The 1619 Project

So far the reviews here are pathetic. I doubt some reviewers have even watched the series. As a public school teacher of 25 years, I will note the following: 1) The 1619 Project is not "critical race theory". That is ridiculous.

2) The original series, the book and the TV series all have the same gaol: to present a reframing of American history from the point of view of black Americans, the descendants of slaves. It is a work of journalism, not a Ph. D thesis in US history. It succeeds in this goal, which is why many schools have added it to their curriculum.

3)Many white Americans are still in denial that systemic racism even exists today. That is their misfortune. /Ignorance of reality does not change reality. The legacy of slavery and white supremacy infects every aspect of our society. People of color know this all too well.

4) Hopefully as more people watch the series, it will enlighten and provoke, and open some minds. Then again, maybe not.

I was looking forward to this series. As a public school teacher, my district has incorporated The 1619 Project into our SS and Civics curriculum from K-12. I was interested in seeing how it would transfer over into a documentary series. It did not disappoint.

I won't serve up any spoilers. But I will say I like that each episode is connecting the dots between the past history of slavery and present-day laws and circumstances and how they effect EVERYONE. Not just Black people, but poor people, in general. I am learning some intricate details that I didn't know, even with family members that lived through the Civil Rights Movement. It really gives nuance to the rich history of the country and how everyone has contributed to what we as a country have become.

I am looking forward to the final four episodes and the topics that are tackled. So far, so good!

Most of the low reviews for this series come from people who seem to not even have watched it. You can tell this, because instead of offering actual insight regarding its content, they fall back on played-out "arguments," pointing out that the first US slaves were sold by other Africans--as if those people had a hand in US policy for the next 400 years.

Or, the letter ostensibly signed by 4 historians, arguing inaccuracy with a claim the creator made regarding the Revolutionary War. Again, even if she was incorrect in that assertion--which she admittedly overstated and subsequently revised--it does not change the fact that slavery was, in fact, a major component to the US economy, and it doesnt necessarily discredit the claims of the rest of the series. This is a point that was made in a Politico article by Leslie M. Harris, who strenuously argued against the Revolutionary War statement and who noted that the letter was "just as misleading" in some of its own claims.

The actual series itself is informative, engaging, and entertaining; however, given its content, the knee-jerk opposition it faces from the racist, the oblivious, and the downright stupid is wholly unsurprising.

I'm not surprised of the low rating. The truth stings for certain people - we know who they are. Anyway, the film's strength lies in its unapologetic approach to reframing history through the lens of African Americans' lived experiences. By presenting archival material alongside contemporary interviews, the movie connects past injustices with present-day racial inequities. Its blend of historical rigor and emotional resonance compels viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about the systemic forces underpinning American society.

The visual storytelling is powerful, with sweeping imagery of significant landmarks juxtaposed against intimate moments of reflection from interviewees. Nikole Hannah-Jones' narration is both authoritative and deeply personal, grounding the historical scope in human experience. The film excels in capturing the resilience and contributions of African Americans despite centuries of systemic oppression, offering a narrative that is as inspiring as it is sobering.

The 1619 Project is a necessary and bold piece of filmmaking that challenges America to reckon with its past. It is not merely a history lesson but a call to action, urging viewers to consider how historical injustices inform present-day realities. While polarizing for some, it is undeniably a vital contribution to the ongoing dialogue about race, identity, and justice in America.

I've read through a bunch of the 1-star reviews and noticed that none of them actually address anything that is IN the episodes. Many of them claim that the documentary traffics in false history but literally every single person interviewed falls into one of two camps: 1) they are discussing things that personally happened to them; or 2) they are academic experts citing primary sources.

As a documentary work, The 1619 Project is off to a very strong start. I'm not ready to give it a 10 yet because I want to see how the entire series plays out. It's fair to say that it has an agenda but I can't think of any documentary that does not. There are obviously people who will disagree with the premise but from what I've seen so far, it does an excellent job of backing up its stance with verifiable facts.