Critical Thinking Matters

Thoughtful Discussions of Contemporary Issues

Uncle Tom, the Documentary

There is a wide diversity of opinion among blacks about how to interpret their situation in America. A number of blacks reject the victimhood attitude inherent in Tisby's narrative. To be well-informed about the topic of race in America we need to go beyond Jemar Tisby -- we need to listen to black conservatives to understand their very different, optimistic perspective.

In 2020 Larry Elder released a documentary called Uncle Tom. The title refers both to the character in the book Uncle Tom's Cabin, but more importantly to its use as an insult to blacks who disagree with liberal ideas. The subtitle to the documentary is An Oral History of the American Black Conservative.

These deleted scenes and outtakes explain who Uncle Tom was and how calling someone an Uncle Tom should be viewed as a compliment rather than an insult.

This 8 minute roundtable discussion by some of the films participants, prior to its release, highlights their hopes that this film will help correct deceptions that have plagued the black community for decades.

Larry Elder is a well-informed and articulate man. This interview of Larry Elder covers a wide ranging set of topics including the unwillingness on the part of the left to have a calm discussion about issues, the lack of visibility of prominent black conservatives within the black community, and the BLM organization. He provides are many fascinating insights.