Racisme: Une autre histoire de l'Amérique

I rarely if ever post on this platform, but this one really went on my nerves. The perception provided in this documentary is great. The information you get is educational and at times mind blowing (especially for those ill-informed of USA history).

However, the production, editing, scene cutting, jumping from animation to another and then leaving viewers longing with the animated scenery mixed with some modern songs that just do not sit right is something that diminished the very purpose of this ever so important narrative. It is almost impossible to endure such editorial horror without some skips. I think it requires more formal and serious approach corresponding to the knowledge of acting narrators and topic itself.

As "Stamped from the Beginning" (2023 release; 92 min.) opens, the off-camera interviewer opens with this question: "What's wrong with Black people?". The (Black) talking heads are stunned with this question. We then go back in time to when Blacks were forced (basically kidnapped) to the US. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from Black director Roger Ross Williams. More importantly, this is the movie adaptation of the 2016 acclaimed book of the same name by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, who himself is among the most interviewed talking heads. Along the way we get to know some historic figures whom I was not familiar with. The documentary is fast-paced, and well illustrated, but of course at times is difficult to watch, even if it is must-see for sure. I moved to the US many years ago, and am still learning every day about the dark past (and sadly, also present) of this country.

"Stamped from the Beginning" started streaming on Netflix last week, and I just caught up with it. There is good reason why this documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have any interest in social justice and the correlating origins of Black racism, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

This was one of the most creative and informative documentaries about racism in our country. The various clips and illustrations and music made the film engaging. The narrators were incredible in their presentation and accuracy. The author of the book that was the basis for this film delved into the history behind the history. It shows that racism is a false construct and needs to be confronted on a daily basis. I am recommending this to my children and my friends. My hope is that this will help change people's attitudes and help us all realize that prejudice is still very present in our country and culture. These very learned scholars and presenters enlightened my awareness and I am deeply grateful they made this documentary.

Must see for all to understand the real history of the United States and how it's wealth and European wealth is built on the backs and blood of Atlantic slave trade and colonization. The film is not complete but should inspire everyone esp young people to learn about institutions and systems that propagate injustice and oppression. Wars in Middle East, Africa, civil unrest, poverty, mass shootings, mass incarceration, migrant crisis etc can be better understood in light of racist doctrines and policies created by Europeans since the 16th century. Read about the Doctrine of Discovery and Age of Exploration.

First off, the 'Half-Truths' review said that the movie said that Portugal had the start of slave trade which is false but the movie actually said it was that it (to the person) was the start of the TRANS-ATLANTIC slave trade.

Anyway, the actual movie is actually pretty good. It brought up points and information that (at least to me) made me want to look into the topic even further.

However, the editing was a bit cluttered but the mix of animation, video and hard-hitting narration and photos of objects/pictures/cartoons of the time. Also the music was a nice mix of hip-hop, dramatic classical, etc....

In conclusion (yes I know I'm writing this like a high school essay, let me be), the movie is pretty amazing and you should at least give it a chance.