1 00:00:09,958 --> 00:00:15,538 Everybody knows the first step in making any football team is the tryout. 2 00:00:16,208 --> 00:00:20,038 And to make it to the pros, the tryout starts with the combine. 3 00:00:20,125 --> 00:00:21,415 ["DNA." playing] 4 00:00:21,500 --> 00:00:23,880 ♪ I got loyalty Got royalty inside my DNA ♪ 5 00:00:23,958 --> 00:00:27,288 ♪ Quarter piece Got war and peace inside my DNA... ♪ 6 00:00:27,375 --> 00:00:33,325 Potential players are paraded out in front of scouts, coaches, and owners, 7 00:00:33,916 --> 00:00:37,246 who measure their physical talent and on-field abilities. 8 00:00:38,041 --> 00:00:43,331 Coaches will tell you they're looking for warriors, killers, beasts. 9 00:00:44,000 --> 00:00:46,460 They say they want you to be an animal. 10 00:00:50,375 --> 00:00:51,705 And you wanna give them that. 11 00:00:51,791 --> 00:00:53,421 ♪ I got, I got, I got, I got ♪ 12 00:00:53,500 --> 00:00:56,290 ♪ Realness, I just kill shit 'Cause it's in my DNA ♪ 13 00:00:56,375 --> 00:00:59,625 ♪ I got millions I got riches buildin' in my DNA ♪ 14 00:00:59,708 --> 00:01:03,078 ♪ I got dark, I got evil That rot inside my DNA ♪ 15 00:01:03,166 --> 00:01:06,576 ♪ I got off, I got troublesome heart Inside my DNA ♪ 16 00:01:06,666 --> 00:01:10,326 ♪ I just win again Then win again like Wimbledon, I serve ♪ 17 00:01:10,916 --> 00:01:12,576 [Colin] But let me tell you. 18 00:01:12,666 --> 00:01:18,326 What they don't want you to understand, is what's established is a power dynamic. 19 00:01:25,333 --> 00:01:31,083 Before they put you on the field, teams poke, prod, and examine you. 20 00:01:31,625 --> 00:01:35,535 Searching for any defect that might affect your performance. 21 00:01:35,625 --> 00:01:40,035 No boundary respected. No dignity left intact. 22 00:01:50,041 --> 00:01:52,881 [slave seller] Come on, boy. Hurry up. Look at that shape there. 23 00:01:53,375 --> 00:01:54,205 Look at this. 24 00:01:55,625 --> 00:01:58,915 Mr. Farmer, got your bid. Thirty, James. Thirty to you. 25 00:01:59,000 --> 00:02:00,130 One hundred! Sold! 26 00:02:00,208 --> 00:02:02,958 Next one coming up, best one we got. 27 00:02:04,541 --> 00:02:06,331 -Five hundred. -[slave buyer 1] Five hundred! 28 00:02:06,708 --> 00:02:08,958 -[slaver seller] Six hundred! -[slave seller 2] Right here. 29 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:12,080 Look at this here! 30 00:02:12,166 --> 00:02:13,746 Come on! Who wants this? 31 00:02:15,375 --> 00:02:16,875 -Seven hundred! -[slave buyer 3] Seven! 32 00:02:16,958 --> 00:02:19,748 -[slave seller] There we go. One thousand! -[slave buyer 4] One thousand! 33 00:02:20,208 --> 00:02:21,498 I'm telling you what I want. 34 00:02:21,583 --> 00:02:23,503 -Yeah, I heard ya. -[slave seller] Sold! 35 00:02:36,208 --> 00:02:40,288 As a kid, you're not thinking that you're being groomed for a system. 36 00:02:41,125 --> 00:02:45,075 You just love playing football. You're just trying to make the team. 37 00:02:45,166 --> 00:02:46,666 [hip-hop music playing] 38 00:02:49,166 --> 00:02:53,246 [Colin] Back then, all I cared about was football, baseball, 39 00:02:53,333 --> 00:02:55,713 and a little bit of hoopin' on the side. 40 00:03:02,666 --> 00:03:04,626 -[boy] Nice. -Damn! 41 00:03:04,708 --> 00:03:06,578 Check the hands on Kaepernick. 42 00:03:06,666 --> 00:03:09,416 I tell you what, this kid gets better and better every year. 43 00:03:20,083 --> 00:03:21,423 [school bell ringing] 44 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:23,830 [Colin] Okay. 45 00:03:23,916 --> 00:03:26,876 Maybe a little part of me wanted to be cool too. 46 00:03:29,083 --> 00:03:30,753 Hey, did you see Baby Boy? 47 00:03:30,833 --> 00:03:32,293 What? The movie? 48 00:03:32,375 --> 00:03:35,125 Nah, fool. Like the toddler. Yes, the movie. 49 00:03:35,708 --> 00:03:37,038 -No. -Look. 50 00:03:37,125 --> 00:03:40,455 I snatched it off LimeWire. You know it's rated R, right? 51 00:03:41,250 --> 00:03:43,380 Your mom let you see it? She's strict as shit. 52 00:03:43,458 --> 00:03:44,828 She's not that strict. 53 00:03:45,500 --> 00:03:48,040 -All right. Yeah, I'll burn you a copy. -Fact. 54 00:03:48,125 --> 00:03:49,955 Okay, then, Lori. I see you. 55 00:03:51,291 --> 00:03:55,131 Hey, I might holla at Lori. She all right for an eighth-grader. 56 00:03:55,208 --> 00:03:58,128 -We're eighth-graders. -But I'm mature for my age. 57 00:03:58,208 --> 00:03:59,418 -Oh! -Mm. 58 00:04:00,375 --> 00:04:02,575 Well, look. Go ahead. Ask. 59 00:04:03,583 --> 00:04:04,833 Ask what? 60 00:04:04,916 --> 00:04:06,706 -Ask, Colin. -Ask what, Ryan? 61 00:04:06,791 --> 00:04:09,751 You wanna know about the hair, right? Dope, ain't it? 62 00:04:10,500 --> 00:04:12,500 -Yeah. -Bro. Look at the back, bro. 63 00:04:12,583 --> 00:04:13,673 My shit got hang. 64 00:04:15,083 --> 00:04:18,333 Look. This high school girl hooked me up, Dee Dee. 65 00:04:18,916 --> 00:04:21,456 She can probably do something with yours too. 66 00:04:22,250 --> 00:04:25,040 Okay. All right. Catch you after practice. 67 00:04:26,041 --> 00:04:27,251 -See you. -All right. 68 00:04:27,333 --> 00:04:29,213 -["Work It" playing] -[line ringing] 69 00:04:29,916 --> 00:04:32,666 -[woman] Hello! -[young Colin] Hi, is this Dee Dee? 70 00:04:32,750 --> 00:04:34,420 [woman] No, this is her mother. Who is this? 71 00:04:34,500 --> 00:04:36,710 [young Colin] Oh, um, I'm Colin. 72 00:04:36,791 --> 00:04:40,631 I'm calling about getting my hair braided. Ryan said it was cool. 73 00:04:40,708 --> 00:04:42,918 [woman] Oh. Hold on. Dee Dee! 74 00:04:43,708 --> 00:04:45,708 ♪ Is it worth it? Let me work it ♪ 75 00:04:45,791 --> 00:04:48,291 ♪ I put my thing down Flip it and reverse it... ♪ 76 00:04:49,583 --> 00:04:51,213 [Colin] I was born in Wisconsin. 77 00:04:51,625 --> 00:04:55,535 A place known for dairy farming and a scarcity of Black people. 78 00:04:55,625 --> 00:04:57,825 But I grew up in Turlock, California. 79 00:04:57,916 --> 00:05:00,126 A place also known for dairy farming, 80 00:05:00,208 --> 00:05:02,958 and you guessed it, a scarcity of Black people. 81 00:05:03,541 --> 00:05:05,921 One place that you could see Black people in Turlock 82 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:08,130 was Dee Dee's apartment complex. 83 00:05:08,208 --> 00:05:11,998 Even though it was just a few blocks from my house, I had never been there, 84 00:05:12,583 --> 00:05:14,333 but I could see myself there. 85 00:05:16,458 --> 00:05:17,288 Colin? 86 00:05:18,125 --> 00:05:19,495 Yeah. Dee Dee? 87 00:05:20,166 --> 00:05:21,246 Mm-hm. 88 00:05:29,125 --> 00:05:29,955 Okay. 89 00:05:30,625 --> 00:05:31,455 A challenge. 90 00:05:32,250 --> 00:05:33,080 Come on. 91 00:05:35,625 --> 00:05:36,875 [young Colin grunting] 92 00:05:41,000 --> 00:05:41,960 Are you okay? 93 00:05:42,041 --> 00:05:43,211 [Colin] Am I okay? 94 00:05:43,708 --> 00:05:47,168 I felt like my hair was playing tug-o-war with my scalp. 95 00:05:47,250 --> 00:05:51,040 And the rope they were using was on fire. Am I okay? 96 00:05:52,708 --> 00:05:53,578 Uh-huh. 97 00:05:54,375 --> 00:05:55,205 Okay. 98 00:05:56,500 --> 00:05:59,290 -[boy] Why don't you two get a room? -[Dee Dee] Boy, keep quiet. 99 00:05:59,375 --> 00:06:02,415 You keep clownin' around, Mom will make you wear that nose forever. 100 00:06:04,250 --> 00:06:07,500 Mama, can you get me some hair grease out the bathroom, please? 101 00:06:07,583 --> 00:06:10,713 We don't have any more. And I told you you were gonna run out. 102 00:06:10,791 --> 00:06:12,501 [Dee Dee] But I need some to finish his hair. 103 00:06:12,583 --> 00:06:15,463 [woman] You can run and get some. Or I can pick you up some from the mall. 104 00:06:15,541 --> 00:06:17,501 -[Dee Dee] What mall you going to? -Modesto. 105 00:06:17,583 --> 00:06:19,213 [Dee Dee] That'll take too long. 106 00:06:19,791 --> 00:06:23,001 You know what? There is this cute top I've been wanting to try on. 107 00:06:23,083 --> 00:06:24,383 I'll come with you. 108 00:06:26,416 --> 00:06:27,786 Come with me! Come on. 109 00:06:29,208 --> 00:06:30,038 You too. 110 00:06:32,625 --> 00:06:33,455 Come on. 111 00:06:34,791 --> 00:06:36,001 ["Work It" playing] 112 00:06:42,833 --> 00:06:44,753 We're gonna be about 20 minutes. 113 00:06:45,333 --> 00:06:46,173 Be good. 114 00:06:51,041 --> 00:06:52,421 Don't get out this car. 115 00:07:04,416 --> 00:07:05,706 What's your name, little dude? 116 00:07:09,333 --> 00:07:11,383 You look ridiculous. 117 00:07:11,458 --> 00:07:13,418 -So do you. -What? 118 00:07:13,500 --> 00:07:14,330 Nothing. 119 00:07:15,625 --> 00:07:18,745 [Colin] I was in a hot car with an angry clown, 120 00:07:18,833 --> 00:07:20,333 waiting for more torture. 121 00:07:21,125 --> 00:07:24,375 -I just hoped it would be worth it. -[Dee Dee] Okay. And boom! 122 00:07:26,500 --> 00:07:29,170 Well, what do you think? Say something. 123 00:07:29,791 --> 00:07:31,711 Is it supposed to be this tight? 124 00:07:33,458 --> 00:07:35,498 I had to do it because of your texture. 125 00:07:35,583 --> 00:07:39,673 Biracial hair is so hard to work with. It slips and slides all over the place. 126 00:07:40,291 --> 00:07:42,131 But I made it work, though. 127 00:07:42,708 --> 00:07:45,878 You know who you look like? Allen Iverson. 128 00:07:46,458 --> 00:07:48,708 You look good. I did a good job. [chuckles] 129 00:07:51,833 --> 00:07:54,133 Sorry it took so long. Are you good getting home? 130 00:07:54,208 --> 00:07:55,208 Oh, um... 131 00:07:56,583 --> 00:07:57,833 Can I use your phone? 132 00:07:58,541 --> 00:07:59,381 Bye. 133 00:07:59,458 --> 00:08:02,328 [Colin] The next 24 hours were like a roller coaster. 134 00:08:03,791 --> 00:08:05,251 I thought I looked good. 135 00:08:06,500 --> 00:08:08,130 But my head was on fire. 136 00:08:09,416 --> 00:08:13,376 -My mom was salty for some reason. -[Teresa] We didn't know where you were. 137 00:08:14,791 --> 00:08:15,631 Huh? 138 00:08:15,708 --> 00:08:18,708 I said we didn't know where you were, me and your dad. 139 00:08:18,791 --> 00:08:20,631 I left a note on the fridge. 140 00:08:21,166 --> 00:08:21,996 I saw it. 141 00:08:23,666 --> 00:08:26,206 Didn't say where you were. Colin. 142 00:08:26,916 --> 00:08:30,246 [Colin] And let's just say salt and fire are not a good mix. 143 00:08:32,583 --> 00:08:34,713 Between my mom's non-reaction one minute... 144 00:08:34,791 --> 00:08:38,211 I just met her today. She's a friend of a friend. 145 00:08:38,291 --> 00:08:39,921 [Colin] ...or subtle criticism the next... 146 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:43,380 Your gym teacher is your basketball coach, right? 147 00:08:43,458 --> 00:08:44,288 Yeah. 148 00:08:45,625 --> 00:08:47,495 Think he'll like your hair like that? 149 00:08:50,083 --> 00:08:53,003 [Colin] ...and the throbbing pain I felt all that night... 150 00:08:57,458 --> 00:08:58,578 I got this. 151 00:08:58,666 --> 00:09:00,956 [Colin] ...I still hoped it'd all be worth it. 152 00:09:04,708 --> 00:09:06,708 They said he looks unprofessional. 153 00:09:08,083 --> 00:09:08,923 Intimidating. 154 00:09:10,041 --> 00:09:14,251 -Messy. He's clearly unfocused. -What are we talking about? 155 00:09:14,833 --> 00:09:16,133 [Colin] He's dangerous. 156 00:09:16,208 --> 00:09:17,958 He's damaging to the league. 157 00:09:18,041 --> 00:09:19,671 He's disrespectful. 158 00:09:19,750 --> 00:09:23,500 In 1997, right after taking the league by storm 159 00:09:23,583 --> 00:09:25,003 and winning Rookie of the Year... 160 00:09:25,083 --> 00:09:27,383 [commentator] The crowd is into it. Allen shakes free. 161 00:09:27,458 --> 00:09:28,878 Gets two! 162 00:09:31,208 --> 00:09:34,958 [Colin] A young NBA superstar heard more criticism than kudos. 163 00:09:35,041 --> 00:09:36,791 -That's the body language of a-- -Thug! 164 00:09:36,875 --> 00:09:40,875 [Colin] He experienced more political policing than passionate praise. 165 00:09:41,500 --> 00:09:42,420 Why? 166 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:44,330 Why did this exceptional player 167 00:09:44,416 --> 00:09:48,126 with an uncanny combination of grace and grit 168 00:09:48,208 --> 00:09:50,628 cause such ire from the powers that were? 169 00:09:51,333 --> 00:09:54,583 Well, what he did to start this controversy was simple, deliberate, 170 00:09:54,666 --> 00:09:56,286 and true to himself. 171 00:09:56,375 --> 00:09:57,785 He embraced his culture. 172 00:09:58,375 --> 00:09:59,575 He braided his hair. 173 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:09,460 You know him as AI, the Answer, Allen Iverson. 174 00:10:09,541 --> 00:10:14,421 [announcer] Number 3, Allen Iverson! 175 00:10:19,916 --> 00:10:24,246 [Colin] One of the most dynamic players to ever grace the basketball court. 176 00:10:24,333 --> 00:10:29,213 He endured scorn and derision over this simple act of self-expression. 177 00:10:30,250 --> 00:10:33,380 It's easy to see how crazy that is today. 178 00:10:34,583 --> 00:10:35,673 But at the time... 179 00:10:37,458 --> 00:10:39,498 I had no idea how he felt. 180 00:10:43,458 --> 00:10:46,248 [Colin] Even though I felt like I could fall asleep standing up, 181 00:10:46,333 --> 00:10:49,673 I couldn't wait to get to school to show off my new swag. 182 00:10:49,750 --> 00:10:51,420 -That's a new outfit. -Yep. 183 00:10:52,458 --> 00:10:55,628 -Um, you want me to toast it for you? -No thanks. 184 00:10:56,333 --> 00:10:58,293 -[door closes] -Who eats a raw Pop Tart? 185 00:10:59,750 --> 00:11:01,580 Allen Iverson, maybe. 186 00:11:03,958 --> 00:11:05,628 [Ryan] Yo, you went to see Dee Dee? 187 00:11:05,708 --> 00:11:09,628 And you got the fresh AIs on too. Out here looking like The Answer for real. 188 00:11:09,708 --> 00:11:12,038 I'm surprised your mom let you out without khakis. 189 00:11:12,125 --> 00:11:14,165 Oh. Okay. Yeah, you got jokes now. 190 00:11:15,500 --> 00:11:18,380 -But for real, though. You like it? -Yeah. 191 00:11:18,458 --> 00:11:20,668 -Good looking out, man. -I heard you got that hair-- 192 00:11:20,750 --> 00:11:21,880 Oh. 193 00:11:21,958 --> 00:11:22,788 My bad. 194 00:11:22,875 --> 00:11:25,245 Yo, mine hurt at first too, bro. You gotta get used to it. 195 00:11:27,500 --> 00:11:28,670 It's not that bad. 196 00:11:33,750 --> 00:11:34,580 [boy] You suck. 197 00:11:35,208 --> 00:11:36,418 Did he just airball? 198 00:11:39,625 --> 00:11:42,285 Colin. Colin, the coach wants to talk to you. 199 00:11:46,791 --> 00:11:48,171 Today! 200 00:11:50,541 --> 00:11:51,381 [girl] Two more! 201 00:11:51,458 --> 00:11:54,458 What? Come on. What's going on, bud? 202 00:11:54,541 --> 00:11:56,081 Nothing. I'm good. 203 00:11:56,166 --> 00:11:59,126 I just have a little headache, and I'm tired, but I'm good. 204 00:12:00,541 --> 00:12:02,541 Run a couple of laps. See if that wakes you up. 205 00:12:04,958 --> 00:12:08,708 You want me to run? Even though I'm tired and I have a headache? 206 00:12:08,791 --> 00:12:11,081 I want you to run so you know you can do it, 207 00:12:11,166 --> 00:12:13,786 even when you are tired and have a headache. 208 00:12:14,416 --> 00:12:15,826 ["I Am Not My Hair" playing] 209 00:12:17,166 --> 00:12:19,326 ♪ See, I can kinda recall A lil' ways back ♪ 210 00:12:19,416 --> 00:12:21,786 ♪ Small, tryin' to ball Always been Black ♪ 211 00:12:21,875 --> 00:12:24,125 ♪ And my hair, I tried it all I even went flat ♪ 212 00:12:24,208 --> 00:12:26,748 ♪ Had a lumpy curly top And all that crap ♪ 213 00:12:26,833 --> 00:12:28,583 ♪ Now, just tryin' to be appreciated... ♪ 214 00:12:28,666 --> 00:12:29,876 These are too tight. 215 00:12:29,958 --> 00:12:31,668 ♪ Nappy-headed brothers Never had no ladies ♪ 216 00:12:31,750 --> 00:12:33,920 ♪ And I hit the barber shop real quick ♪ 217 00:12:34,000 --> 00:12:36,580 ♪ Had 'em give me lil' twist And it drove 'em crazy ♪ 218 00:12:37,208 --> 00:12:38,878 ♪ Then I couldn't get no job ♪ 219 00:12:38,958 --> 00:12:40,958 ♪ 'Cause corporate wouldn't hire No dreadlocks... ♪ 220 00:12:41,041 --> 00:12:42,041 This isn't right. 221 00:12:42,125 --> 00:12:43,955 ♪ Then I thought about my dogs From the block ♪ 222 00:12:44,041 --> 00:12:46,421 ♪ Kinda understand Why they chose to steal and rob ♪ 223 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:48,540 ♪ Was it the hair that got me this far? ♪ 224 00:12:48,625 --> 00:12:51,375 ♪ All these girls These cribs, these cars? ♪ 225 00:12:51,458 --> 00:12:53,458 ♪ I hate to say it but it seem so flawed ♪ 226 00:12:53,541 --> 00:12:56,131 ♪ 'Cause success didn't come Till I cut it all off ♪ 227 00:13:08,375 --> 00:13:11,035 Mm. It's seasoned already, honey. 228 00:13:12,791 --> 00:13:13,831 Mm-hm. 229 00:13:13,916 --> 00:13:15,076 Okay. 230 00:13:16,000 --> 00:13:16,830 Mm. 231 00:13:17,625 --> 00:13:18,455 Tasty. 232 00:13:27,375 --> 00:13:30,825 Colin, you ever hear of a thing called decision fatigue? 233 00:13:32,416 --> 00:13:33,246 What's that? 234 00:13:35,333 --> 00:13:37,713 Well, the brain is like a muscle, right? 235 00:13:38,791 --> 00:13:41,711 The more you use a muscle, the more tired it gets. 236 00:13:44,500 --> 00:13:45,330 Okay. 237 00:13:46,250 --> 00:13:51,790 Well, I think you're wasting your brain energy on hairstyles. 238 00:13:53,791 --> 00:13:56,251 -My brain energy? -Yeah. 239 00:13:56,333 --> 00:13:57,633 Mm. 240 00:13:57,708 --> 00:14:01,168 You don't wanna get decision fatigue because you're thinking about your hair, 241 00:14:01,250 --> 00:14:03,290 or what to wear, or anything like that. 242 00:14:03,375 --> 00:14:06,665 You need your brain to focus on more important things. 243 00:14:07,333 --> 00:14:09,173 I don't have decision fatigue. 244 00:14:09,250 --> 00:14:10,460 Mm... 245 00:14:12,458 --> 00:14:16,458 From now on, we want you to get your hair done by professionals. 246 00:14:16,541 --> 00:14:20,081 No more of this going rogue business. You don't just go to someone's house. 247 00:14:20,166 --> 00:14:21,996 They probably don't even have a license. 248 00:14:22,083 --> 00:14:25,503 Let me add, I think we should just get your hair cut low. 249 00:14:25,583 --> 00:14:27,423 You won't have to think about it. 250 00:14:27,500 --> 00:14:31,790 I mean, one of the reasons Michael Jordan accomplished so much is because he's bald. 251 00:14:31,875 --> 00:14:32,955 Mm. 252 00:14:33,041 --> 00:14:35,631 I bet you could get to SuperCuts tonight if you hurry. 253 00:14:35,708 --> 00:14:37,788 That's a terrific idea. 254 00:14:37,875 --> 00:14:38,785 SuperCuts. 255 00:14:38,875 --> 00:14:40,915 [Teresa] He has a million things to worry about. 256 00:14:41,000 --> 00:14:43,670 -Hair doesn't have to be one of them. -So, it's settled. 257 00:14:44,375 --> 00:14:45,495 I'll take him after dinner. 258 00:14:50,125 --> 00:14:51,495 [hip-hop music playing] 259 00:15:09,708 --> 00:15:13,038 You already know what it is. They want war, so they invade Afghanistan. 260 00:15:13,125 --> 00:15:15,625 They wanna spy on us, so they give us the Patriot Act. 261 00:15:15,708 --> 00:15:17,628 They wanna control who gets to be American, 262 00:15:17,708 --> 00:15:19,378 so they create Homeland Security. 263 00:15:19,458 --> 00:15:21,038 -I know that's right. -Hey, Shawn. 264 00:15:21,583 --> 00:15:22,463 Hey. 265 00:15:23,791 --> 00:15:24,671 Patrice. 266 00:15:24,750 --> 00:15:25,580 Hey. 267 00:15:32,791 --> 00:15:35,211 -What's going on with you? -Not too much. 268 00:15:35,291 --> 00:15:36,211 Um... 269 00:15:37,166 --> 00:15:37,996 A question. 270 00:15:39,958 --> 00:15:45,328 You know that hairstyle that, uh, Black people like? It looks like ropes? 271 00:15:45,416 --> 00:15:48,326 And they hang off the back of your head. 272 00:15:48,875 --> 00:15:49,705 You know? 273 00:15:50,208 --> 00:15:51,958 You know? What's that singer? Um... 274 00:15:52,666 --> 00:15:53,496 You know, uh... 275 00:15:55,250 --> 00:15:58,750 ♪ Every little time Gonna be all right ♪ 276 00:16:00,416 --> 00:16:03,496 Um, you like basketball, right? 277 00:16:04,541 --> 00:16:05,791 Uh... 278 00:16:05,875 --> 00:16:07,035 Do you know, um... 279 00:16:08,916 --> 00:16:11,536 where I can get my son's hair done like this? 280 00:16:14,041 --> 00:16:15,171 Cornrows. 281 00:16:17,333 --> 00:16:20,043 -That's what they're called. -That's what they're called. 282 00:16:22,541 --> 00:16:26,791 Can you help me out? I'm sorry. I don't know what I'm doing. 283 00:16:28,000 --> 00:16:28,830 Yeah. 284 00:16:30,916 --> 00:16:32,416 I can help you with that. 285 00:16:43,250 --> 00:16:46,750 Oh, but I thought you said we were going to a barber shop? 286 00:16:46,833 --> 00:16:47,673 Yeah. Come on. 287 00:16:50,083 --> 00:16:51,633 ["They Want Efx" playing] 288 00:16:54,875 --> 00:16:56,205 [chattering] 289 00:17:00,333 --> 00:17:01,713 Whoa. 290 00:17:01,791 --> 00:17:05,421 ♪ Bum stiggedy, bum stiggedy bum, hon I got the old pa-rum-pum-pum-pum ♪ 291 00:17:05,500 --> 00:17:07,790 ♪ But I can fe-fi-fo Diddly-fum, here I come ♪ 292 00:17:07,875 --> 00:17:10,325 ♪ So Peter Piper I'm hyper than Pinocchio's nose ♪ 293 00:17:10,416 --> 00:17:12,166 ♪ I'm a supercalafragilistic Tic-Tac pro ♪ 294 00:17:12,250 --> 00:17:15,250 ♪ I gave my oopsy, daisy Now you've got the crazy ♪ 295 00:17:15,333 --> 00:17:16,503 ♪ Crazy with the books... ♪ 296 00:17:16,583 --> 00:17:21,673 [Colin] All right. I know I look amazed, but you have to understand something. 297 00:17:21,750 --> 00:17:24,630 I'd never been anywhere like this before. 298 00:17:24,708 --> 00:17:26,578 It felt like... me. 299 00:17:29,125 --> 00:17:32,415 Let me share a story with you that's not told enough. 300 00:17:32,500 --> 00:17:37,170 During a hot summer in the Bronx, back in 1973, 301 00:17:37,250 --> 00:17:42,630 a young teenage immigrant from Jamaica was discovering his love of music. 302 00:17:42,708 --> 00:17:45,628 ["Give It Up or Turn It a Loose" playing over headphones] 303 00:17:51,083 --> 00:17:53,293 -Don't you have homework to do? -Huh? 304 00:17:53,375 --> 00:17:56,495 -Homework, Clive. -Hold on, Pop. The break about to drop. 305 00:17:58,750 --> 00:18:00,080 [music stops] 306 00:18:02,916 --> 00:18:05,666 It's cool. The breakbeat's too short anyway. 307 00:18:05,750 --> 00:18:08,830 Every party I throw, people go crazy over the breaks. 308 00:18:08,916 --> 00:18:10,706 How was school, Clive? 309 00:18:11,375 --> 00:18:14,875 School is school, Pops. It's boring since they canceled the music program. 310 00:18:14,958 --> 00:18:16,288 You get enough music at home. 311 00:18:16,375 --> 00:18:19,625 Right now, there's nothing more important than your education. 312 00:18:19,708 --> 00:18:21,998 -Got it? -Yes, sir. 313 00:18:24,625 --> 00:18:25,705 Here. 314 00:18:27,916 --> 00:18:32,496 You play it so much, I figure you need a backup. 315 00:18:35,750 --> 00:18:37,000 Do your homework. 316 00:18:37,875 --> 00:18:39,075 I'll see you later. 317 00:18:40,416 --> 00:18:41,326 Right. 318 00:18:53,416 --> 00:18:56,416 ["Give It Up or Turn It a Loose" playing over speaker] 319 00:18:57,416 --> 00:18:58,536 ♪ Clap your hands ♪ 320 00:18:59,500 --> 00:19:01,250 ♪ Stomp the beat, Clyde... ♪ 321 00:19:25,000 --> 00:19:27,670 [Colin] This young man's name was Clive Campbell, 322 00:19:27,750 --> 00:19:33,290 but he would soon become the legendary DJ Kool Herc. 323 00:19:33,375 --> 00:19:35,995 As obvious as it may seem today, 324 00:19:36,083 --> 00:19:41,083 it was the first time anyone had mixed the breakbeat of the same song. 325 00:19:41,166 --> 00:19:46,626 Herc called it The Merry-Go-Round, and everybody loved it. 326 00:19:46,708 --> 00:19:51,288 In fact, they loved it so much, it became a movement. 327 00:19:51,375 --> 00:19:53,825 ["I Know You Got Soul" playing] 328 00:19:53,916 --> 00:19:55,666 ♪ You got it I know you got soul ♪ 329 00:19:59,458 --> 00:20:00,458 ♪ Hey ♪ 330 00:20:02,916 --> 00:20:05,956 [Colin] From the music, came the dancing. 331 00:20:07,166 --> 00:20:09,166 And the clothes. 332 00:20:10,458 --> 00:20:14,038 And the hair. And the art. 333 00:20:14,625 --> 00:20:16,825 But not everybody embraced the vibe. 334 00:20:17,583 --> 00:20:21,463 In 2005, the NBA implemented a dress code. 335 00:20:22,208 --> 00:20:25,328 Because one man was helping bring it to the masses. 336 00:20:26,250 --> 00:20:29,130 I don't have to tell you who that one man was, do I? 337 00:20:29,208 --> 00:20:31,878 [Iverson] I don't wanna be Michael Jordan. I don't wanna be Magic. 338 00:20:31,958 --> 00:20:35,328 I don't wanna be Bird or Isaiah. I don't wanna be any of those guys. 339 00:20:35,416 --> 00:20:36,496 When my career is over, 340 00:20:36,583 --> 00:20:39,173 I'm gonna look in the mirror and say, "I did it my way." 341 00:20:41,291 --> 00:20:44,581 Hip-hop was conceived and raised by rebels. 342 00:20:44,666 --> 00:20:46,876 Who wouldn't wanna be a part of that? 343 00:20:52,250 --> 00:20:54,710 Well, now, this can't be the right place. 344 00:20:56,083 --> 00:20:58,963 Hi. Hi. Hi. 345 00:20:59,041 --> 00:21:01,581 Um, is there a barber shop nearby? 346 00:21:01,666 --> 00:21:03,916 'Cause this is the address that I was given. 347 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:05,580 Shop's in the back. 348 00:21:09,291 --> 00:21:10,581 [hip-hop music playing] 349 00:21:12,375 --> 00:21:15,875 I didn't even tell you. I tried to get a fade at one of them franchise spots? 350 00:21:15,958 --> 00:21:17,458 -What? -You mean a white shop? 351 00:21:18,416 --> 00:21:22,036 -Come on, man. You tried to cheat on me? -I was in a hurry, and I needed a cut. 352 00:21:22,125 --> 00:21:24,915 [Erica] Wow. You know I'm the only person for the job. Come on, now. 353 00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:26,420 [Reggie] Ooh, I know. 354 00:21:27,291 --> 00:21:29,211 Yeah. This looks good. 355 00:21:29,291 --> 00:21:30,791 [barber] Hey, man. Who next? 356 00:21:30,875 --> 00:21:31,955 Here you go. 357 00:21:34,708 --> 00:21:37,038 -All right. See y'all next week. -All right. Peace, Reggie. 358 00:21:37,125 --> 00:21:38,575 [speaking indistinctly] 359 00:21:40,875 --> 00:21:43,075 -[Erica] You must be Colin. -Yeah. 360 00:21:43,166 --> 00:21:45,536 -Hi. -And your mom? 361 00:21:45,625 --> 00:21:47,495 -Yeah. -[Erica] You called me, right? 362 00:21:47,583 --> 00:21:49,253 You want me to bless shorty like the boy AI? 363 00:21:49,333 --> 00:21:54,253 Oh. No, he-- He wants braids, like Allen Iverson. 364 00:21:54,333 --> 00:21:55,833 That's what I said. 365 00:21:58,541 --> 00:22:00,041 Come on, Colin. Let's get it. 366 00:22:00,791 --> 00:22:02,581 Really? Braids? 367 00:22:03,416 --> 00:22:04,286 Go on. 368 00:22:08,041 --> 00:22:10,131 [Erica] You can relax, Mom. It's gonna be a minute. 369 00:22:11,375 --> 00:22:12,205 Okay. 370 00:22:16,916 --> 00:22:18,286 [Erica] All right, you ready? 371 00:22:21,333 --> 00:22:22,293 Well? 372 00:22:24,166 --> 00:22:25,286 I like it. 373 00:22:25,375 --> 00:22:27,165 Oh, that's it? You like it? 374 00:22:27,250 --> 00:22:29,330 -You don't love it? -I love it. 375 00:22:29,416 --> 00:22:31,576 Yeah. That's better. 376 00:22:31,666 --> 00:22:33,496 You know how to take care of it? 377 00:22:33,583 --> 00:22:34,543 No. 378 00:22:35,125 --> 00:22:37,535 All right. Come on. Let's go get you some products. 379 00:22:40,833 --> 00:22:42,173 You all right, Mom? 380 00:22:43,625 --> 00:22:45,495 I'm fine. He looks great. 381 00:22:45,583 --> 00:22:46,713 Thanks. 382 00:22:46,791 --> 00:22:48,831 Your first time around this many Black people? 383 00:22:49,500 --> 00:22:51,670 No. No, I'm fine-- It's-- I'm... 384 00:22:53,875 --> 00:22:55,165 -Fine. -Mm-hm. 385 00:22:55,666 --> 00:22:58,246 Look. My number's on here. 386 00:22:58,333 --> 00:23:01,293 If he can't catch me here at the shop, try me at the crib. 387 00:23:01,375 --> 00:23:03,575 -It's a little more private. -[Teresa] Thank you. 388 00:23:03,666 --> 00:23:04,956 What can I get you? 389 00:23:06,125 --> 00:23:07,285 Yeah. 390 00:23:07,375 --> 00:23:11,375 They gonna need some shea butter, a couple of those essential oils, 391 00:23:11,458 --> 00:23:14,128 about three or four satin durags, 392 00:23:14,208 --> 00:23:17,578 I'm thinkin' some spray bottles, moisturizer. 393 00:23:19,000 --> 00:23:20,330 That shampoo. 394 00:23:20,416 --> 00:23:23,246 Let's see. Yeah, make sure you get him some tea tree oil too, 395 00:23:23,333 --> 00:23:26,633 for the scalp, rub that on the braids. 396 00:23:26,708 --> 00:23:28,168 Okey-doke. 397 00:23:31,250 --> 00:23:33,000 You'll get the hang of it. Don't trip. 398 00:23:33,083 --> 00:23:35,253 -[register dinging] -["Cot Damn" playing] 399 00:23:37,291 --> 00:23:38,961 ♪ It's a new day ♪ 400 00:23:39,041 --> 00:23:40,251 [school bell ringing] 401 00:23:41,041 --> 00:23:43,131 [Colin] Look, I'm not even gonna front. 402 00:23:43,208 --> 00:23:44,458 When I got my hair braided, 403 00:23:44,541 --> 00:23:47,751 my swag went from zero to 100 real quick. 404 00:23:49,166 --> 00:23:51,416 Your boy was feeling pristine. 405 00:23:52,250 --> 00:23:54,210 [school bell ringing] 406 00:23:54,291 --> 00:23:55,581 You know how you were a kid, 407 00:23:55,666 --> 00:24:00,286 and you'd get a new pair of shoes and you just know you can run faster? 408 00:24:00,375 --> 00:24:04,165 Well, cornrows made me feel like I was faster on the football field... 409 00:24:04,958 --> 00:24:08,458 -[school bell ringing] -...jumping higher on the basketball court 410 00:24:08,541 --> 00:24:11,921 and feeling confident about my skills. Doing the most. 411 00:24:12,000 --> 00:24:15,920 Everything but paying attention to the deterioration of my braids. 412 00:24:16,000 --> 00:24:18,670 -In this moment, I felt invincible. -[school bell ringing] 413 00:24:18,750 --> 00:24:20,750 I was the man. The world was my-- 414 00:24:20,833 --> 00:24:24,133 Boy, you need some moisturizer or somethin', because your hair is a mess. 415 00:24:25,708 --> 00:24:30,748 [Colin] I mean, yeah, over time, I noticed some frizz, but... damn! 416 00:24:30,833 --> 00:24:32,333 That was brutal. 417 00:24:32,416 --> 00:24:35,826 -I tried to use the recommended products. -["Park Bench People" playing] 418 00:24:35,916 --> 00:24:38,956 But nothing brought back that fresh feeling. 419 00:24:39,041 --> 00:24:41,251 I guess it was time to get braided again. 420 00:24:42,833 --> 00:24:45,923 Hi. Yeah. It's-- It's Colin. 421 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:48,250 I was wondering if you-- If you could get me in. 422 00:24:49,125 --> 00:24:52,415 ♪ I see an old man Sittin' on a park bench ♪ 423 00:24:52,500 --> 00:24:56,000 ♪ Lookin' in the skies when He can see the mouth-stench ♪ 424 00:24:57,250 --> 00:25:00,670 ♪ Of the range of the people Walkin' and talkin' nonsense ♪ 425 00:25:02,958 --> 00:25:07,208 ♪ In the park I see a man sittin' there ♪ 426 00:25:07,291 --> 00:25:10,541 ♪ With a newspaper Under his head and hair, I think... ♪ 427 00:25:11,583 --> 00:25:14,213 -It's 3657, right? -Yeah. This is-- For sure. 428 00:25:18,041 --> 00:25:19,581 [doorbell rings] 429 00:25:22,750 --> 00:25:24,670 How long do you think this is gonna last? 430 00:25:25,791 --> 00:25:27,501 What, the braids? 431 00:25:28,083 --> 00:25:29,463 All of it. 432 00:25:32,375 --> 00:25:34,205 Hey. Y'all made it. 433 00:25:34,291 --> 00:25:35,881 -Hi. -Hey. 434 00:25:36,458 --> 00:25:37,668 Hi. Come on in. 435 00:25:52,416 --> 00:25:54,326 We just got done eatin'. Y'all hungry? 436 00:25:54,416 --> 00:25:55,536 -Yeah. -No, thanks. 437 00:25:55,625 --> 00:25:57,075 Um, I'll have some. 438 00:25:58,916 --> 00:26:00,326 -Please. -Okay. 439 00:26:03,166 --> 00:26:05,996 [Teresa] He's at the age where he eats all day. 440 00:26:08,750 --> 00:26:10,500 -Can I have this? -[Erica] Yeah. 441 00:26:14,125 --> 00:26:16,325 -[young Colin] Thank you. -[Erica] All right. 442 00:26:16,416 --> 00:26:19,416 You can sit on the floor. Eat while I do your hair. 443 00:26:19,500 --> 00:26:20,750 Mm-hm. 444 00:26:36,125 --> 00:26:39,285 You're gonna want salt and pepper though. He puts it on everything. 445 00:26:39,375 --> 00:26:41,995 No, no. This doesn't need it. This is good. 446 00:26:46,458 --> 00:26:50,628 ["Area Codes" playing on TV] -♪ 3-1-2, 3-1-3, 2-1-5, 8-0-3 ♪ 447 00:26:50,708 --> 00:26:53,248 ♪ Read your horoscope And eat some hors d'oeuvres ♪ 448 00:26:53,333 --> 00:26:55,793 ♪ Ten on pump one These hoes is self serve ♪ 449 00:26:55,875 --> 00:26:59,375 ♪ 7-5-7, 4-1-0 My cell phone just overloads ♪ 450 00:26:59,458 --> 00:27:01,878 ♪ I've got hoes ♪ 451 00:27:01,958 --> 00:27:03,958 ♪ I've got hoes ♪ 452 00:27:04,041 --> 00:27:05,331 ♪ In different area codes... ♪ 453 00:27:05,416 --> 00:27:08,246 I'm gonna run a few errands, so I'll be back in a couple hours. 454 00:27:11,958 --> 00:27:12,918 All right. 455 00:27:18,750 --> 00:27:20,290 ♪ I've got hoes ♪ 456 00:27:20,375 --> 00:27:23,825 ♪ 9-1-6, 4-1-5, 7-0-4 ♪ 457 00:27:28,375 --> 00:27:33,035 [Colin] I was back, feeling fresh, focused, and strong. 458 00:27:40,708 --> 00:27:42,668 -[boy 1] Nice job. -[boy 2] There you go. 459 00:27:42,750 --> 00:27:44,790 What's up with Kaepernick? 460 00:27:44,875 --> 00:27:46,495 That's a nice arm on him, huh? 461 00:27:46,583 --> 00:27:48,833 I'm talking about the hair. Jesus. 462 00:27:48,916 --> 00:27:50,206 Glove down, would ya? 463 00:27:51,500 --> 00:27:52,630 What about it? 464 00:27:53,708 --> 00:27:56,458 What--? Are you looking at what I'm looking at? 465 00:27:56,541 --> 00:28:00,461 Something climbing out the back of his hat. That is not acceptable. 466 00:28:00,541 --> 00:28:05,211 [Colin] But what I didn't realize is what one person embraces, 467 00:28:05,291 --> 00:28:07,331 another person despises. 468 00:28:08,791 --> 00:28:09,711 Whew! 469 00:28:18,666 --> 00:28:21,206 Mom said your baseball coach called today. 470 00:28:23,083 --> 00:28:24,003 About what? 471 00:28:26,416 --> 00:28:27,996 They want you to cut your hair. 472 00:28:29,416 --> 00:28:30,456 [snickers] 473 00:28:30,541 --> 00:28:31,381 What? 474 00:28:34,125 --> 00:28:36,785 You have to cut your hair if you're gonna stay on the team. 475 00:28:39,125 --> 00:28:41,915 Oh. You're-- You're joking, right? 476 00:28:42,000 --> 00:28:45,210 This is about your "brain energy" thing or whatever? 477 00:28:45,291 --> 00:28:46,881 It's a team rule, Colin. 478 00:28:47,666 --> 00:28:50,286 -What team rule? -Well, it makes sense. 479 00:28:51,166 --> 00:28:53,916 Truth be told, you do look unprofessional. 480 00:28:54,000 --> 00:28:55,830 Unprofessional? 481 00:28:55,916 --> 00:28:58,326 Why am I supposed to look professional? 482 00:28:59,625 --> 00:29:01,035 I'm 14. I'm a kid. 483 00:29:01,125 --> 00:29:03,995 Okay. Rules are rules. 484 00:29:04,833 --> 00:29:05,883 What rule? 485 00:29:07,375 --> 00:29:08,915 I play on that team every year, 486 00:29:09,000 --> 00:29:11,040 -and I've never heard of this. -[Teresa] Well... 487 00:29:12,166 --> 00:29:15,786 if you wanna play this year, you'll do what your coaches say. 488 00:29:22,166 --> 00:29:23,626 You guys won't talk to them? 489 00:29:24,875 --> 00:29:27,165 You think they should change the rules for you? 490 00:29:27,250 --> 00:29:30,380 No, but it's a stupid rule, whatever it is. 491 00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:33,630 -You're cutting your hair, Colin. -I don't want to. 492 00:29:33,708 --> 00:29:35,078 -Too bad. -Why? 493 00:29:35,166 --> 00:29:37,036 We told you. It's a team rule. 494 00:29:37,125 --> 00:29:40,165 -But why? -Because you look like a thug. 495 00:29:44,541 --> 00:29:45,501 What? 496 00:29:55,958 --> 00:29:57,628 [Colin] What is a thug? 497 00:29:59,958 --> 00:30:01,668 The earliest use of the word "thug" 498 00:30:01,750 --> 00:30:04,000 described a religious group called Thuggee, 499 00:30:04,083 --> 00:30:06,043 who worshiped the god Kali. 500 00:30:06,125 --> 00:30:09,245 If you've seen Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, 501 00:30:09,333 --> 00:30:12,173 you've seen the Western world's depiction of the Thuggee. 502 00:30:12,250 --> 00:30:13,460 [screaming] 503 00:30:16,208 --> 00:30:19,418 But I'm sure that's not what's meant when someone's called a thug today. 504 00:30:21,916 --> 00:30:24,916 So let's take a look at a more contemporary definition. 505 00:30:25,583 --> 00:30:27,213 A quick Google search will tell you 506 00:30:27,291 --> 00:30:29,421 that a thug is described as a violent person, 507 00:30:29,500 --> 00:30:30,880 especially a criminal. 508 00:30:30,958 --> 00:30:34,078 A ruffian, hoodlum, bully. 509 00:30:34,166 --> 00:30:38,826 Examples of this would be a Nazi or a skinhead. Even some politicians. 510 00:30:38,916 --> 00:30:41,666 Very fine people on both sides. 511 00:30:41,750 --> 00:30:46,000 When you see these thugs-- I said, "Please don't be too nice." 512 00:30:46,083 --> 00:30:48,543 No one's looking online for the definition of a thug. 513 00:30:48,625 --> 00:30:52,285 The medium that informs us more than any other is television. 514 00:30:52,958 --> 00:30:55,958 So let's take a look at how TV defines the word. 515 00:30:56,041 --> 00:30:58,211 I wanna get your response to some violence 516 00:30:58,291 --> 00:31:02,331 outside events of yours that's committed by people opposed to you. 517 00:31:02,416 --> 00:31:04,996 -By thugs. By thugs. -What is your message--? 518 00:31:05,083 --> 00:31:06,793 -No justice! -[all] No peace! 519 00:31:06,875 --> 00:31:08,455 -No racist! -[all] Police! 520 00:31:08,541 --> 00:31:12,331 [Trump] And that wasn't-- Remember this. That wasn't friendly protesters. 521 00:31:13,166 --> 00:31:16,206 They were thugs. They were thugs. 522 00:31:17,250 --> 00:31:19,000 So I guess that's what it is. 523 00:31:19,083 --> 00:31:22,923 Some people get called thugs just for standing up for their human rights. 524 00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:26,210 While others get called more polite terms. 525 00:31:26,291 --> 00:31:28,421 [reporter 1] I've seen officers with their guns drawn 526 00:31:28,500 --> 00:31:32,540 in a confrontation with these people who have entered the capital. 527 00:31:32,625 --> 00:31:35,915 [reporter 2] This is a huge victory for these protesters. 528 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:37,330 I know your pain. 529 00:31:37,416 --> 00:31:41,626 [all] Heave-ho! Heave-ho! 530 00:31:41,708 --> 00:31:45,628 -I know you're hurt. -[all] Hang Mike Pence! Hang Mike Pence! 531 00:31:45,708 --> 00:31:49,328 [Trump] We love you. You're very special. 532 00:31:49,416 --> 00:31:50,956 But they think I'm a thug? 533 00:31:51,041 --> 00:31:53,331 Not because I'm a violent criminal. 534 00:31:54,625 --> 00:31:56,415 Because they said so. 535 00:31:56,500 --> 00:31:59,130 [Rick] You have to play by the rules, Colin. 536 00:32:00,291 --> 00:32:04,081 Your mother and I would not tell you to do something if it wasn't okay. 537 00:32:04,166 --> 00:32:04,996 Right? 538 00:32:07,166 --> 00:32:08,746 If it wasn't for your own good. 539 00:32:19,083 --> 00:32:20,083 Okay. 540 00:32:28,416 --> 00:32:31,456 [Colin] After that, I didn't get braids again 541 00:32:31,541 --> 00:32:33,921 for another 14 years. 542 00:32:36,083 --> 00:32:37,793 I never felt good about it. 543 00:32:40,291 --> 00:32:41,791 I knew it wasn't right. 544 00:32:43,791 --> 00:32:48,001 But I didn't have the knowledge, wisdom, or language to fight back. 545 00:32:50,458 --> 00:32:53,168 I couldn't rebel because I didn't know how. 546 00:32:56,750 --> 00:32:57,750 But now? 547 00:33:01,500 --> 00:33:02,830 Now I know how. 548 00:33:03,750 --> 00:33:04,880 And I will. 549 00:33:04,958 --> 00:33:06,378 [upbeat music playing]