It’s Blanko

YouTube Channel Review

There’s a lot going on in the world, and it can be pretty hard to keep up, especially in the field of entertainment. Commentary channels like It’s Blanko want to get you up to speed.

Ethan Blanco, better known under his channel’s name It’s Blanko, posts videos on everything from current events to online drama. Topics range from the cancellation of Ellen DeGeneres’ talk show to the death of public figures. Basically, if Blanco finds it interesting, he’ll switch on the camera to talk about it.

Blanco divides videos on his channel into three general playlists: “The Rise,” “The Downfall,” and “In the News.” “The Rise” chronicles how public figures found success or redeemed themselves after controversy. “The Downfall” discusses celebrities who were “canceled” and ruined their careers. Finally, “In the News” talks about—well—the news, generally focusing on stories related to the internet or social media.

With 1.5 million followers, multiple viral videos and a podcast, It’s Blanko has clearly struck a chord with audiences, proving that if you find something interesting there, you’re probably not alone.

POSITIVE CONTENT

Some of Blanco’s videos (categorized under “The Rise”) shine a light on YouTubers and celebrities who restored their reputations. These videos usually have an uplifting message about how anyone can find success after a setback or can do the right thing after making mistakes.

Blanco also shares a few positive insights through his commentary on current events. His most popular video focuses on a YouTuber whose reputation was ruined by his racist humor. In that video, Blanco stresses the importance of setting a good example for your viewers and using your online platform responsibly. (He could probably take his own advice to heart, but more on that later).

Another video exposes the dangers of working in the adult film industry. While he doesn’t take issue with pornography itself, he strongly criticizes how the industry abuses and takes advantage of those involved, saying that “it has way more cons than pros.”

CONTENT CONCERNS

As you may have gathered, most of the topics Blanco chooses to cover stray pretty far from “family friendly.” Some videos talk about YouTubers who were canceled for joking about racism, sexual assault, pedophilia, and other disturbing issues. These jokes are shown and heard in Blanco’s videos, though he makes it clear that he doesn’t agree with them or find them funny.

Some videos also deal with violent content such as murder and suicide, while others cover more suggestive issues, such as the aforementioned video about the adult film industry. Blanco even recommends a documentary about the history of pornography to his viewers.

It’s not just the subject matter that’s problematic, though. Blanco doesn’t seem concerned with keeping his content rated G—or PG, for that matter. From the opening moments of each video, which feature his catchphrase “Let’s cut the bulls— and get right into it,” it’s clear that language will be a concern. The s-word, the f-word and other profanities are used frequently throughout each video.

Even beyond the blatant content concerns, many videos on the It’s Blanko channel have a cynical tone that leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

Videos on the downfall of public figures are far and away his most popular, and he produces them on a fairly regular basis. Now, while the subjects of these videos may not necessarily be role models, it’s still not very uplifting to openly celebrate the ruin of their careers (a few videos are literally titled “The Satisfying Downfall of [Insert Celebrity]”). Not exactly the best example of “building each other up,” as God calls us to do in Scripture.

CHANNEL SUMMARY

Commentary is a huge genre on YouTube, which has its perks—mainly, in this case, that you don’t have to settle for It’s Blanko to keep up with what’s happening online. Language, problematic subject matter and an uncomfortably cynical tone make this channel one worth skipping.