“Seth Walsh, age 13,” *always* gives me chills. It’s so young, he had his whole life ahead of him, but the cruelty of other humans drove him to take his life.

The lead singer once said they wrote this song because a fan asked if they thought it was okay to be gay and the band was so shocked that their opinion wasn't obvious. Rise Against is a very politically vocal band and this made them realize that not only have they not made their support of the LGBT community known but the rock community as a whole wasn't open about sexuality so they wrote this song in an effort to create a safe space for the LGBT community in the rock world

Sadly the bullying presented in the video is very accurate - as are the results. It's the reason the It Gets Better project is so, so important. Thank you for reacting to this video.

"From a nation under God, I feel its love like a cattle prod." is an absolute bar of a lyric.

The video was shot at the lead singers high school. He came back to share this with the families he grew up with.

Not at all used to seeing Vin tear up from a song. I'm happy to see that this was the first Rise Against song they've done.

Rise against has so much beautyfull songs with a really deep Meaning, they stay one of my favourite bands and i’m glad u guys dove in to them, lots of love from Belgium and to all who read the comments and are feeling shitty, you are awesome don’t give up ❤️

My ex girlfriend, who was and will always be my first love took her own life because she didn't find acceptance as a trans woman. I myself experienced a time in my life where there was constant struggle and hate and bullying, (even though I'm "only" gay) when I really wanted to end it all. And I am glad I didn't, because it got so much better. Yes, I do still have those scars from the past and yes, every now and then they do hurt but I am now at a point where I can truthfully say that I am making progress in healing. This song and video mean so much to me because to me personally it was a milestone in fighting back against my bullies. About 4 years ago I showed this video during a presentation in my music class. I just wanted them to know what they were doing to me and for the first time in years, while and after this was playing nobody laughed at me or made a mean/degrading commet. This will always be the reason why this song is so special today.

This is one of my absolute favorite Rise Against songs, I'm trans and bisexual. This is a band that made me feel like others actually gave a damn about me. That I wasn't alone too. That even strangers saw what I had to put up with was *wrong* even if I had no people around to show me that in my normal life. Glad y'all had a great discussion around it. Bullies are the worst. It can get better. I'm glad social media exists, if it didn't I wouldn't have *had* a safety net to keep me from ending my life, when things got so hard I didnt want to exist anymore.

I'm 30 and from the UK, all through high school I was bullied. I would be hit repeatedly and horrible names thrown at me. As a father of 2 children aged 4 and 3 this is my biggest fear, I dont want them to suffer like I did. I was only strong because of the friends I had at the time.

“The gatherings hold candles but not their tongues” is so powerful. The same people that bullied would’ve been there holding candles and it’s so true

This is their best song in my opinion, I cry everytime.

❤ Rise Against : Survive Prayer Of The Refugee Give It All Help Is On The Way

Rise Against is fantastic. You guys need to go down the rabbit hole.

Rise against is so powerful and amazing!!!! If you didn't choke up watching this video your not human. Props to you both for showing emotion

Rise against are amazing. SO many amazing songs with so much meaning. Great pick from the village. Thanks for reacting.

I'm not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, but I was bullied throughout my school life. I don't have many memories of going to school, especially not positive memories, because I think I blocked that part of my life out. Imagine that, blocking out 10 years of your life because of other people. I still struggle every day with things that manifested in my head from that time period, from low self-esteem to the inability of getting used to a nickname your friends give you out of love because of what you were called during your formative years. It gets better, it really does, but some days are better than others.

Amazing dialogue. I pray more believers start to view such things as you guys do. The church and the world is defintely in desperate need of a revival.

Rise against finally ! Their songs are relevant today😊 Scars of life:purity,shallow,dead and gone,mute

This is a tough one to watch if you see it for the first time. Rise Against is great in their videos and also their lyricism combined with their demanding sound.

Everyone needs to do a deep dive on rise against. They'll change your life

YES this is my favorite Rise Against music video! Time + Tragedy is great too!

Man, your reactions really hit me in the heart. One of the first reactions of yours I watched and I can already tell you guys are great parents and even better people. I only wished my father had been as accepting and loving as you guys are. When I was in high school and doing the teenage thing of questioning your sexuality and trying to figure out how I felt about others. I was maybe 15 and had tentatively went with saying I was bi. My Dad came to pick me up from school on his day off and through some kind of way, I accidentally outed myself. My Dad always said he would love me no matter what and on that day, I found out that was a lie. He went off on me, threatened to throw me out of his moving truck, asked how could I do this to him, how could I try and force him to accept something this terrible? All I did was cry. This worse part was that he told me if I told my Mom he would kick me out, and that if my Mom decided to accept and love me, he would kick her out too. My Mom was eight months pregnant at the time. When we got home I didn't say a word to anybody. He wouldn't let me close my door or be near my siblings. I remember being an absolute nervous, anxiety filled wreck. I told my friends at school and they kept urging me to tell somebody, anybody about what happened and I just couldn't. I remember the feeling of my world falling apart and having no idea if I could take it back, make it better somehow. I never wanted to admit it to anybody but I think I might have honestly been suicidal for a few weeks. Only the thought of my Mom having no idea why I did that or the thought of her blaming herself really kept me from doing anything. My Mom noticed my Father acting cold and short with me and tried to ask what was up and my Father realized he was acting too obvious. After like 2 or 3 weeks he just rug swept the whole incident. He never brought it up again, acted like the whole thing never happened. Its been 5 years and my Mom still doesn't know what happened. Seriously, you guys are great. This is my first time really putting what I went through down somewhere and I'm just happy that your kids are going to grow up with unconditional love and accepting parents.

Thank you so much for doing this. This song has always hit super close to home for me and I love watching other people witness it as well. You guys rock.

The song that got me into this band. Still tugs at the heartstrings almost a decade later.

This is fantastic! please do more songs from them

I found this by way of your Thrice reviews and I’m glad you did this one. It’s so easy to hold a belief of right and wrong until confronted with the human cost. I like to believe it’s getting better and seeing a deep conversation such as this is a perfect example. It all comes down to exposure as a cure for ignorance. If there’s any message I hope to pass on to my children it’s to love, respect and appreciate others for who they are.

As a shy LGBT person, i love both of Tor reactions❤️ I feel loved, in a world that hates me for who i am. Thank you, i truly love u guys❤️☺️

Coming from someone who was bullied for how I lived my life and even how I dressed, school was rough but I did have friends that encouraged and motivated me to keep going and I'm eternally grateful for them saving me. I've done the best I can looking out for others and giving a helping hand to anyone. A song that gives me the same vibe and feel as this one is "Beaten in lips by Beartooth" you two should definitely check it out it's another sensatitive subject and a very powerful song. Another anthem needed to be heard by sufferers.

Thanks For This React. Im Hearing this Band since 2004 and its my Favourite Band. They Helped me with so Many Problems in my Head. its nice to Hear your thoughts to this Song. Thanks For This, Really. And to all other ppl reading this.: The people at the end of this Song are Right. It Does get better!!

Having grown up in the years leading up to the anti-bullying laws, this song was something that hit me like a truck full of cement after id heard it. I was bullied for being a boy with autism and being bisexual, It wasnt easy growing up, I was fortunate enough too have loving family who supported me and cared for me. I made it out of my childhood safely because of that amd so few people did. As an adult i make it a goal daily to defend those who are suffering as i had so that nobody has to struggle with the trauma because no matter how old you get it never does leave you that pain. BUT. It gets better if you just hold on a bit longer. Stop the hate. Stop the discrimination, Things are not easy but life is worth it and it will get better with time if you just hold out.

Love these guys

Loved your reaction to this along with your backstories. I'm sure both of you are amazing parents :)

I've been watching your video reactions on punk bands and all my favorite ones are featured on your vids! From bad religion, Dead Kennedys and now on my 2nd video for Rise Against and I truly appreciate your discussions this song will always make me cry tho. Respect and love for RA and you two.

I was the opposite of Vin. I was one of the few white kids in Central Islip, NY. My wife was like Vin. One of few African American girls at a mostly white school. We did not have social media at that time thank goodness. I had to learn how to fight though. If you did not fight back you were a sitting duck for more to come. I am now a Police Officer in NC. Now a few years from retirement I have taken an asignment at a community college in the city I work in. This community college has two high schools on campus. I am not their SRO. We are more like patrol officers and the college is our beat. However we have an office at the college. We get so many students coming to us due to ciber issues. Myself and the other officer that has this asignment talk to the students on campus safety at the beginning of each year. We have started talking about social media and how to guard yourself. We also speak to the drivers ed classes. I inform them of their rights (Most people say they know their rights but honestly have no clue) and what to do if they get pulled over by a police officer. In every public speaking event I do, I always open up the floor for questions. Any question they have ever wanted to ask a police officer with the exception of one. What was the worst call you ever went to. No cop wants to relive "that" call. Honestly many calls we don't want to relive. Suicide rate amung Law Enforcement has jumped to an all time high. We have seen the worst this world has to offer. Things most people don't want to admit exsist. So much hate from everyone toward everyone. I can go on and on about the media wrongfully putting police in the line of fire. but I have gone on too long already. My faith and personal relationship with JESUS and a great support team in my family has kept me going. I'm afraid things are only going to get worse as most police agencies are at or below minimum staffing as nobody wants to be a police officer anymore due to the political climate as well as cities taking away benefits that attracted young people to the job. Many of us are putting in over 20 extra hours a week. We need to remember no matter what some churches are preaching, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit is a God of love!!!! It is okay to not like the sin. But we must love one another. JESUS said a sin is a sin. So a gay person having sex with a gay person is just like a man and woman who are not married having sex. They are both sins. So why are you hating the gay couple and not the heterosexual couple? JESUS said first of all love GOD! Second LOVE one another. HE did not give any exceptions!!!!!!!

Rise Against is one of my favorite bands. I have a playlist comprised of all of “Appeal to Reason”, “Endgame”, and “The Sufferer and the Witness” that is my daily workout playlist. Not a bad song on the three albums. Drones and Satellite are probably my favs. “From Heads Unworthy” is pretty appropriate for today as well.

Guys, you have got to do Re-Education (Through Labor) It’s a great song by rise against, with some seriously powerful lyrics. I would love to hear your guy’s input on that one. I love your content, and how you analyze the deeper messages in songs and I think that would be a great song for you to check out.

One of the main reasons they are one of my favourite bands. They’re always willing to face something head on. I was bullied at school for a disability that verse, push me and I’ll push back, I’m done asking I demand, from a nation under God, I feel it’s love like a cattle prod. It’s miracle perfection

not to sound poltical but i love that Rise Against was totally against trump and the blue lives BS and some of the rise against fans were mad at them lol like if you look at rise against career and vidoes do you reallyu think they would side with trump and blue lives ?? Jesus man some people are oblivious

Kudos to you two for taking on this song and giving it such thoughtful discussion. I really respect you for it, and plan to keep watching your videos. And all these requests to cover more Rise Against come from a place of loyalty - their fans are Ride Or Die! LOL

I have never been able to get through that music video without getting teary-eyed

Every time I watch this video I still tear up. Very powerful.

Thank you this band is a favorite saved me

You should try “the violence” by rise against. It’s perfect for this year.

Sori, I feel you girl. I took both my girls out of public school. During my eldest daughters 8th grade, a girl a year behind her from our neighborhood killed herself by jumping from a water tower. This was after months of cyber bullying by other girls in the school. My daughter felt so guilty, because she knew the girl, but didn't know her well. She did not know what the girl was going through, and struggled for some time after, because she felt that she might have been able to help her. My girl is 21 now and recalls this event as one that changed the way she viewed the world around her, made her more aware and observant. She always makes a point of including the kid hiding in the back, the kid no one stands with or the kid getting weird stares. She also will not tolerate bullying. She saw a therapist for awhile after this occurred and believes the way to end the bullying is through kids. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Youth Helpline, Your Life Your Voice: 1-800-448-3000, The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386. We need to stop losing our children.

Another note, the 5 victims mentioned in the bridge, all took their lives in the span of less than a month. Thats why the sub title of the song is "september's children".

this song always makes me cry, and it just gets pretty bad when they go through the remembrance list.

I love you two.

Yay finally, somebody react to their song, rise against so underrated, all their fans admit that

Thanks for listening to my favourite band. There are a lot of different types of music out there and Rise Against is almost painful to listen to.They write about the things we forget to think about and don't notice. They're amazing but it actually hurts to listen to some of their songs-- and that's a good thing. If you can listen to this song with the video without getting sad and angry, then you're a different kind of person I guess. Great music stays with you long after the song ends.

This is my favorite band and that will not change

I LOVE Rise Against, got their logo tatted on my chest. Thanks for the review. I'd suggest Tragedy + Time for a review. Props !!!

This song released when i was that age, and in that situation. I was in a dark, dark place, but this song helped me a lot. And it's part of the reason I'm still here coming up on 31 years. Soldier, Uncle, sorrounded by poeple that love me for who I am. Rise Against is one of the reasons I'm still alife. I will be family to anyone whose family doesn'T accept them. I will be a brother, an Uncle, a son.

I remember hearing this after I graduated high school and it broke my heart to know people went through this. I went to a small high school so everyone was pretty close and this didn’t really happen. Seeing the age of Seth Walsh hurt especially because that is so damn young. If anyone ever needs to talk, please reach out

you guys listened to Disparity by Design. others to check: Re-Education through Labor, Midnight Hands, Kotov Syndrome, From Heads Unworthy, a Gentleman's Coup, Broken Mirrors

holy shit! I cried

Rise Against - Re-education Through Labor

Want same theme but different ending? ... Lifelover - Androider, though i don't know if there is still that video on youtube...

Ready To Fall

If you enjoyed this Rise Against song I strongly suggest you check out their tune called Hero Of War. Definitely made for reacting and hasn't been featured on many channels before.

Hey guys, I sent an email to you guys. I have a story about this very subject, it’s a personal story I don’t want to tell it here, but thank you for this reaction.

Moonspell - Full Moon Madness

Disparity by design by rise against you did 3 months ago

I’m a Christian and there are a lot of us believe everyone are human and are loved. We as people will always disagree. “Thou without sin shall cast the first stone” live and let live ❤️

You guys ever done Hero of War by Rise Against? If so I missed it. I'd be real interested in Vin's thoughts

I noticed you’ve also done some reactions to Five Finger Death Punch. They have a song called “Coming Down” that addresses issues similar to this video. If you do watch it, your going to want to be ready for some really difficult scenes. While it ends well, it gets pretty rough.

I definitely recommend the song survive by them it's really motivational in my opinion

Wish we could go back to the days of "Meet me at the Flag Pole, after school" Back when you can fight for yourself and not have too many repercussions happen besides detention, and or suspention. Now you fight, you can get charged with assault, EVEN if you're defending yourself. You might lose, but it could deter any other would be bully from thinking you're an easy target. Bully Me, we're fighting.

Great Band , Great Message you should Check out Akala .. Fire in the booth .. parts 1- 4 the monologue at the end of 4 left me speechless . Keep up the reactions and stay safe x

Never doubt the bullies. They are in every school, from elementary to university. I, even as an adult working on my degree, still get bullied. By the SAME people. Since middle school. For the same reasons. They always sling insults and steal my shit. They rag on me for my orientation (Pansexual), my interests (being a gamer and avid reader), being in choir since elementary and not doing the 'classic' sports (certain medical things prevent me from doing things like basketball and such, hence why I picked up archery), being the stereotypical quiet kid who kinda just skates by outside the cliques. I am lucky it never got to the level depicted in the video of Make It Stop. When My friend was beaten up, I took it up with the administration. We know who did it. They did nothing. Even with the video of my friend being beaten up, afterschool, ON CAMPUS in hand (we found it on a phone in the restroom which we had to steal), still nothing, even with cold hard proof. Even with all of the anti-bullying laws and openness and crap, it's just sugarcoating and teacher hand-tying. You're on your bloody own in there. And then, once it all just snaps, the victim lashes out. There is no one source or reason. What I do? I keep going. I wear what I want, say what I want, and do what I want. I have the common decency to not insult or attack others for breaking 'norms'. When someone else starts insulting others or a fight breaks out, I don't take out my phone to record, I try to intervene. Teachers certainly won't. It's a dog-eat-dog system. I try to help end things before someone bloody dies.

i was bullied all thro out school, but im one of those rare people that, im actually thankful for it, i never labeled myself as a Vittum of bullying i just never looked at it in that way, i aways looked at it like my class mates actually cared for me enough to just giving me the tuff love the harsh reality i needed and i recognized hey im not perfect and this is my reality check to know what i need to work on to better myself personally, to me bullying itself is not the problem its when people label them self as a "victim of bullying" and they put it on them self's that they are a "victim" when really you don't have to see it that way the bully dase not control your mind set you do, you can choose to look at it witch ever way you want.

The Christian Church has never been welcoming from my experiences. In my opinion, the Church is a place of judgment and condemnation; so, its no wonder that bullying and hate is so prevalent. That is not to say there are not any loving Christians. I have met a few. But it would take a miracle for me to ever step into a church again. And this is your second time reacting to a song from Rise Against. You reacted to "Disparity by Design Reaction" back in March just a few months ago. Apologize for the typos and grammar... trying to type with two broken arms at the moment.

As some have pointed out, this isn't your first reaction to Rise Against. I think Disparity By Design is one of your best reactions yet. I'm surprised you haven't done more of them honestly. If these guys ever come to town, go see them! You will not regret it.

Thanks God...thank you you so much for this beautiful fuck up you've blessed us with...thanks, bro....

I just graduated high school and I'll tell you it is even worse because of social media and that it never goes away and there is no escape because it doesn't stop when you go home it's a real problem a boy in grade seven actually took their own life and In junior high a girl tried to slit her wrists in the councilors office and I must admit I have thought about ending the suffering but I was lucky and had my love of music and the hope that one day things would get better and I have to say it has. But the thing with bullying is now that you can't escape and it's harder to see because a computer doesn't leave black eyes and broken bones it only leaves scars on the inside that may never heal I know mine never will.

Thank you so much for being the kinds of Christians Jesus wants. I am bisexual and have been with my current and first boyfriend for over a year now. I believe I was made uniquely by God in his image with the rest of those in the LBGTQ+ community. He is my savior and I know who I am in my heart, I wish more Christians would follow this.

Down - bury me in smoke

This isn’t the first you’ve done, you did Disparity by Design when you did the Punk month thing. Jeez guys! Lol

Bullying is a terrible thing but public school isn't. It taught me how to survive in savage social environments, which is a very useful skill that you can never plan for when you'll desperately need it. Baton Rouge, LA public school. Graduated 2005. Shit wasn't easy but I'm glad for the strength it gave me.

Actually you did disparity by design by rise agaisnt not too long ago. I'd really like to see your reaction to their song Savior.

''I don't think that our kids would do that'' That is what every single parent says.

You did listen to disparity by design a few months ago

Rise Against - State of the Union. That would be fun for your reaction. They have a bunch of great songs. You guys need to do a punk week again.

Portishead "Glory Box" kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bN-cd6ekmNPIenk.html The only way I can think of to describe this is "Sleazy, Chillin' & Hypnotic"

Try hey smith endless sorrow 🤯

Thought y’all should get some back story. I’ve been a ride fan for over 20 years. This song is a big deal cuz they were the first punk band to come out and say that lgbtq+ belong in the community. The lead singer did interviews about it on cnn u can go watch.

❤.....👐

Misrepresentation. You will know them by their fruits

Already a powerful song but damn the video makes it harder

Pride comes before the fall.

Yo Any Chance of Australian Band " SilverChair"!! Song "Tomorrow!!" 3piece big time famous @ 14-15yr age an still in school , Sold out shows worldwide.. Amazing !!!!

I hope you guys react to Hollywood undead day of the dead

aww no "sorrow"

My dad told me that after i came out as a lesbian, he would listen to this song and hope he was doing everything right. I'm so lucky to not only have friends and family who support me, hell my mom has been trying to set me up with someone for a while now, but also bands like rise against who advocate for people like me. Life gets better, if you disappear one day people will notice, they will miss you.

And now we are having states put into place Don't say gay bills. This problem will only get worse as sad as that is

React to Angra - Carolina IV

Been Rise Against fan since beginning. 1st reaction to this band.....life wasted🤔😢😂💯

Vin seems distraught. Hope all is well!

When the kids retaliate, they get in trouble even though they tell the administration over and over. It does need to stop.

Welcome to high schools or secondary education ow what ever you prefer but I can tell you this from personal experience high school is exactly like a prison system and the hierarchy of prison inmates there is no difference between the 2 environments it the whole education system needs to be brought out of the mud and taken for a massive overhaul