Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America

source: Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America

This film should be compulsory viewing for every school kid in the United States. As a Brit now living here I wanted to know exactly what this country's history is - this does this and is beyond uncomfortable.

I have seen Who We Are a half dozen times..its absolutely brilliant on every level. Captivating from beginning to the end..at this juncture in our history , I cant think of another piece of work that as timely as Who We Are..a must watch.

A rigorous, succinct, unflinching, intellectually honest and profoundly important documentary that speaks loudly, clearly and compassionately to our present historical moment here in the U. S. The film does a masterful job articulating and contextualizing the impact of the past on the present, and what it bodes for the future - achieving what the best history teachers are able to do. And Robinson is one of the best, weaving lessons from sources as disparate as William Burroughs, George Orwell, and his own personal history into the greater narrative. As painful as pulling up the floorboards of one's home may be, it remains a necessary step towards understanding how much rot there may be in its foundations. Unfortunately, many will go to great lengths to avoid this pain, however compromised the foundation under their feet may be. This film is a clarifying signal that transcends the surrounding noise and should resonate with everyone willing to listen. If only everyone would.

This gripping film reveals so much more about the Attica than most people who were around then ever knew. For many, "Attica!" is nothing but a chant in an Al Pacino movie. Entire generations have now grown up immersed in a culture of mass incarceration, and have never heard of Attica. This film grows more important with each passing day and each questionable conviction.

Everyone should see this film. Thank you to everyone who made this film happen, it is wonderful and important. If you care about American history and want to understand the real story this film is a must.

This film taught me a bunch, but also inspired me to continue learning. The things you learn in this film are not easy to swallow, but they are the truth about this country. The Filmmakers have created a film that both educates and infuriates, and it is exactly the dose of medicine this country needs today.

You'll notice that every review on this site is 8+ stars. You'll also notice the film has a weighted average rating of about 5 stars. I think that speaks for itself--people who actually went and saw the movie (like myself) realize it is important, impactful, and stunningly done. Those who haven't are trying to tank the ratings because they want to uphold white supremacy in America. They're the guy standing in front of a Confederate statue with a Confederate flag and no idea what he's talking about. Go see the movie, you'll see what I mean.

What is it like to pick billions of pounds of cotton? What is it like to lose life for being "too successful"? Does luck look good? This documentary relies on many relevant and clear facts along the history without needing to be opinionated or emotionally tiring. Because it is new, educational/informational, and thereby engaging, watching is quite easy and strongly recommended. The reasons why this rating is not 10: First, while this movie is impressive, I am not sure this artwork can reach beyond the audience who are already willing to be open. To reach the "unreachable" might take some more work, admittedly much more work sometimes. Second, in addition to justice and empathy, adding a bit more hope, inspiration, or vision in appropriate amount should increase balance and encouragement, i.e., given the history, why is over the point plausible or not already lost now? PS: There are many 1 ratings now, which shows there is still a lot more work to do. Thanks!

An incredibly powerful film. It's so important to learn this history! Jeffery Robinson is a national treasure and he delivers this urgent message in such an inspiring way. We all must "know better" so we can "do better". I took my teen to see this film and she was deeply moved. Taking my whole family (kids ranging from 9-15yo) soon!