From: officialflagrant
Personal views and aspirations can be significantly shaped by exposure to historical events and figures, including both well-known narratives and lesser-discussed aspects.
Historical Curiosity and Inspiration
The speaker identifies as a “huge history buff” [00:55:25], actively seeking out content from channels like “Oversimplified” on YouTube [00:55:34], which even teaches about figures like Napoleon [00:55:53]. This engagement with history is not merely for entertainment but can inspire personal direction. For instance, a research project on Elijah McCoy, a black inventor who created an innovative train lubricant, motivated the speaker to want to “come up with something that’s innovative and can like help Society move forward” [02:34:25]. The fact that McCoy was black was “huge” to the speaker’s inspiration [02:34:37].
Parental Influence and Generational Perspectives
Parents’ experiences and beliefs, often rooted in historical contexts, can profoundly influence their children’s outlooks. The speaker’s mother, a “huge Trump fan” [02:17:14] who transitioned from supporting Obama and watching CNN to Fox News [02:28:42], exemplifies how personal political views can evolve based on perceived societal manipulations [02:28:50]. This parental independence in thought is noted as influencing the speaker’s own ability to think independently [01:27:24].
The speaker’s father, born in 1947, shared direct accounts of racism he experienced, such as a white colleague intentionally endangering him with a jet exhaust in Vietnam [02:27:31], and witnessing white people celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination [02:27:55]. Despite these negative experiences, his father also shared “good stuff” and spoke of “really good dudes” [02:28:01], highlighting a nuanced perspective of the past.
The mother’s consistent message that “education is the only way out for black people” [02:34:48], although well-intentioned for success, was challenging for the speaker, who felt pressured and eventually realized it was “not the only way out” [02:35:09].
Historical Events and Societal Impact
Specific historical periods and events are viewed as having lasting societal consequences:
- Segregation’s Economic Impact: The speaker argues that segregation, despite its obvious negative aspects, was “kind of good for black people” economically [02:20:55] because it forced the community to “build itself up without competition from the white Community” [02:21:06], leading to “Black Wall Streets” [02:21:11]. The ultimate downfall of Black Wall Street, and the wider economic impact on the Black community, is attributed to desegregation, when “the black dollar left the community” [02:21:47]. This perspective aligns with Dr. King’s later speeches on economic inequality [02:22:01].
- Post-Segregation Social Decline: After segregation ended, the black community saw an increase in incarceration rates and higher divorce rates [02:39:25], in contrast to periods of high marriage rates and low incarceration during segregation [02:39:32].
- Haitian Revolution’s Global Impact: The Haitian Revolution, which led to France selling the Louisiana Purchase due to financial needs [02:53:37], is cited as a crucial factor in America’s expansion [02:53:32].
- Hidden Historical Figures: The historical contributions of figures like York, a black man who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark expedition and was the first black person to see the Western coast of America [02:42:09], are highlighted. His story of being denied freedom after the expedition, despite his vital help, reveals a darker side of American history [02:42:24].
Views on American Presidents and Power Structures
Discussions extend to the perceived influence and actions of American presidents:
- Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ): Noted for his eccentric behavior, such as showing his “big old dick” [02:43:16] and owning a car that could go underwater, which he used to prank people [02:45:52].
- John F. Kennedy (JFK): Considered one of the “most interesting” presidents due to the mystery surrounding his assassination, his personal life, and his father, Joseph Kennedy, described as an “actual gangster” and the “great architect” of the family’s political rise [02:43:37]. JFK’s last speeches are noted for their focus on media access to government information and his desire to disband the CIA [02:51:34].
- Andrew Jackson: Presented as a figure whose historical reputation as “ruthless” and “disgusting” might be influenced by his successful effort to take down the central bank and create a national surplus [02:52:12].
- Central Banking Systems: The concept of central banking systems is a topic of intrigue, with conspiracies suggesting they are controlled by powerful families like the Rothschilds, who might leverage financial power during wars by lending to both sides to ensure profit [02:47:03]. A debate clip of Joe Biden mentioning “the centralized bank” in a debate is cited as a significant, yet quickly dismissed, moment [02:46:27].
These discussions demonstrate a deep engagement with historical events and figures, which in turn shapes interpretations of contemporary issues and personal convictions.