Stamped from the Beginning

As "Stamped from the Beginning" (2023 release; 92 min.) opens, the off-camera interviewer opens with this question: "What's wrong with Black people?". The (Black) talking heads are stunned with this question. We then go back in time to when Blacks were forced (basically kidnapped) to the US. At this point we are less than 10 minutes into the documentary.

Couple of comments: this is the latest documentary from Black director Roger Ross Williams. More importantly, this is the movie adaptation of the 2016 acclaimed book of the same name by Dr. Ibram X. Kendi, who himself is among the most interviewed talking heads. Along the way we get to know some historic figures whom I was not familiar with. The documentary is fast-paced, and well illustrated, but of course at times is difficult to watch, even if it is must-see for sure. I moved to the US many years ago, and am still learning every day about the dark past (and sadly, also present) of this country.

"Stamped from the Beginning" started streaming on Netflix last week, and I just caught up with it. There is good reason why this documentary is currently rated 100% Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have any interest in social justice and the correlating origins of Black racism, I'd readily suggest you check this out and draw your own conclusion.

Must see for all to understand the real history of the United States and how it's wealth and European wealth is built on the backs and blood of Atlantic slave trade and colonization. The film is not complete but should inspire everyone esp young people to learn about institutions and systems that propagate injustice and oppression. Wars in Middle East, Africa, civil unrest, poverty, mass shootings, mass incarceration, migrant crisis etc can be better understood in light of racist doctrines and policies created by Europeans since the 16th century. Read about the Doctrine of Discovery and Age of Exploration.

Imagine what you'd do, in a world that's against you, where the prejudice and hate, controls your life and dominates, where the boundaries are so narrow, for you to plough your freedom farrow, and the clichés mould and form, to show you're nothing like their norm. Imagine what you'd do, controlled by those without a clue, as untruths are formed and conjured, by the government incumbent, who's intent to lend a hand, is cloaked with aims to keep command, as the message keeps repeating, cascades through generations reaping. Imagine what you'd do...

A powerful and thought provoking piece of documentary filmmaking.

This review is by someone who is not an American, but has lived in the US for 8 years during her PhD and Post-doctoral education. She is not black. I see reviews here that sometimes has nothing to do with the material, but has much to do with a person's political views. I wished to put who I am out there to say that this review is not the product of my political stance or belongingness. Here it goes: I liked this documentary, and will rewatch it. The other reviews talk about horrible editing. It did not bother me. Sometimes, living in the moment, we don't realize that historical narratives are continuously being rewritten, and edited. It is painful to revisit a past, where there is so much pain. But it should be revisited so that we understand the root of current problems and why they are so persistent, complex and challenging. We inherit great things from our ancestor and also some things we may not be too proud of. That is OK, as long as we strive to be a better version of ourselves. This is what the documentary left me with. I enjoyed it immensely. Oh! Also I now have the urge to read more of Maya Angelou.

First off, the 'Half-Truths' review said that the movie said that Portugal had the start of slave trade which is false but the movie actually said it was that it (to the person) was the start of the TRANS-ATLANTIC slave trade.

Anyway, the actual movie is actually pretty good. It brought up points and information that (at least to me) made me want to look into the topic even further.

However, the editing was a bit cluttered but the mix of animation, video and hard-hitting narration and photos of objects/pictures/cartoons of the time. Also the music was a nice mix of hip-hop, dramatic classical, etc....

In conclusion (yes I know I'm writing this like a high school essay, let me be), the movie is pretty amazing and you should at least give it a chance.