We shot some B-Ball in West Philly, and angered a Brooklyn gangster (How NOT to Travel America #3)
Yo Patreons, it's here. The subtitles are done now but might might not be too accurate towards the end.
Do make sure you use them though, as some speech is hard to hear!
Finally, there's a chance I might have to upload an amended version of this, so bare in mind that your heartfelt comments might be lost, so you might want to save them for the public upload.
Thanks for your patience everyone, let me know what you thought of this one!
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Our comical boating chapter was over, and it was time to head through giant metropolises of New York and Philly. The plan was to lay low and recover in Bougie Brooklyn, but quite the opposite happened. Another mad night out ended in a 4am street football session, which almost ended very badly indeed. In Philly we made amends by doing the most Philly things possible, before heading back out into the countryside to hunt for some Amish people and try our hand at hitchhiking.
Comments (60)
Another great video! It's funny how the only racist people in the comments are the ones calling other people racist with no evidence to support it. People... you assuming someone's comment/phrasing is based on race... is racist. You are bringing race into a conversation where no one else was making it a factor. You assuming that the term gangster implies black skin means you're the one who thinks that. The rest of us know that anyone can be a gangster. Might be time to look at yourself instead of trying to blame others.
Even a singular word can carry significant racial consequences. It's what we call a 'racial microaggression' and is often caused by underlying biases we were taught as children.
Just wanted to add one more to the "glad it got mentioned" pile here. I have to admit I chuckled a bit at the arbitrary observation that he "obviously played basketball" based on how hard he threw something - not remotely a prized skill in basketball - and between that and the calculated use of "gangster" in the title, this one left an odd taste. I totally agree that it's not reasonable to expect a comprehensive understanding of America's racial milieu from your average nice British bloke, but it still strikes me as an irresponsible bit of messaging that Tom has full control over, especially when I notice a good chunk of community support in this thread for dudes implying with no evidence that the guy is "100% a violent and aggressive gangster / criminal" who was "ready to take some kind of knife out of his back pocket" (spoiler: no he wasn't, though one could argue the episode previews imply otherwise). You don't even have to dig far into this video's comments to find 100+ upvotes on some goblin-brain implying that certain races are inherently more violent than others. If that's the kind of dialogue that Tom is happy to attract and grease the wheels for, then by all means, repeatedly call the dude a gangster apropos of exclusively his level of aggression. I'd be lying if I said that didn't thoroughly bum me out, though.
I agree, thank you for posting, it's a great comment. I love his stuff but he does seem to be a little ignorant and apathetic to these sorts of things sometimes. Good people can do bad things, and people grow. Growing takes time sometimes, I think he'll get there.
you can do it Tom, stop procrastinating.
I just hope you had wonderful holiday Tom! Hope your family and friends are doing well. Signed up about a month ago and I have been enjoying extra videos it comes with. Love being able to support your content, as it bring a lot of joy to my life. Thank you for what you make
I just wanna know if the next episode is being uploaded today paha ,I signed up and payed monthly especially for this and nothing else.
He's never used the term gangster before and come into many sticky situations / confrontations... I completely agree with you that the basketball players enjoyed interacting with them, that's why I was so confused when he said it was scary... in the video at 28:49 right as they're leaving he says "a proper Philly experience, a scary one, a scary one that still isn't over" no crazy accusations here, just responding to what he said in the video. It's not about the Youtube algorithm it's about Tom.
He's hardly going to accuse an angry welsh farmer of being a gangster now is he? He's joking about two polite brits being off the beaten track in an area they don't know, which lets face it, is not the safest. Stop stirring the pot and trying to mmake it about race. So boring.
@fijg finesse as respectfully as possible, I couldnt disagree more.
great, explain
My girl and I are long time fans of Tom. I’m a Brit who grew up in Brooklyn since I was 13 (now 13 yrs). She grew up outside of Philly, and lived there for many years. We both couldn't agree more with @Infernal Nernal’s comment and were hoping to see someone mention this issue. After watching the video we were surprised by the clickbaity title and language used throughout. We’ve been Patreon members for almost two years now and really weren’t expecting that from Tom. It made us both uncomfortable when he described a regular, hot-headed New Yorker as a "gangster," @Infernal Nernal hit it on the head, if the guy was white he would not be labeled a "gangster." It felt like Tom was using outdated, almost derogatory, language to try and amp up his viewers. Most people in NYC would have a similar reaction if a group of drunk guys kicked a ball at their car, even accidentally. He did the same throughout his trip to Philly making remarks about how "scary" his experience in West Philly was even though everyone at the basketball court welcomed him and Greg. We couldn't help but think what the "brooklyn gangster" and the kids from the court in philly might have felt when they watched this video. Pulling up to a local court in a low income neighborhood giving away a jersey and ball to create content felt exploitative, and the way you guys did it was just awkward. There was definitely a better way it could've been done, for example meeting up with someone who grew up in West Philly or near by to show you around so you can actually understand the people and place. Similar to how Yes Theory / Seek Discomfort gets in contact with local guides for their videos, I’m sure it wouldn’t have been that big of an undertaking to make that happen as opposed to awkwardly showing up in their neighborhood, taking two half court shot and scampering off commenting about how scary was even though it appeared no one said or did anything to make you feel unsafe (at least as it seems on video). We wanted to write this comment because we feel a bit disappointed. As long time viewers and residents of New York we were so excited for this video to drop. All in all it just felt tone deaf. We get he’s not from here but if you are going to make a documentary maybe just be a bit mindful of the people you're making content about. Before everyone tells us to shut up for being PC or whatever, we think it’s important to point these things out. I’m not sure where you are all from but judging how you are writing these comments (“he was definitely a gangster” ect) I would assume its from small towns/suburbs where isn’t much diversity… if that’s not the case (or even if it is) I’m happy to hear your perspectives.
Had some time to think about this more since I posted that essay lol im laughing to myself because I never put in that much effort into an online comment but I still think it's important to say something i keep trying to make myself believe its all good because tom is literally my fav youtuber of all time and I never really make comments on vids or interact with creators because im not that invested in them but in this case something is just not sitting right... felt like I had to post a comment on youtube to combat all these racists which are popping up in a community which i thought of as chill, rational people... deadass been here all day like "DAMN, HOW IS THIS THE GEOGUESSR COMMUNITY BRO" and to show you really what this geezer means to me this is a message I sent to Tom in May 2021 on Patreon (which I still havent got a reply to lol) "Hi Tom, Just got your patreon because my girlfriend and I decided we cannot wait the extra two days for the straight line across scotland! We watch your videos religiously and are huge fans. Hope you will be at our wedding one day to play geoguessr as newly weds and lead us to a perfect score, maybe followed by straight line honey moon... Fiji? Hope you are well, good luck with the editing " Of course I'm not upset about the lack of response to the message I know he's got more important things to do, just adding it to say I really am I diehard fan. I think the video title should be changed at the least, it's attracting a bunch of weirdos...
@GeoWizard whilst I am 100% understanding towards "delays" for whichever reason, I must add as feedback, that when paying for a membership, I would like to see a seperate post about delays and expected dates for new content. Now, as it stands, the only way to get the latest information, is by browsing the comments here, and finding a reply of yours, with said information. It would just expedite and streamline the member's experience, when said info is in a seperate post. Do with that as you will. Thoroughly been loving the missions content since day one! Keep up the great work!
Very hungry for the next instalment!
I’m aiming for the 7th guys (6th for you lot) thanks for your patience!
great way to start out the new year...i hope!
I can’t wait for the next vid
This time of year is meant to be spent with family, not editing. Not the end of the world if we have to wait another week or so.
No upload tonight?
Finally got around to binging all 3 episodes yesterday, can't wait for the next one! Long time fan and loving this series so far
Do we get a new video today? Really unsure of the schedule after the Saturday video was postponed.
It was Christmas bro
So glad you enjoyed my city of Lancaster, Tom! Was not expecting to see places literally down the street from me in one of your videos haha.
Great video guys. New to the Patreon and really enjoying the content.
Nothing quite compares to a Geowizard bike adventure. Can't wait for next episode
There’s also an alarming amount of unabashed and virulent racists in the comment section on YT. Like a whole bunch. It seems you may have whistleblown to a regrettable crowd? I suggest changing the title of the video, for sure. (Maybe just say “Brooklynite?”) And maybe even denounce such speech in the comments? I really hope you don’t truly agree with that drivel.
Are you good ?
If you actually care about what the “correct” terminology is these days (which it seems like you’re just poking fun of?) , it’s definitely not “gangsters” That, in fact, is extremely offensive and tone deaf, referencing a whole litany of harmful stereotypes that get innocent people killed in the USA. Was he an asshole with a fragile ego? Yes. But he just happened to be black. Had he been white, you would have absolutely not inferred “gang member.” Super disappointing as a long time fan.
he was clearly a gangster lol? "asshole with a fragile ego" ? he was ready to take some kind of knife out of his back pocket and harm a bunch of strangers that merely played football and accidently hit his car. Definitely a gangster. Black, white or whatever, he is a 100% a violent and aggressive gangster / criminal
Welsh Greg's got a nice first touch! Him and the Brooklyn lad haha
I’m watching this currently after having spent the night drinking a box of wine with my sister. The drinking in this one is turning my stomach every time I see you enjoy a pint I want to chun. Thanks Tom
And another hour too. Christmas has come early this year. Thanks for all your time and efforts guys.
I wait for these more than I wait for new shows episodes. Incredible
Man, this is turning out so well. I have to admit I was worried when you announced this series. But as always, you learn quick in a new place and you’ve found incredible people and wonderful moments. Great storytelling as always — I had to back up the video a few times so I could hear your narration over my own laughing!
This series gets better and better, can't wait for the next episode!
This is your best series yet Tom. Can't wait for the next episode!
Loved this episode, as someone from Philly suburbs/Lancaster there were a ton of familiar sites!
The legend has outdone himself once again
Incredible Tom
WOW
Now that I've joined this Patreon, I again have to wait a week. There's a glitch in the Matrix, somewhere.
Working for me
So happy!!
Woohoo! Me too :-)
Philly. My hometown! Dad lives in Frederick, MD. Hope you enjoyed Tom.
I'm in this one!
Legend!
Absolutely loving this series but to be honest just love the whole channel. I can't explain how you helped me and my partner through covid. A true gent with a wicked humour. Can't wait for episode 4
Can't express the joy I get from your videos. Thanks so much to you both. Another banger.
Tom, your fans are all the most genuinely wonderful people! Everyone you met who recognized you was so nice! You attract the right kind of people, so kudos to you and your craft!
Yay! Can't wait for next week :-)
As a proud Pennsylvanian I'm glad your experience was nice here Tom. Sheetz is the place to be, great people and even better food!
Thanks for effort you go into making these vids Tom!
I know you said you were still working on them, but looks like the subtitles aren't working at all.
ah really? let me see
Tuesday can’t get any better!
Hero, thanks for the effort you go to in these
thank god! been waiting for this since last week
You are the absolute best
