Exterminate All the Brutes Season 1 Episode 3 Part 3

Exterminate All the Brutes Season 1 Episode 3 - Part 3

In the third installment of "Exterminate All the Brutes," director Raoul Peck continues his examination of the history of colonialism and its impact on the world. This time, he explores the events that led up to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, as well as the devastating consequences of that involvement.

Peck begins by delving into the idea of the "American dream," and how it has been used to justify everything from slavery to imperialism. He points out that the notion of American exceptionalism has been so thoroughly ingrained in U.S. culture that many Americans don't even question it. However, Peck argues that this mindset has led to a dangerous sense of entitlement, in which the U.S. feels free to intervene in the affairs of other nations without regard for their autonomy or well-being.

Peck provides a historical context for this mindset by examining America's expansionism in the 19th century. He notes that many Americans saw themselves as destined to spread their culture and values across the continent, and later across the world. This expansionism was fueled in part by a belief in the racial superiority of white Americans, as well as a desire for economic gain.

Peck then shifts his focus to the Vietnam War, which he describes as a "turning point in history." He explains how the U.S. became involved in the conflict, and how political leaders at the time tried to justify the war as a necessary step in the fight against communism. Peck argues, however, that the real motivation behind the U.S. involvement in Vietnam was to maintain its global supremacy.

Throughout the episode, Peck also explores the impact of the war on the Vietnamese people, as well as on American soldiers who fought in the conflict. He speaks to several veterans who share their experiences, as well as to Vietnamese survivors of the war who describe the devastating losses they suffered. Peck emphasizes the senseless violence of the war and the way it was waged, noting the widespread use of napalm, Agent Orange, and other weapons that caused widespread destruction and death.

Overall, "Exterminate All the Brutes" Season 1 Episode 3 is a sobering examination of U.S. imperialism and the devastating impact it has had on the world. Peck's use of historical footage and personal stories humanizes the subject matter, making it clear that the cost of American exceptionalism has been high for many people around the globe. However, the episode also offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that a reckoning with the past and a commitment to social justice and equity can help create a better future for all.