the tone, and overall timing were beautiful. There were deeper moments as well as cultural references that everyone watching will understand and appreciate. Can you tell we’re big Suli fans?
Want more?
Check out Jack Edwards talking about growing up in the 2000s. Alternatively, hear Scola Dondo‘s advice on how we can learn how to be happy from a four-year-old.
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