My First Day in Politics
Today I announced I would start working for the Bernie Sanders campaign after I made a viral video successfully exposing mainstream media lies and bias against Bernie Sanders. Soon afterwards I received a harsh introduction to life in politics, having my short life’s work closely scrutinized by the Sanders campaign’s political opponents.
A decade ago, I edited MLK audio, to expose how easily media can completely misrepresent reality. My intention has been clearly stated in the Youtube description for 10 years, to be “a good reminder that media on tv or the web can be edited to really twist facts/reality.”
The comedic video edited MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech to sound as if he’d actually said “I have a dream to take drugs” and other ridiculous statements. It was vulgar comedy but with a timely message: Just because media makes something appear true doesn’t mean it actually is. Although it’s an extremely crude art project that I wish I could change, new “deepfake” technology makes the message more relevant now than ever.
Still, I understand it may be offensive to some people. That was never my intention. Sadly, the haters will never mention the many other MLK videos I’ve made, honoring him and celebrating the civil rights movement. You know, the videos that are actually worth sharing. But I guess that’s just politics.
I am also under scrutiny for uttering the words “retarded” and “gay” once or twice in old videos. At no point were the words used in a hateful context. Rather, I used the words in comedic and self deprecating contexts. I’ve made a lot of lighthearted and dumb videos. Eventually though, I grew interested in politics, exploring more complex and pressing issues.
What inspired my viral video, “Rising Up”, was Bernie Sanders and his supporters who consistently rise above the endless politically motivated smears to talk about what Americans are most concerned about. It’s disappointing that the Sanders campaign wouldn’t stand by me when I faced the same bad faith attacks.
I am saddened by the situation yet happy to resign. I don’t want my dumb 10 year old youtube video to distract from the real issues. And naturally, I don’t want to work with anyone who doesn’t want to work with me.
This article has been updated to include this very important message.
Matt Orfalea makes videos on Youtube. You can also follow him on Medium, Twitter, and Facebook. Please help him make more videos by supporting him on Patreon.
