Remember, he started out being a blacksmith.

​@@tedmossIs that why he's strong enough to slam a railspike flat with one swing?

​@@stephenbyrne2170yes that's what they said

Hard to really know. Hard to know whats myth and whats real. For the longest time historians didnt even think the story was real at all but then some new evidence came out. But we even struggle knowing whats true about people whove had a lot written about him. What we knoe about John isnt much outside of the tall tale. But really he symbolically represents all the free black wortkers of the time. Or deeper than that he represents all poor American workers and human ability, man triumphing over machines. I think thats what really matters

Don't forget paul and babe

No

Thor CANNOT lift John Henry's hammer!

He is not worthy

Thor can’t handle the power

Whether he could or not he still would beat him in a race 😝

Along with a beyond epic song.

Ok

White Americans made America what it is .

My post wasn't to be taken literally, i meant hard working men and women of the day made America.

@@jjesse8707 - Yeah. They sure did. We need to work to fix that.

John Henry is the kind of man that made America...period. A slave?

Uh huh. 😯

Black men know there history can dominate the world

@@nathanielhunter1795 What is "Black" ... We are ADOS.

EXTREME

@@nathanielhunter1795 He didn't actually make hammers out of his chains lol

I’m gonna have to disagree with you 10:45 is the greatest quote

It's almost as good as _"I'm a bad storyteller..."_

@@zachsmith4303 taking down Giants 11:01 and incredible Testimony and Incredible People who made it Possible for our USA 🇺🇸 and Hammer 🔨 Down! EVRAZ Russia 🇷🇺 EVRAZ Chicago Illinois USA 🇺🇸 and Thors Hammer 🔨 and PoliticiaL Ping Pong 🏓 and Ohhh man Kind

Theres always a bigger hammer

I feel like this is how employment should work, just show up, make a bet, and get hired.

Amen. If I had a dad like that I would have grown up an entirely different person.

@@VinnyMartello Theres still personal choice. We are born male but we are men by choice.

I agree with you. I had to learn how to grow up to be a man. It just took a lot longer that I would have liked it to. I’m proud to say I’ve made some good choices with my life. But it wasn’t until I knew the choices even existed. Being raised to be an ignorant schmuck is a curse. But I got out of it!

If you're black. Just saying.

My father, all of 5'6" is a giant of a man and the most loving, caring, hardest-working, and honest-to-God patriot whoever I've come across. I only pray I'm half the man he is.

@UMN Mode 10:00 Man vs. Machine!

He's great, but I'd have liked to have Seen Michael Clarke Duncan do it.

@@wrlord me too he would've been perfect

No he doesn't. He's speaking in 3rd person. He said he was a free slave when that sort of thing called slavery was going on. And John Henry looks like a bear compared to this actor.

I've been doing the same in grade four, so happy to see another educator using this video :)

Your comment made me miss being in school. And I am 32 years old, lol. Thank you for caring as much as you do and loving your job. Your power and influence has encouraged and blossomed many amazing kids into this world, and you could never be thanked enough for that. I mean I don't even know you, but this one comment is really all the proof one would need. As well as all the other teachers that cared.

You are a very attractive lady

Hats off to all you teachers! I'm 37 now and this was one of my favorite books as a child in school. I'm a dad now and have introduced this tale along with Abiyoyo to my daughters.

Thank God for teachers like you, I think every kid needs to see this

Facts

Same

So true

Same

John Henry was a real person.

Ethan Bruh Moment that’s makes him even stronger he survived going through a mountain beat a machine human are no push overs

I did not even know about this story till now but is now my favorite to

Wrong comment

Now you know the truth. John Henry didn't die that day.

Yup same story I read in the book.

Andrew Wilson First, I'd like to note that I whole heartedly agree. Second, I'm curious to find out what it says of me; that when I'm needing to do a bunch of work (job work, labor work, house work what have you) I do the most and at my best solo. I have a habbit of literally kicking people out of rooms or buildings so I can complete my tasks thoroughly... even if it is something like cooking, no one is allowed in my kitchen area during major events like holidays or gatherings. I know its odd, but I don't really care. Everyone jokes that I just don't play well with others, but I'm fairly social and agreeable (most of the time). For instance people could sit over at the dining table and chat with me... just don't cross the threshold... I have never really figured out why I need so much space or solitude for project completion.

Andrew Wilson Are you referring to when he was working for free as a Slave?

@Mr. & Mrs Smith I like yours MUCH more than the OP's quote. We need to stop defining other people by how much they work, but by how they behave.

INTEGRITY. a virtue that will never die

@@denaturner8871 I mean it's kinda a dick move because your literally kicking people out just so they don't look while your doing stuff.

Watch "Come back Dad". He plays the lead's Father's brother. He is excellent in it. It is free on KZfaq movies.

I'm looking now I love this man he is awesome

He's pretty established actor. Underrated.

Agreed, thought he was gonna die at the end of this one

@@rotzloffel correct because he was a real person

I’m pretty sure that’s what FDR said when they came up with the nukes

@ered203 You're mistaken it's a texas saying.

Yup built off the back of a Black Man

@@natking1u1z99 I'm a Hispanic man. I've seen my share of bigotry and hate. We need to see more films on the silver screen, not just short stories which depict incredible, larger than life efforts by minorities! Just like you said ... Who's back breaking work continue to drive this country forward. (Granted this story is based on a "tall tale" ... They do say all legends are based on some sort of factual events!)

@@natking1u1z99 Irish and Chinese built most of the trans-continental railroad in America. You will be better served to escape from your race based mind.

There are some who argue Paul Bunyan was based on a real man, or a collection of men who grew together into one legend.

That's love baby. A real hero

I agree 100%

Amen. Preach it.

that's because capitalism prefers it when workers fight one another, rather than the system that exploits them all

I wish it were the case, but there was much division between races when they were building the railroads. Of course not everyone was like that, but it was common to see racist mentalities among the workers themselves and their employers.

@@jamie_mkv not so sure about that one, but okay.

19th century, actually. The 18th century was the 1700s, the 19th century was the 1800s, the 20th century was the 1900s, the 21st century (where we are now) is the 2000s.

@@CamWooster shut up meg

Well he lived in the late 1800’s so i imagine so it’s the 19th century

I think think Thor is actually 21st century white John Henry

@@CamWooster the rail roads went under construction in the late 19th century not the 18th

not sure if you already knew but its called Grit, Sweat & Love and is very good indeed!

No I know but I just like watching this adaptation of the story too, very nostalgic.

Thank you, Jinn Henry...

That sounds wrong but so right.

This sounds like a one liner thor would've said

*And there's ALWAYS someone who is WORTHY just waiting to pick up that hammer (NO MATTER THE SIZE) because it ain't the size of the hammer.......it's the SIZE OF THE MAN'S HEART who's using the hammer!!!!!!!!! ~ Neither Thor Odinson nor John Henry came up with THAT....... I DID. Hello, my name's Benjamin "Rockin Matt" Tielking and DON'T YOU EVER FORGET IT.*

@@benjamintielking4093 the day you bust a whole through a mountain then I will remember lol

Stacey Means which is what the John Henry story/song is actually about. Steam power overtaking manpower.

@Stacey Means: "cold, uncaring progress." More like "progress" perverted into _regress,_ in the above case by the corporatist regressives perverting technology right out of the gate. Machines are (i.e., _technology_ is) for _people,_ not the other way around, see. This lesson from John Henry is timelessly relevant forevermore.

I think the spike driver of thst train was the devil himself. did you noticed he never spoke but had thise cold dark shades on. John Henry knew who he was and made a bet to beat him at his own game and had two oversized weapons( Big Boy hammers) to defeat him with.

The glasses on the guys face is so smoke doesn't get in his eyes

@@brennenseibert6708 : Does the devil eat sherbert ice-cream? ???

Hi dear

Pesco bill

@@tfordham13 Pecos Bill, we are not paying an electric bill!

Shining Darkness They don’t want you to hear stories of empowered working people. That’s a powerful thing.

@UMN Mode These stories used to be told through families and even in schools when I was quite young, but the new modern indoctrination agenda wants to snuff out these stories of independence and grit. Because that would inspire children to work and fight for a future of their own. Free from relying on anyone else, and you cant have that if you're going to make everyone a good little slave.

@@PMMillard Kids are fighting for their future, but older people won't listen or tell them to shut up. So piss off, if you thinks kids are slaves, you're the slave.

@CarFreak did I say this one isn't? No. Go back to school and learn how to read. I said "like this one."

I love you

hahaha I wanna be your friend lol

Its a spike maul

@@drewblood325 aight

Bruh. Let's get a beer

A little more accurate than most.

waddy I work maintenance at the school I went to k-12 and I recently found the old film slide projector that my teacher showed us the story of John Henry Paul Bunyan and many others still in the box. I really want to see if it works after watching this more than before.

Ive spent 3 hours searching to remember the name of this man

@@Beer-can_full_of_toes im in k-12

I been swinging a pick and it made me think about it lol

waddy I haven't heard it since... I dont even know its been so long

harold danny Odin: free real estate.

Well, Thor moved from a hammer to an axe, John just made his hammers into an axe for his boy.

He wasn't "worthy" but he had the strength.

The legends are wrong it was infact odin who came to earth to collect one of John's hammer for his son thor

Chris Landry what’s wrong with John Henry?

Zachary Flynn the top part of his sledge hammer was mjolnir.

John Henry forged Thor's hammer.

Raputin?

@@fearlesssolar8474 - Umm - your comment would be much wittier if you got the name right! It's Rasputin. :)

1) mighty not powerful 2) aye you saw that Disney short film too!

@@ToxicChicken69 i too remember it as "powerful" but was shocked when i saw it recently. Mandela Effect is real.

"I heard John's momma liked to see at night, so he pulled down the moon for a little bit of light. Took a lot of cooking to keep John fed, 10 dozen eggs and 8 loaves of bread."

Couldn't agree more, it's sad that some kids don't have that father figure, or they may have the wrong type of father figure with bad influences, the only thing I have to say to other kids who don't have a father figure, become your own figure, a figure better than your father and a figure you want your kids to be proud of.

Just remember the teachings of john and other greats like him. He might not be your biological father, but you can still follow him as a father.

Ste B i dont even have a dad •_•

@@yungblud9267 did u have a father figure? A man you could look up to for guidance?

Ste B no he left when i was 2 :/

Yup, one of the most powerful true-American stories out there

Integrity

Agreed

True the song rocks.

agreed! I will be looking to see what else Mr. Nicholas Kirk has done. the music is the perfect polish for this tall tale of an amazing man and father.

I stand corrected. I misread the section listing the artist/singer. they're called The Brothers Bright featuring Eugene H. Russell Iv. like what I heard. wanna hear more!

His heart burst, but yeah, he usually died with his wife and newborn son next to him, with his hammer in his hand, just like he said.

You guys are so right

A man deserves to live to celebrate his greatest achievement.

Well, he had built his life around never giving up. Dying would have been a way of giving up. Besides, he had to keep going as an example to his son.

As much as I like an ending where he lives, I think the ending where he dies is more powerful. Despite knowing he would probably work himself to death he kept going not just for his family, but for every man who worked on that rail road. He knew that if he lost or gave up they would all be replaced by that machine and be put out of work. He swung his hammer for all of them.

Amen.

This film should have a mandatory viewing in schools. Everytime I watch it i weep.

Cool thing is, he makes a cameo in the equalizer

Me too

Jordan Peele is making movies showing black people doing things black people do. Not gang banging or hustling or any of that pop culture racist depictions. But regular things regular people do regularly.

jennifer valerio . I did not see any race. I saw actual actors playing an actual part that portrays actual characters.

why not just consider him an American...and what things are you referring to them being a negative light?

Right this is awesome

Agreed 100%

He is still alive. Just on a small island. Tom Hanks told me.

Should have had Larry Wheels as John Henry.....

Boss... I tried to take it back, but it was too late.

Yes, he would have... I think, Common could have done a good performance for this version as well. This is a very good production and this version of this song is killing it! 🙌

In fact the railroad he worked for was the Chesapeake & Ohio which is now part of CSX

Kpopahjussi63 I agreed John Henry was a hero

Same here my friend.. 💪

Raymond greenridge they use call me john henry when i was choppping wood because i was prettty stout and tried real ,but i dont compare myself to john henry ,but it sure was an honor to called that man

@Raymond greenridge The names are in the credits. Hank Williams did the master work on the recording or Hank Williams Jr. It could be a song that Hank Williams Sr. recorded but never had published.

I like this

He's a great inspiration

Hear hear!

That would have been great

Agreed... But, Ving Rhames, Terry Crews, Tyler Perry, Idris Elba, Winston Duke and Forrest Whitaker are still available; though none are as close to Michael Clark Duncan's stature, they are all tall.

@@denaturner8871 Ving is probably the closest. He could do a good job, so long as Hollyweird doesn't want him to "thug it up" at all.

adam rushing I agree on Ving, that's why I listed him first, I'm lost on the "thug" portion of your comment though.

we don’t need more people like him we need people to act like him.

Yes Michael Clarke Duncan would have been perfect

@Chris Landry lol Beat me to it.

Yeah he was a good guy

I remember that song too.

More like the African Spirit.

@@vonburen888 Nice try

@@vonburen888 He may have African Ancestry. But he's American by True Grit and by Blood, Sweat and Love for his child.

Indigenous aboriginal native copper colored people from Turtle Island the Niigi-Dane Calloway channel

@@CEBph5997 that's still African, you think people aren't like that in Africa? people in Africa love their children and have to make their own way, because it's still in a state of a colony even though officially they are all "free"

Same here.

I watched this at my daughters school she started singing away 🎶

As a Black man, growing up I loved this story also. Why did we need to know you were white? I mean what's your point? Does your color make your comment more relevant than anybody else's comment? Weird bro.

@@rainhnr2580 some white people dont like the black American history

@@rainhnr2580 He didn't need to say he was white, I could tell from the Gadsen flag profile pic.

@@acidyAc So what? Some Black people don't like white American history. What's your point?

@@nickblinko5677 lol yup

I love this story .one of the best iterations I have seen

Isn't that great, I learned to do the same thing from his life to mine. Never quite.

You should watch Tall Tale. Patrick swayse is pecso bill, awesome movie.

But quitting stuff can also feel great too. Just saying.

@Lag Swag Pecos Bill!!!

I mean, his height can be changed because it doesn't play a role in the original story but the tunneling through a mountain part cant

His height was exaggerated to compliment his actual physical strength.

Because Anime is cool.

They couldn't find an actor that big.

Lewis M. Henderson The most logical answer

That's prison labor for ya.

I like him either. How are you?

Any chance you can find it? I've been looking, But can't find the oringinal I saw in elementary

@@Careck2010 the one I saw was the animated Disney short. It’s on KZfaq but You have to pay to watch it.

@RedbeardTrev How about Big John down in that coal mine??