2016 Directed by Matthew Ornstein
Daryl Davis has an unusual hobby. As a musician he has played with legends like Chuck Berry and Little Richard, but in his spare time he likes to meet and befriend members of the Ku Klux Klan. Join Daryl on his personal quest to understand racism.
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Probes a lot of interesting questions regarding the validity of conversation, especially when many of the subjects sitting across the table from Davis hate him simply because of his skin color. How does one-sided empathy portray both parties? Is a degree of mutual respect harmful in its adequateness?
Solid piece.
Seen this before but wanted to watch it again. This remains such an interesting documentary about an incredibly fascinating person. The way the documentary examines American history and racism through Daryl and his experiences and opinions is so moving and beautifully constructed. A particularly tense discussion with BLM activists in Baltimore is a standout moment in the film as it sums up the films message of the need to understand those who disagree with you.
Final thought: Even better the second time around. A brilliant documentary that should to be watched at least once.
This documentary was very powerful. I missed the last bit of it because the Baltimore scene has started a family discussion that's still on-going.
An interesting premise, the movie has too many respectability politics for me to enjoy the message. It's a harmful idea to try and make people befriend people that literally them to have less rights.
There is nothing progressive about having to be friends with a person that doesn't respect your existence.
It's interesting that he's devoted so much time to this process, and has changed the minds of a couple dozen people, but forcing people to try and build connections with violent racists, is not only dangerous, but massively harmful to someone's psychological well being.
This documentary also glosses over the murderous past of the KKK, making it seem like a group that just gathers together in hoods to talk…
In contrast to BlacKkKlansman, which succeeds through its righteous anger and humor when it comes to exposing systemic racism and the idiocy of the white supremacist mindset, Accidental Courtesy, directed by Matthew Ornstein, prefers to talk things out. Literally.
Ornstein trains his lens on Daryl Davis, a semi-famous blues musician who has rubbed shoulders and played alongside the likes of B.B. King and Chuck Berry. These days, however, Davis is more so known for his unique anti-racism tactics, specifically infiltrating the KKK, or more so, the minds of Klan members to see what makes them tic. By doing so, Davis’ cordial and comforting style has allowed him to create a host of friendships and allies with people who are supposed to hate…
An inspiring story of a man that is doing his best to wipe out hatred in America. I loved this.
If I were Daryl Davis my eyes would have fallen out due to excessive eye-rolling when talking to these people. But maybe that's the problem.
A film on race relations and humans ability to change that really gets heated when the #BlackLivesMatter segment begins. It really begs the question of which is better - small, incremental, changes or large, fundamental, movements? The answer is Both but its fascinating to see it all play out.
"How can you hate me if you don't even know me?"
this is a crazy doc and you just gotta watch it
