Pablo Skywalkin on having an identity crisis "Most people are going to die not knowing who they are"

Summary

In this candid interview, the subject discusses the identity struggles faced by many African-American teens, particularly those from rough neighborhoods. They describe a facade built to cope with abuse and trauma, leading to a sense of being lost. The speaker emphasizes the fear of being oneself due to societal pressures and praises those who defy norms. They also reflect on their own rap career, noting the disconnect between the realities of street life and the glamorous image often portrayed in music, expressing a desire for authenticity and a critique of the current state of the genre.

Takeaways

• 😔 The speaker feels a sense of identity crisis and believes it's common among African-American teens, especially those from rough backgrounds.
• 🤔 There's a 50-50 view on the reasons for this crisis, with some attributing it to environmental factors and others to personal experiences like abuse or molestation.
• 💪 Some individuals build a facade of toughness to cope with their past traumas and to feel strong, which can lead to confusion about their true selves.
• 🏠 The speaker appreciates the choices he had growing up, contrasting with others who had to fend for themselves due to difficult family situations.
• 👕 There's a societal pressure to conform, with people scared to express their individuality for fear of being ostracized.
• 👮‍♂️ The speaker salutes those who remain true to themselves despite potential backlash and societal expectations.
• 🎤 The speaker's rap career was based on authenticity, rapping about real-life experiences rather than fabricated street narratives.
• 💰 There's a critique of the rap industry, suggesting that it has shifted focus from wealth to violence and substance abuse, which the speaker disapproves of.
• 🔫 The speaker expresses a desire not to be around violence and instead prefers an environment of peace and enjoyment.
• 🏠 The script touches on homelessness and the lack of support systems for those without a stable home environment.
• 🚫 The speaker emphasizes the importance of not letting societal pressures dictate one's path and encourages individuals to forge their own way.

Q & A

What did the interviewee mention about their identity crisis in the previous interview?

The interviewee mentioned feeling lost and having an identity crisis, not really knowing who they were.

How does the interviewee describe the situation of African-American teens who feel they have to project a tough image?

The interviewee describes it as a 50-50 situation, where some teens feel they have to walk around with their chest stuck out or carry a gun to project a tough image, while others are lost due to various personal struggles and environmental factors.

What are some of the reasons the interviewee gives for why some individuals build up a facade to feel strong?

The reasons include past abuse, molestation, rape, and other traumatic experiences that lead individuals to create a facade to cope with their past and appear strong.

How does the interviewee feel about the societal pressure to conform to certain styles or behaviors?

The interviewee feels that societal pressure leads many to be scared to be themselves, wear certain clothes, or listen to certain music, as they fear being treated as an outcast.

What does the interviewee appreciate about people who are true to themselves despite societal pressures?

The interviewee salutes those who are true to themselves because they face criticism and challenges but continue to ignore the negativity and keep moving forward.

How does the interviewee reflect on their own life choices and opportunities?

The interviewee is grateful for having had choices and a supportive mother who went to school and college, unlike some who had to grow up in difficult circumstances without such support.

What is the interviewee's perspective on the current state of rap music and its influence on youth culture?

The interviewee believes that rap music has become more focused on violence and drug use, which can be misleading and harmful to youth, rather than focusing on positive aspects like financial success and personal style.

How does the interviewee describe their own rap career and the authenticity of their lyrics?

The interviewee states that their rap career was based on true stories and authentic experiences, focusing on getting money and personal style rather than violence or drug use.

What does the interviewee think about the societal expectations placed on rappers to portray a certain image?

The interviewee criticizes the expectation for rappers to prove themselves through violence or drug use, which they see as a facade controlled by societal pressures rather than genuine self-expression.

How does the interviewee view the impact of societal pressures and the music industry on individuals' ability to be themselves?

The interviewee believes that societal pressures and the music industry's expectations can prevent individuals from being true to themselves, leading to a loss of identity and potential tragic outcomes.

What advice does the interviewee offer for individuals trying to navigate their identity in a challenging environment?

The interviewee advises individuals to ignore negative influences and criticisms, focus on being true to themselves, and not get caught up in societal expectations or facades.