Watch Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America

Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America is a documentary film from 2016 that follows the titular character, Daryl Davis, as he travels around the United States engaging in conversations with members of the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacist groups. The film is directed by Matt Ornstein and features interviews with Davis, as well as other activists and scholars who have worked to understand and combat racism in America.

The film begins by introducing Daryl Davis and his unusual approach to dismantling racism. Davis is a Black musician who has been playing blues and rock and roll since the 1960s. One day, after a gig, Davis was confronted by a white man who told him he had never seen a Black man play piano like Jerry Lee Lewis. This interaction led to a conversation, which led to an unexpected friendship, which led to Davis meeting more members of the Ku Klux Klan.

Davis has made it his mission to try and understand the motivations and beliefs of white supremacists, in the hopes that he can help them see the error of their ways. He has collected robes and hoods from members who have left the Klan, and he has made some surprising connections with people who used to be his enemies.

The film takes viewers along on some of Davis's journeys, as he travels to Klan rallies, white nationalist meetings, and other places where he is likely to encounter racist beliefs. In these encounters, Davis is charming, disarming, and genuinely curious about the people he meets. He asks questions, listens to responses, and often finds common ground where no one expected it.

The film also follows Davis's personal life and career, as he continues to play music and raise a family. We see him rehearsing with his band, helping his children with their homework, and reflecting on the impact of his work. Davis acknowledges that he has received criticism from some activists who believe that he is giving undeserved attention to hateful groups. However, he argues that his approach is more effective than shouting down or ignoring racist beliefs.

Throughout the film, viewers also hear from other experts and activists who weigh in on Davis's work. One scholar argues that engaging with racists is not the same as legitimizing their beliefs. Another activist talks about the importance of relationships in changing minds and hearts. Still, others point out the long history of Black people risking their lives to build bridges across racial tensions. Together, these voices provide context and insight into the complex issue of race in America.

Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America is a nuanced and thought-provoking film about one man's efforts to understand and combat racism in America. It raises important questions about the nature of hate, the power of relationships, and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the United States. Whether you agree with Davis's methods or not, you will leave the film with a deeper understanding of the challenges we face as a society when it comes to issues of race and identity.

Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis, Race & America is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 63.