The History of Racism – Episode 1
BBC Documentary ~ The History
Of Racism
Reaching back across the centuries, this program sheds light on historical
attitudes toward human differences. It assesses the significance of Biblical
narratives, including the curse of Ham, in the evolution of European concepts of
race, and goes on to examine the basis of institutionalized racism—entwined with
fervent capitalism—on which the transatlantic slave trade operated. The
destruction of Americas indigenous civilizations and the dehumanization and
exploitation of Africans are studied alongside the writings of Enlightenment
philosophers and historians. Experts interviewed include Dr. Orlando Patterson of
Harvard University, Dr. Barnor Hesse of Northwestern, and Professor James
Walvin of the University of York