I enjoyed this series-some episodes more than others. Most brought together nicely various elements I had gleaned from other sources. Some (particularly "The Gadsden Flag" and "Stone Mountain") offered completely new information for me. Granted, I didn't always agree with the commentary, but I've always found history to be somewhat "subjective". Afterall, "facts" are "data"...and data tends to be "interpreted". (For instance, you may learn the Statue of Liberty was a "gift" to America from France-the motivations behind that gesture may be debatable.) I found the series enjoyable, informative, and sometimes even thought-provoking.
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Review this title2 Reviews
Want to learn about racism with a little history
whydoiwatch19 May 2023
I still like to learn things, but it is getting harder to find straight up unbiased history on television. This series appeared to cover a few topics that I am not familiar with. The Hollywood sign, the Gadsden Flag and the origin of the cowboy are all strictly American historical topics just like the titles promise. Episodes start off with a little background and history but quickly take an over the cliff turn to the left. The self flagellating David Rubinstein must inquire of most of his expert interviewees about the intrinsic racism within the topic concerning the past, present and future. Any more detailed and in depth history is shoved to the rear in pursuit of what I do not know. This is PBS, so I guess I should have known I would be disappointed. Why can't I get an hour of straight up history without bias and advocacy journalism polluting everything.
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