Jean-Michel Basquiat Dealing with Racism (1982)

"Don't go to that movie theatre" sounds exactly like today's answer to racism

The nonchalant behavior of the other guests is exactly how some people still act today towards racism. The last clip with the look of hurt on his face is heartbreaking. I was 6 1/2 when this video was recorded but it could have been made in current times, not much has changed.

Great example of TONE DEAF responses

I hate that he had to endure that, but I'm glad too see this rare footage. Thank you for this Christmas gift!

The crowd was dismissive in their white privilege until they had to feel bad when the white guy called in and overtly insulted Jean Basquiat the black guy.

His speaking voice reminds me of Jimi Hendrix. They're both part of the dreaded 27 Club too.

hearing his speaking voice really puts his age into perspective

Now you know why he was angry. This was an everyday disruption for Jean-Michel. He betrayed himself by trying to fit into the punk esque culture of OG New York city, then had the safety net of fame to escape circle after circle until he realized everyone was out to target him for exploitation, disrespect, profit and usury. That would drive any young person under 28 into some stint of depression. He isn't to blame for the world mistreating him.

He was denied entrance to a got damn movie where he paid $10 to get in in 1982. He was too good for them and this world couldn't understand him. His so called friends were undercover racist as well. To top the bullsh*t off, an overt racists calls in to bring more racism in. There was no editing this sh*t. I know Basquiat must've cried after this segment because you're the only black in the room trying to prove yourself to be accepted as a human being before you are a man and have to endure that sh*t. They didn't ask him about his art as one of the first to second millionaire black painters in the dawn of the 1980s being friends with Andy Warhol. If I was him, I would've walked TF off the stage! This sh*t was tasteless!!!!!!!!!!!!!

One thing that is better about modern times is that racism is not tolerated as much as it was back then. Basquiat wouldn't have to sit with a bunch of people and be dismissed the way he was here. The way he was treated in this clip is so sad and pisses me off. And I want to go back in time and really do something to that caller.

That was very demeaning! The people around him don't really understand what he was going through!

Are those "people" around him his friends?? I mean WTF? That was one of the cringiest things I've ever seen. Their dismissive racism was just out there, on display and with no shame.

He looks so hurt at 2:00 .. what a beautiful soul he has

Extraordinary find, how rich an artist we lost so young. We should cherish every second me find.

Thank you Jean, for persevering through this to bring us your works, from God's hand into yours, as to offer inspiration to so many others like myself, for millenia to come. My strong courageous brother, drawing beautifully in the face of the ugliest and most perverse of man, whom so desperately attempted to destroy the unique spirit inside you... It must have been hard, an empath, surrounded by this primitive hate. You just wanted to numb this pain, and send your message, didn't you? And I thank you for it. Love you Basquiat, Radiant Child, Urban King, Samo. Not gonna feel no pain no more my beautiful brother. The shame is on their side.

It’s so sad he died at a young age😕

I understand why he felt alone. His feelings were often dismissed by his peers because they could not relate to his experience.

He was very beautiful inside out

The lack of respect of the others while JMB is sharing something deep. Like it's a joke. My heart absolutely breaks for JMB right before the video cuts. That caller - wow. I am so, so sorry.

This broke my heart