Bill Moyers: Beyond Hate

I’ve covered a lot of Bill Moyers releases from Acorn Media and I have yet to watch a release that doesn’t simply blow my mind. Beyond Hate follows in the footsteps of those previous releases, offering an unbiased view on the subject matter and offering up a look at the mechanics of the issues with the strength of archival footage, both media sourced as well as amateur footage. You get interviews, sound bites, as well as newspaper headlines and stock footage for effect. In the end you’re left to decide what you believe on the subject matter of hate, as well as receive a first hand experience with the subject as you’re put through some pretty poignant footage and meetings with characters in our history from ages ago to the not so distant past.

Beyond Hate begins with questions. What is hatred? How does it effect us? How does it shape us? Is hatred the face of violence? Is it the emotional distress of words or actions?

As the program rolls on Moyers offers up in-depth examples of hatred, not offering up an opinion, rather allowing the followers of hate to speaks their minds in a relaxed atmosphere where their words are calm and focused. We also see some advocates for peace and follow their lives as they attend events and give their perspectives on what hatred is and why they think it exists. Among the list of speakers there is Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, and Elie Wiesel, a survivor of the holocaust who has done much for the peace movement.

Nothing makes for a finer example then seeing hatred in action. The ignorance of it, the misguided passion, and sometimes even the justified passion that comes from wanting to do good but being conformed into a servant of evil in the face of an evil too large for your efforts. Examples are many and, with most viewers who have experience hate in its many forms, you will be your own guide through the program. Moyers and company offer up their thoughts, but really, your own experiences will make it hard for you to journey through the documentary without bias.