Independent Lens Season 23 Episode 7 Owned: A Tale of Two Americas

Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is the seventh episode of the 23rd season of Independent Lens. This documentary film takes us on a journey through the history of housing discrimination in America and how it has led to the current housing crisis. Through the stories of both homeowners and renters alike, we are given a glimpse into the struggle to achieve the American Dream and the ways in which the system is designed to keep people of color and those with lower incomes from achieving that dream.

The film begins with a look back at the history of housing discrimination, beginning with the policies of the Federal Housing Administration in the 1930s. These policies, which were designed to promote homeownership, resulted in the creation of segregated neighborhoods and the exclusion of people of color from certain areas. This practice of redlining has had lasting effects on communities to this day.

From there, we are introduced to a number of people who have been affected by these policies, including a family in Los Angeles who are facing eviction from their home. We also meet a woman in Chicago who has been forced to move multiple times due to rising rent prices, and a couple in Miami who have been fighting to save their home from foreclosure.

Throughout the film, we are also given a glimpse into the housing market itself and the ways in which it perpetuates these discriminatory practices. We see how real estate agents steer people towards certain neighborhoods based on their race and how landlords use criminal background checks to exclude potential tenants who are people of color.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this film is the way in which it highlights the stark contrast between the experiences of homeowners and renters. While homeowners are often viewed as successful and stable, renters are seen as transient and less deserving of respect. This mindset has led to a lack of protection for renters, who are often subject to unfair and discriminatory practices by landlords.

Throughout the film, we are given a sense of just how deep-seated these issues are and how difficult they are to solve. However, the film also highlights the work of activists who are fighting to make change, including those who are pushing for affordable housing policies and those who are fighting against discrimination in the housing market.

Overall, Owned: A Tale of Two Americas is an incredibly powerful film that sheds light on an issue that is all too often ignored. Through powerful personal stories and a clear-eyed look at the system itself, the film shows us just how urgent the problem of housing discrimination truly is. This is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in social justice and the fight for equality in America.