Structure

The music video for “This is America” by Childish Gambino presents a sequence of events in chronological order. The music video can be roughly split into scenes that show this sequence of events. However, it is important to note that, unlike regular films, the transition between scenes is not marked by a traditional camera cut. Instead, the camera mostly follows Gambino around and transitions are marked by either the sudden change in music or by Gambino walking to a different place. 

The video can be divided into roughly seven scenes. The opening scene (00:04-00:48) shows Gambino dancing while a man plays the guitar. The transition to the next scene is marked by Gambino shooting the guitar player and a sudden shift in music. 

In the second scene (00:49-01:40), G...