A New Film Shows America’s History of Racial Unity

Hello Meltingpot Readers,

Today is Friday, so that means I get to share something good. And today’s something is a new documentary set to air on local PBS stations called An American Story: Race Amity and the Other Tradition. The “Other Tradition” in the title refers to examples of people of different races living, loving and working together. This version of American history is in direct opposition to the common narrative of racial strife used to define our past, present and future.

Now, dear readers, I’m the first to admit that the soil of this country is over saturated with the blood of racial violence. As a nation, racial oppression cripples us. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a documented history of collaboration and kindness between people of different ethnic backgrounds as well. Indeed, one of the reasons I started this blog, was to remind people that the United States has many historical and present-day examples of meltingpot moments and we are so misguided when we forget (or ignore) them.

Of course there is a reason why schools don’t teach this alternative history. There’s a reason why these stories aren’t highlighted in popular folklore. Two words, white supremacy. Let me explain. If Black people and white people have been peacefully cohabitating for centuries, then that would suggest equality. If Asian people and Latino people have a history of marrying and combining resources, then that would suggest that there isn’t a reason for them to fight each other for representation. Upholding the current narrative that we are a nation at odds with each other, that social segregation is our legacy (it’s not), that a racial hierarchy has always existed (it hasn’t), and that there are no real benefits to social and cultural integration (there are), simply allows one group of people to remain in power because we believe that racial equality isn’t possible (But it is.).

So, back to the film. An American Story attempts to fill in the missing parts of our history that highlight racial unity. It offers an alternative way of looking at our past that is far more hopeful than what we generally think of concerning race relations. Trust, it’s not all unicorns and glitter and nobody is trying to erase the ugly parts of our past, but it does bring to light our unsung legacy of meltingpot moments. And as such, can kickstart a conversation about a more unified future.

Check out the trailer and then check your PBS stations to see when it will air in your city.

Peace!