I've watched the first episode, and I appreciate the quality of this documentary. The interviews with history professors, along with quotes from historical leaders are definitely the sign of a documentary and not a fictional story (as a few negative reviews have indicated). It includes both tragedies and successes in American history, showing how black populations were key players in a variety of historical events.
I would recommend this documentary to all history buffs, particularly to those who already know the basics about American history. For example, I knew blacks had faught in a variety of American wars, but I didn't know slaves had faught for the Virginia governor in exchange for freedom. It's a small detail in my life, just a footnote in a textbook. But just imagine how important that detail was to that soldier? And to his family? And to the slave owner who suddenly found himself fighting against his property? Or to any future descendants? I appreciate learning about people who have lived a different life from myself, whether that separation was driven by time, race, or gender.
I'm not really sure why people claim this documentary is full of lies. Amendments giving blacks and women the right to vote exist because for centuries all weren't allowed to vote. The Emancipation Proclamation existed because previously it was legal for a white man to own black slaves. Desegregation took place because separate and equal wasn't very equal. These are all concrete historical events and movements that aren't in dispute. What this documentary does is highlight quotes from historical figures to illustrate that history is more complex than what is taught in a fifth grade history class. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to continue learning about a population that is not often highlighted in history books.
I would recommend this documentary to all history buffs, particularly to those who already know the basics about American history. For example, I knew blacks had faught in a variety of American wars, but I didn't know slaves had faught for the Virginia governor in exchange for freedom. It's a small detail in my life, just a footnote in a textbook. But just imagine how important that detail was to that soldier? And to his family? And to the slave owner who suddenly found himself fighting against his property? Or to any future descendants? I appreciate learning about people who have lived a different life from myself, whether that separation was driven by time, race, or gender.
I'm not really sure why people claim this documentary is full of lies. Amendments giving blacks and women the right to vote exist because for centuries all weren't allowed to vote. The Emancipation Proclamation existed because previously it was legal for a white man to own black slaves. Desegregation took place because separate and equal wasn't very equal. These are all concrete historical events and movements that aren't in dispute. What this documentary does is highlight quotes from historical figures to illustrate that history is more complex than what is taught in a fifth grade history class. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to continue learning about a population that is not often highlighted in history books.