#softwhiteunderbelly

Every once in a while I go on Youtube and watch Mark Laita's Soft White Underbelly channel. He interviews the people whom he refers to as the 'soft white underbelly' of the US - the most vulnerable part of American society. None of the videos are easy to watch. Mark interviews drug addicts, homeless, prostitutes, killers... people that the society would see as trash and of no benefit to human life.

I watched Jack's interview just last night, and I'd say that his life is incredibly depressing and difficult... He is a result of a rape, has been sexually abused by grown man from the age of four, and was again abused by his football coach, was an drug addict, had a role in the death of a close friend, stole and swindled money from his closest ones... He has been clean for a few years, and from this interview I could see that he has accepted the terrible fate he had to face, and I really hope that he gets to live a better life and become the best version of himself.

One particular monologue Jack had near the end of the video is this one - and I could feel tears brimming in my eyes. It was beautiful... and sad, and raw, and genuine. This is what Jack said to Mark:

"I just met you today, but I don't think that you got enough credit for what this (Soft White Underbelly) can accomplish. Where I will go, you know, I don't know, but, I know that if I were in high school - going through what I went through - and I saw this... of me, and knew that it happens and it's all right and that - I wouldn't have gone through age 13 to 31 thinking that I was not a whole person.

the whole channel is a really crazy unintentional social experiment. it is really a true reflection of society *not just because of the people he talks to*, but also because of *US*. we loovvvveeee to hear stories about vulnerable people for whatever reason that may be. the people mark interviews are vulnerable people, some in highly vulnerable and dangerous situations. and he just goes around, publishing their stories to the world, and is now profiting off of their pain. as historical documents, they are fascinating. they can and have helped people going through similar situations or who know someone going through similar situations. they have helped me emotionally, and also helped me learn more about the world and other people from the comfort of my bedroom. but as i sit in the comfort of my bedroom, as you maybe as well, the people mark talks to maybe homeless and living through hell. they may be facing the potential of future violence from people who have watched them and know their weaknesses and trauma. as we sit back. and as mark makes money and gains notoriety because he knew it was a good idea to talk to vulnerable people who want someone to listen to them and share their story. it sort of is beneficial for the person sharing their story, mark, and us viewers. the channel is an example of an exchange of the intangible market of consumption. i don't want to say entertainment, because it is deeper than that. some of us maybe entertained, but a lot of the viewers are learning, the interviewee is speaking their truth and story, and mark just so happens to be the microphone that is making money from this exchange. he is basically the middleman. i believe it is important to hear these stories, and because of mark we can safely and conveniently listen to them.

White people literally do everything for they self , I hate that I even came across this channel and this white bitch using black bodies for self promotion , he not tryna help , no one asked for this , he all in it for the money please stop this man

#softwhiteunderbelly

#blacklivesmatter