American Experience Season 33 Episode 4 The Blinding of Isaac Woodard

The Blinding of Isaac Woodard is an episode from season 33 of the show American Experience, which tells the story of a black army sergeant who was beaten and blinded by police officers in 1946. At the time, Woodard was traveling home from serving in World War II, where he had been decorated for his bravery. In Batesburg, South Carolina, he was arrested and taken into custody for allegedly drinking on a bus, even though he had been sober.

Once in police custody, Woodard was brutally beaten by the arresting officers, who used their nightsticks to hit him repeatedly in the head. The beating was so severe that Woodard lost both of his eyes, and the attack left him permanently disabled. Despite the brutality of the attack and the fact that Woodard had not done anything wrong, the police officers involved were never held accountable for their actions.

The episode takes a look at the context in which the attack occurred, exploring the racial tensions and attitudes prevalent in the United States at the time. It provides background information on Woodard's life and service in the military, and shows how his attack and subsequent treatment by law enforcement officials helped to galvanize the civil rights movement.

The Blinding of Isaac Woodard features interviews with family members, historians, and experts on civil rights and race relations, providing viewers with a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the events that led up to the attack and its aftermath. The episode also examines the impact that the attack had on Woodard's life, as well as the lives of his family members.

The show provides a powerful indictment of the racism and injustice that were prevalent during this time period, highlighting the need for greater protections for civil rights and a more equitable society. The Blinding of Isaac Woodard is a powerful and moving episode that sheds light on an important chapter in American history, one that deserves to be remembered and understood.