Childish Gambino "This is America" Film Analysis

 

Donald Glover, otherwise known as Childish Gambino is an American actor, singer, and producer who released "This Is America" in 2018. It is interpreted that Childish Gambino was attempting to bring to light the issues America was undergoing to younger generations. 

Watching this video for the first time did not seem like much more than just another music video, however when you take a closer look; details, motifs, and scenes create a sad truth. I believe that this music video's purpose is to raise awareness on the issues impacting America — issues like gang/gun violence, suicide, and protests being disregarded and looked over by people and higher authorities. 

Clothes, expressions, and dance moves help give purpose to "This Is America". Childish Gambino covers a huge part of African American culture. 

Evidence...

Clothes:

-The school clothes are a cover-up from all the violence happening in the background
-The two chains mean that he’s trapped and confined
- The pants are the same as the confederacy soldiers

Background:
-The white horse and the grim reaper: Symbolizes war and death
- The red bandana and care after the guns symbolize that America cared more for guns than humanity.
-The guitar meaning the music industry distracts the audience from the real problem behind the shooting
- The church choir represents all of the church shootings happening in 2015 - 2018
- Him holding an imaginary gun and then smoking a cigarette represents America blowing serious impacting issues off
- People committing suicide and no one seems to care
- Protests
- In the end, he is trying to run away from these issues but they keep chasing him

Sound and Lyrics...

 The rhythm of "This Is America" holds an upbeat mood, however, the lyrics cover a darker meaning. 

• -  “We Just Want The Money, Money Just For You” and “Girl You Got Me Dancin,” the Government only cares about money and power the “girl” represents America as a whole.

• -  “This a celly, that's a Tool” 

  -  “Look how I'm livin now. Police be trippin now.” 

  - “You just a big dog, yeah I kennelled him in the back yard No that probably ain't life to a dog“

  
  

Video Credit: Vevo; Youtube