If you’ve been anywhere near a screen lately, you’ve probably heard about Am I Racist?, the new documentary that’s turning heads and stirring up conversations across the country. Directed by Matt Walsh and produced by The Daily Wire, this film isn’t your typical deep dive into race. It tackles the question we’re all a bit afraid to ask ourselves: Am I racist? But what makes this documentary stand out isn’t just the question—it’s how the film approaches the answer.
The Premise: Confronting the Awkward
At first glance, Am I Racist? sounds like it’s heading into heavy, uncomfortable territory—and to some extent, it is. But what makes this documentary unique is how it leans into the awkwardness of talking about race, especially when it comes to corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training. Walsh takes us through these well-intentioned, but often clunky, DEI moments that many of us have experienced in the workplace.
Instead of diving straight into guilt or finger-pointing, the film zooms in on the tension and odd interactions that happen when people are asked to confront their own biases in highly structured environments. For a topic this serious, Walsh uses a surprising mix of humor and critique to expose the awkwardness of these situations. It’s not exactly what you’d expect from a film on race, and that’s what makes it so engaging.
Record-Breaking Success
Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying that Am I Racist? is a massive success. After its release on The Daily Wire’s streaming platform, it quickly became one of the most-watched documentaries of the decade. It broke records, drawing in viewers who were curious about its controversial subject matter and approach. It didn’t take long before the film was at the center of national conversations, with some praising it for its boldness and others criticizing it for what they saw as oversimplification.
The numbers don’t lie—this documentary is striking a chord with a lot of people. Whether you’re tuning in for Walsh’s biting critique or just to see what all the fuss is about, Am I Racist? has become a must-watch for anyone interested in the current cultural landscape.
A Different Kind of Race Documentary
What makes this film so unique is how it sidesteps the traditional approach to discussing race. Instead of diving into historical context or offering a deep analysis of systemic racism, Am I Racist? focuses on those awkward moments of self-reflection and forced discussions in modern workplaces. It holds up a mirror to the way we’ve been trained to talk about race and asks, “Is this really working?”
For some, this approach is refreshing. Instead of feeling like a lecture, the film feels more like a candid conversation. It acknowledges that these moments are uncomfortable, but also asks if we’re really getting anywhere with the way we’re addressing them. Walsh’s humor adds a layer of levity to the film, making it easier to watch without shying away from the serious questions at its core.
The Backlash and Praise
Of course, with a topic as charged as this one, reactions to the film have been all over the map. Some viewers have praised Walsh for taking a bold stand and bringing humor into a discussion that’s often treated with the utmost seriousness. Others feel the film misses the mark, downplaying the importance of DEI initiatives and failing to fully address the deeper, systemic issues at play.
One of the most talked-about moments came when The Washington Post weighed in, critiquing the film for focusing too much on the awkwardness of the conversations rather than the root causes of racism. But for every critique, there’s been an equal amount of support from those who see the film as a much-needed breath of fresh air in the race conversation.