Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
By Monique Jones,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Outstanding documentary on race challenges and educates.

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Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America
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Based on 1 parent review
Truthful but hard to watch, descriptions and images of violence heavy throughout
What's the Story?
WHO WE ARE: A CHRONICLE OF RACISM IN AMERICA centers on lawyer and speaker Jeffery Robinson, the deputy legal director and director of the Trone Center for Justice & Equality at the ACLU, as he speaks emotionally about how much the United States has banked on racist policies that support economic and social privileges for some, at many others' expense. Robinson's lecture (filmed in June 2018) is intercut with interviews with historians, people from Robinson's personal life, and figures in the modern civil rights movement.
Is It Any Good?
This documentary is a sometimes-tough but absolutely necessary watch for people who are committed to being more socially conscious about race in the United States. Indeed, Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America is meant as a wake-up call to Americans about the truth of their country's history: Not only is racism still alive and well in the United Stats, but it's a fundamental part of the country's foundation. The film is also a call to action -- Robinson makes it clear that it's up to all Americans to stop the tide of racism in order to put the United States on a better, more equitable path.
As a speaker and presenter, Robinson is effective, engaging, and empathetic; he draws on research, interviews, and personal experience to showcase exactly why it's important to address internal biases, teach accurate history, and properly question laws. He securely guides viewers through many of the "usual suspects"-type arguments against learning about racial history by providing cold, hard facts, often pulling from documents left by the United States' founding fathers and historic notables. With his sound arguments, there's no room for denial. Who We Are is a film that should be taught in every classroom; parents who show this film to their teens will be able to facilitate their own family's personal growth through exploration, tough conversations, and personal accountability.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical basis for racism in the United States. What points did Robinson make about U.S. racism? Why is it so deeply ingrained?
How has racism personally affected Robinson's life? Which anecdotes about his life did you find the most moving? Why?
Why do you think Robinson decided to engage with Confederate apologists? Why did he walk away from them? Why is it important to exercise self-control and self-care in challenging situations?
What other character strengths did you see on display in the movie?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 14, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: March 29, 2022
- Cast: Jeffery Robinson
- Directors: Emily Kunstler , Sarah Kunstler
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Courage , Empathy , Humility , Perseverance , Self-control
- Run time: 117 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: thematic content, disturbing images, violence and strong language - all involving racism
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: May 13, 2024
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