Blank on Blank is released on YouTube by PBS Digital Studios as a way to present old interviews of figures throughout history and expose their views on some contemporary issues we still face today. By taking these often idolized figures and presenting their views in an animated platform, viewers are able to get a new light on certain issues. This can be revealing about these departed celebrities, but it can also be quite informative. Like any other project though, some turn out being better than others. Here are 5 of the greatest ones.

Beastie Boys on Being Stupid

Though they infer at the end of their interview they selected their name because they were stupid, this great interview really highlights how ignorant people can be in society. If you really listen to what they are saying, you will realize they are really calling people out for their racist and distorted view of what rap music should be. As a result, this beautifully animated video really shows separation of races.

Janis Joplin on Rejection

Janis Joplin tells it like it is. Apparently, she was attacked by women’s liberation groups for being too open sexually and for using only men in her music group. She has no problem speaking out against this and points out the problem is with her critics, and not her. At it’s core, Joplin is really pushing the case for people to take responsibility for themselves, take no shit, and really change their situation. If they are not happy, they need to do something about it rather than blame her. Strong words from a rock legend.

Kurt Cobain on Identity

Though Cobain touches on a lot in this one, there is a key component you can pull out from it. Throughout it all, he seems to suggest getting in touch with his identity was an important part of his happiness in life. Being able to play music and go through life with an outlet helped him connect and express himself in a way he didn’t know before. In essence, expressing his identity is ultimately what made him whole. If everyone could be this open about who they are, the world would be a much better place.

Gene Wilder on the Truth

You have to hold out to the end on this one to really get the nugget of truth. At first, it seems he is just going on about how acting is putting on a show and changing who you are for others, but in reality he hits the nail on the head when he talks about the truth. If he leads with one lie, everything he says is suspect to being a lie. Ultimately, this is the strongest case for honesty you can make.

Robin Williams on Masks

Hearing Robin Williams talk about the future and knowing he won’t be around to see it is sad, but his message is quite meaningful by itself. He talks about how people need to move forward with what they commit to and exhaust all angles before giving up. This is a great presentation to give you some real food for thought.

Do you agree with this list? Which Blank on Blank episode is your favorite? 

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