PBS~ Race: The Power of an Illusion (2003) Part One: The Difference Between Us

PBS~ Race: The Power of an Illusion (2003) Part One: The Difference Between Us http://www.pbs.org/race/ (One of 3 Parts, 56 minutes each, two parts to folo ) ABOUT THE FILM By asking, What is this thing called 'race'?, a question so basic it is rarely asked, Race - The Power of an Illusion helps set the terms that any further discussion of race must first take into account. Ideal for human biology, anthropology, sociology, American history, American studies, and cultural studies. The division of the world's peoples into distinct groups - "red," "black," "white" or "yellow" peoples - has became so deeply imbedded in our psyches, so widely accepted, many would promptly dismiss as crazy any suggestion of its falsity. Yet, that's exactly what this provocative, new three-hour series by California Newsreel claims. Race - The Power of an Illusion questions the very idea of race as biology, suggesting that a belief in race is no more sound than believing that the sun revolves around the earth. Yet race still matters. Just because race doesn't exist in biology doesn't mean it isn't very real, helping shape life chances and opportunities. Part 1- The Difference Between Us examines the contemporary science - including genetics - that challenges our common sense assumptions that human beings can be bundled into three or four fundamentally different groups according to their physical traits. (Altough this part of the documentary demonstates its liberal, inclusive message successfully, perhaps it is a little over-weaning in doing so. We know that the genetic basis of 'racial' differences is very, small and is most noticeable in physical characteristics, the science presented seems to overplay its hand in coming close to suggesting that mitochondrial markers are not effective in identifying fairly reliablely the ancestry of an invididual. Anyway, Part Two is more interesting in the historical, sociological history of race...to be posted 24 hours later...so enjoy Part 1.) Federal funding for CPB/PBS is going to be cut significantly over the next two years, so if you watch any of these programs, please support your local PBS Station by making a contribution or by purchasing their DVDs. Visit the producer's website: http://www.newsreel.org/ CRITICAL COMMENT "By far the best documentary series on race of the last decade." Troy Duster, former president, American Sociological Association "This eye-opening look at why race is not biologically meaningful yet nonetheless very real needs to be seen by all scientists and the general public." Donald Kennedy, Editor-in-Chief, SCIENCE "One of the most honest and compelling documentary series I've ever seen on race and its impact on this nation's culture and politics, as well as on the economic status of nonwhite citizens." Acel Moore, Philadelphia Inquirer "A marvelously intelligent documentary. A timely reminder that social divisions are made, not inevitable." Patricia Williams, The Nation "Different from other discussions of race because it's an argument made methodically and with evidence. That we are all "created equal" is both superficially true as political rhetoric, deeply true as scientific fact and manifestly ridiculous when one considers the financial, educational and social inequities of our society." Philip Kennicott, Washington Post "Illuminating and provocative. Race does matter " not as genetics " but as lived experience. Eloquently documented." Annie Nakao, San Francisco Chronicle "Racists have often used pseudoscience to justify their socially damaging views; watch these films to see how science, by replacing ignorance with knowledge, can undo that damage." James Watson, Nobel laureate "Insightful. Easy to watch, even entertaining as it educates. You will not see race the same way after watching the series." Jerry Large, Seattle Times "So why did RACE- The Power of an Illusion floor me? The show explains how contemporary science debunks old notions of race, how these ugly falsehoods evolved, and where race does live -- in institutions that disproportionately, and often invisibly, grant power and wealth to whites." Donna Britt, Washington Post "In this atmosphere of race doublespeak, RACE " The Power of an Illusion is one of the most important, sweeping and groundbreaking documentaries in recent memory." Esther Iverem, BET.com "This is deeply resonant material with the potential to make everyone who watches it think in a new and fundamental way about society." Steve Johnson, Chicago Tribune