Stamped From The Beginning Review: Revealing The Harsh Realities of American History And Its Sad Legacy of Anti-Black Discrimination

Stamped From The Beginning Review: Directed by Roger Ross Williams and written by Ibram X. Kendi and David Teague. The documentary stars Angela Davis, Ibram X. Kendi, Lynae Vanee, Julian Joseph, Carol Anderson, Alexa Rachelle Jennings, Paisley Rose Carswell, Brittney Cooper, Kellie Carter Jackson, John Gazzale, and others. The film has a runtime of 92 minutes.

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-Netflix Stamped From The Beginning Review Contains Mild Spoilers-

Stamped From The Beginning Plot

Inspired by Dr Kendi’s acclaimed work, Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas, this documentary delves deep into America’s obscured past, exploring the era when black individuals were enslaved and the formation of myths around them. It focuses on highlighting Black women’s viewpoints, offering a unique lens through which to understand the history of racism in America.

Stamped From The Beginning Review

Many of us may assume that we understand the origins of racist anti-black sentiments or believe that racism has always been deeply rooted in society. With the visibility of the Black Lives Matter movement, we might feel informed about the subject. However, the reality is that our understanding often fails to grasp the profound historical roots and the extent of suffering endured by black individuals during the era of slavery. This documentary takes us into the harsh reality, which is not only deeply saddening but also profoundly traumatising.

The documentary delves into the roots of anti-blackness, exploring its origins. Activist Angela Davis, a prominent voice in the film, emphasises that it’s not merely about skin colour or hair texture; it’s deeply rooted in the legacy of slavery. Europeans justified the transatlantic slave trade by depicting Africans as subhuman, using terms like “beastly,” “ignorant,” and “evil,” which gradually associated the word “black” with these negative connotations. Through art, fiction, and religion, they rationalised African enslavement as a natural and preordained outcome. Additionally, the documentary confronts the racial division that birthed the concept of whiteness, perpetuating the belief in inherent superiority among white individuals, thus justifying their entitlement to privileges solely based on their race.

The documentary specifically focuses on the plight of black women and how they have been treated over the years, especially during the era of slavery, when they were regarded merely as objects. It highlights remarkable black women from that time who shattered the stereotype that black people were only meant to be slaves. Take Phillis Wheatley, for instance. She was a renowned poet, yet after publishing her book, she faced disbelief and mistreatment, as the prevailing notion among white people was that black individuals couldn’t be intellectuals.

Enhancing the storytelling experience is achieved through captivating, finely crafted animations, fostering a deeper connection to reality. The incorporation of archival footage and recent viral moments serves to offer a familiar backdrop to the concepts being explored. From the animated portrayal of Wheatley to poignant camera pans capturing the expressions of black female scholars, juxtaposed with archival footage of Ania Hill from the 1990s and more recent images of Supreme Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, a powerful narrative unfolds. In this animated portrayal, no words are necessary to convey the enduring struggle faced by black women, constantly having to demonstrate their worthiness, a challenge that persists even today.

The film skillfully incorporates recognisable pop culture references from beloved movies and TV shows, weaving them together with compelling voiceover narration. This juxtaposition challenges fans to confront their admiration while prompting introspection about how these portrayals may inadvertently perpetuate racist perceptions. Additionally, Stamped From the Beginning delves into the harrowing history of black lynchings during the early 20th century. It underscores how media representations contributed to ingrained biases, depicting black individuals solely as criminals while perpetuating the fear among white communities that blacks would supplant them.

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The documentary opens and closes with a pivotal question, probing the true issues surrounding the black community. In its conclusion, it offers a profound response. It also exposes the manipulation of black individuals for political gain, ostensibly claiming to be anti-racist but ultimately rooted in systemic racism.

Stamped From the Beginning: Final Thoughts

Stamped From the Beginning serves as an eye-opening expose, unravelling the intricate historical tapestry of racism and anti-black sentiments deeply embedded in society. It expertly navigates the origins of these prejudices, revealing how they were meticulously woven into the fabric of culture and consciousness. The documentary not only sheds light on the profound suffering endured by black individuals, particularly during the era of slavery, but also dissects the manipulative constructs of racial division and superiority that persist to this day.

Through powerful narratives, compelling visuals, and thought-provoking juxtapositions, it compels viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, challenging ingrained perceptions perpetuated by media and pop culture. Moreover, by punctuating the narrative with pertinent questions, the documentary prompts reflection and offers a sobering realisation that the struggle against racism extends far beyond surface-level activism, requiring a deeper understanding of systemic issues deeply ingrained in society. It’s a call to action, urging for a collective commitment to dismantle these structures of oppression and foster genuine, meaningful change.

Stamped From The Beginning 2023 is now streaming on Netflix. Let us know your thoughts about the film if you’ve watched it in the comment section below!

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