Down But Not Out (5min Documentary)

Once in a while, I like to make videos that are a little bit different.
This is a five minute documentary on James and his family. He is an incredible guy who has positively impacted the lives of many people. He is funny, smart, and an all-around lovable guy! James has Down syndrome, and though it is part of who he is, it's not all that he is.

This film takes a happy approach to what is often an intimidating situation. James is quite independent and in many respects defies stereotypes Down syndrome people often face.

I made this video for a class (where it had to be five minutes) and multiple classmates asked about the "conflict." They wanted me to show the struggles James's parents must face, but there really aren't any that are truly notable.

When you're given five minutes to represent somebody's entire life, taking up that valuable time with small problems for the sake of having them in the video seems dishonest.

Bonus facts:
The video has been edited to look like a start and stop VCR tape because of how much of James's life revolves around watching movies and shows. Once all on tape.

James loves the Golden Girls, MASH, I Love Lucy, Little House on The Prairie, Sesame Street, and Raffi.

James has an amazing sense of direction. He is extremely quick at memorizing routes.

James's favorite sport is basketball.

And lastly, yes I (Think Fact) did make this video. All by myself too!
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Song: TFB9
By: Vibe Tracks

[thinkfact]

Here is something quite a bit different from my normal stuff, but I thought you guys would be interested in seeing what I'm up to. Or maybe just see a video in general... (sigh) haha

Turns out the only way I can get videos made at the moment is if I get school projects that give me time to dedicate to making videos.

I thought you all would enjoy this, even if it's a bit different. I do plan on getting more regular videos out. Being my senior year of university, it's been a bit of a challenge to say the least. But one more year and then I plan on jumping full-time into YouTube! Got to get that degree first though! What's an educator without an education?

Take care, and feel free to let me know what you think!

[urbfilms]

This was an absolute pleasure to watch. Great work, Dale! James seems like a lot of fun, so I thank you for making such a happy documentary about him!

[ceciwolfcat]

We should all learn kindness and how to live simply from James. He is an amazing human being, he doesn't have a bad bone in his body, he is a beautiful soul. God has blessed this world with this wonderful young man, I am going to share this little look into his life as much as I can. God bless you James and family, you are a true pure inspiration! 💝

[imnotselma]

I love how your focus was on James as an individual with his own interests, skills, hobbies and loved ones. That he is more than just a diagnosis, but an actual person with his own mind. It seems like people forget that way too often

[rubenvanderzeijden]

this is very good, I don't know why someone would dislike this... I'm glad you're uploading again

[squirrelspown]

I find the writing bit fascinating. Could you elaborate on if he has composed a unique writing system, if it is a cipher for English, or something else?

[osbaldotheVtenman]

who ever dislikes this video does not have a heart

[ambers]

Dale, this video rocks! I was blown away by his secret writing, it made me curious and totally amazed at how he developed that style, so very very cool! His happiness is so palpable, it had me beaming the entire video! Thank you for introducing more people to James and his parents, they are truly beautiful people that everyone should meet!

[thesentientpotato]

It's so nice to see a video from you again!
And James seems like a really nice person :)

[anissyakirah]

I never clicked so fast on a video before.

[dutchik]

I was really scared when I saw the title. I thought you have depression and are now coming over it. which is great if that's the truth. if you are, we are here for you.

but I'm glad that's it's just an inspirational video with someone with down syndrome.

[jaredjackson]

I love this video. My mother is a paraprofessional at a Middle School, so she teaches special ed and helps manage special ed kids in other classes. Downs kids are always sooo loving. It's great to see James has such a great family, unfortunately many special ed kids, those who especially need a supportive family, can be rejected and disliked by their family.

[ericpa]

This documentary was so uplifting <3 Thank you by having made it!

[Snder]

Thanks for sharing this school project! I agree, if people were more loving then our world would be a better place. Part of that would include not being so judgmental/critical of others. Good luck with your last year at Uni! :3

[nikkic.]

He is so adorable! Just makes you want to give him a big hug😄. Nice video @Think Fact.

[WeChallenge]

Dale! I'm not sure how I missed this video for so long, I was just scrolling my subbed channels and realized it showed I had missed 2 submissions, yeah I'm out of the loop.
Glad this wasn't a time sensitive topic.
I can't help but feel sorry for people who through no reason but fate end up with things like Down Syndrome, and other debilitating issues, but seeing videos like this make me wonder if those afflicted are better off than ones with what is deemed a normal existence. It must be awesome to never see anyone in a negative light such as James does, maybe we meaning those deemed normal are the ones falling short. Keep up the good work Dale, your videos even this one make a person think, I like that..
I gotta run, I have another of your clips to watch, then I'll be caught up, Good Luck in your furthering your education, hopeful your instructors give you a lot of video related course work in the future seeing how this one turned out, it should have been an easy A.
Side note, second of my 3 daughters followed in her oldest siblings footsteps and graduated from UCM and will also be a school teacher, the older of teachers is stirring the minds of 8th graders while the one who just graduated will be filling the minds of 3rd graders next year. Peace!

[Jabrils]

dale, this was great man. thanks for producing it.

[lurandir]

we are still here and waiting for your full return. :)

[ChrisChoi]

i thought the title was about your channel

[alwinpriven]

When we started learning genetics, we learned about down syndrome. I've never quite understood how someone with down syndrome acts and looks (we were told that their face is different from their parents much more than usual and that they'd never dare to hurt someone) and this video helped me understand it.