Frontline Season 37 Episode 11 Documenting Hate: New American Nazis

Frontline, a long-running investigative documentary series, presents season 37 episode 11 titled "Documenting Hate: New American Nazis." In this powerful and highly relevant episode that first aired in November 2018, filmmakers go deep into the far-right extremist movement in the United States and explore the rise of a new generation of Nazis.

"Documenting Hate" begins by tracing the path of hate crimes in the U.S., using recent incidents in Charlottesville, Virginia as a starting point. The show then delves into the larger movements that are fueling these attacks, exploring the ways in which white supremacist groups are using the internet to spread their messages of hate and recruit new members. By interviewing prominent members of the far-right, as well as journalists and experts who have been tracking these groups, Frontline provides a complex and nuanced portrait of the new American Nazis.

One of the key moments of the episode is an interview with a man named Richard Spencer, who is widely considered the leader of the alt-right movement. Spencer has become notorious for his speeches and writings that celebrate white nationalism and advocate for a "peaceful ethnic cleansing" of non-white Americans from the country. The Frontline team follows Spencer as he rallies supporters in Virginia and speaks candidly about his beliefs.

The documentary also takes a deep dive into the online forums where a lot of this hate speech is spread. Through conversations with journalists who have infiltrated these sites, "Documenting Hate" shows how easily hate groups can radicalize young people who are feeling disaffected and disenfranchised. The show explores the "echo chamber" effect of these online communities, where individuals are surrounded by likeminded people who only reinforce their hateful beliefs.

While the subject matter of "Documenting Hate" is obviously challenging and at times deeply disturbing, the filmmakers approach their work with a clear-eyed sense of purpose. Rather than sensationalizing the actions of the far-right, they seek to understand where this hatred comes from and how we as a society can combat it. The episode ends with a series of recommendations for how individuals and communities can work to counter the rise of extremism in the U.S.

In all, Frontline's "Documenting Hate" is a sobering but important look at a troubling movement in American society. Through careful research and powerful storytelling, the documentary demonstrates the ways in which hateful ideologies can thrive in our current political climate. Most importantly, it encourages viewers to confront these issues head-on and work towards building a society that is grounded in empathy and respect for all people.