PCB Exposé: An Interview with Justin A. Marcoux

The first of a series of interviews regarding YouTube is with 16 year old activist Justin A. Marcoux. I stumbled across him while watching a Chris Crocker video. Justin had posted a response to Chris' video.

He is controversial, sometimes shocking, but most of all he is real. You can see in his videos that he truly wants nothing more than to make the world a better place.

He lives in a small town in New York with his mother, three sisters, and a multitude of pets. He has been posting videos, anything from a silly video singing along with a Linkin Park song, to complex issues such as rape, suicide, abortion, and coming out. He displays an emotion that exudes such sincerity that you cannot help but feel he can do what he wants to and really make a difference in the world. One video at a time.

PCB: you've been putting videos on you tube for how long?

Justin: about 2 or three months

PCB: I've seen some silly stuff on there and some really serious type of stuff. What made you decide to take on a more activist type role?

Justin: well, when i first started out it was just to show people that I'm funny...but i soon realized my goal to " stop hate" and open peoples eyes to difference.I think learning from my teacher ms.Monroe is what made me more of an activist!

PCB: What was it that Ms. Monroe did?

Justin: she taught me that no matter what acceptance can make your life better, and that i should never say certain words....racial,sexual,or discriminative.

PCB: So you're 16 and making videos for you tube as a means to change the world. Do you think you are having an impact?

Justin: yeah, I've already seen a great impact on my viewers, and the people around me.I can see I'm changing something at the least.

PCB: so you have a lot of fans and it seems you're getting more and more. What do you say to the people who say that a 16 year old's opinion doesn't matter?

Justin: well, honestly. they can screw off. you hear a lot about teenagers changing the world in some way or another.So who's to say i cant? a teenager can accomplish just as much as a politician.you just have to set your mind to it.

PCB: What about those that say that being that you are under the age of 18 you don't have the life experience or the intellect to understand the subjects you're speaking about?

Justin: well i think they are wrong.Definitly.They can not judge me based on my videos until they have lived and seen me in "action". I suppose they just don't know me enough yet is all.

PCB: You do reveal a lot of yourself in your videos. You've had a couple where you are brought to tears discussing certain issues. Do you plan on exposing yourself that deeply or does the intensity of that emotion catch you by surprise?

Justin: Well, I make the videos for a reason. And i do not plan on crying or making a fool of my self on purpose. It just happens. Most of my videos are unscripted and i do not write scripts usually...because I'm not at all ashamed of what i say.

PCB: I wouldn't say you make a fool of yourself. if anything it lends more credibility to what you say. it shows just how deeply you care about what you're saying and that the feelings you have just overwhelm you at times.

Justin: yeah true.

PCB: The purpose of what I am doing with these interviews and articles is to bring attention to a major problem on You Tube, people that leave hateful and derogatory comments on videos.

How does it feel to see these kinds of comments on the videos you are posting?

Justin: Well, it doesn't bother me i mean why live my life ashamed. If they do not like me then that's there burden. I don't plan on changing people just opening there eyes to the beauty of difference.But the people who leave hate comments, are missing out on how great of a person i am and what i can help them with.

PCB: why do you think they do it?

Justin: Because there scared, ashamed,or raised that way. I don't blame them. But the comments are uncalled for. when I'm scared i don't attack whatever I'm afraid of. but people have there own minds i guess i just have to accept that.I cant force them into one state of mind. I can only hope they will accept it.

PCB: What is your ultimate goal for your videos?

Justin: for every video to reach the thousand view video mark. so maybe there's more of a chance of me stopping hate. Like a lot of people think I'm in this for fame. I'm truly not. I do not want fame, just to be heard world-wide or nation-wide.

PCB: so with this interview you might be reaching a lot of people you wouldn't necessarily reach before. Do you have anything you want to say to them?

Justin: well, hmm i do not know. i guess all i can say is that i hope for them to enjoy my videos. And that i will greatly enjoy their comments and views. ^_^ I have no clue of what to say to them. maybe do not be so quick to judge? lol

PCB: I have to say I admire what you're doing. It takes a lot of courage and self confidence to stand up for what you believe in, especially in the face of the kinds of people out there. Don't give up your goal of changing the world.

Justin: Why thank you, i appreciate that.Trust me i have no intension of giving up.
My goal is set in stone. and will not leave mind or soul.My goal is a part of me i guess.

PCB: last question. If you were able to vote this year for president (which honestly I think you should be) who is your pic for president

Justin: Well, Honestly. Barack because he seems to have what it takes to make a difference. And I'm kinda looking forward to an African American president.

PCB: ha good answer

Justin: lol thanks.

PCB: Thanks for talking with us Justin. I'm hoping you make a difference.

Justin: I'm hoping too lol. and your welcome. it was fun!

Head on over to You Tube and check out some of Justin's videos. You might find yourself laughing or thinking or believing that it is possible for one person to make a difference.

I'm still working on other interviews. Trying to land you tube celebrities to speak with isn't as easy as you might think.

Landing an interview with people who are actually posting negative comments on you tube is even tougher but we'll keep trying.