Independent Lens Season 9 Episode 9 An Unreasonable Man

An Unreasonable Man is an episode from the ninth season of the documentary television series, Independent Lens. The show explores the life and career of Ralph Nader, a prominent American political activist, who became known for his advocacy for safety regulations for consumer products and his campaigns for various political offices throughout his career.

The episode provides an in-depth look at the life of Ralph Nader and how he rose to fame as an advocate for consumer safety. The show highlights his early life in Connecticut where he grew up with a strong sense of civic duty and activism. He went to college at Harvard and eventually went on to law school at Yale, where he became involved in a number of political and social justice organizations.

Throughout his career, Nader stood up for the little guy against corporate America. He fought tirelessly for car safety regulations, which eventually led to the creation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. He also advocated for improved food safety regulations and a number of environmental causes.

The episode delves deep into Nader's successful 2000 presidential campaign as the Green Party candidate, where he gained national recognition and had a profound impact on the country's political landscape. The show explores the controversy surrounding his decision to run, with some critics arguing that his campaign split the liberal vote and ultimately cost Al Gore the presidency. Nader, however, remained steadfast in his belief that the two major parties were too similar and that the country needed a real alternative to the status quo.

An Unreasonable Man also covers the fallout from the 2000 election, when Nader was accused of being a "spoiler" and a "traitor" by many on the political left. The episode explores the emotional toll this had on Nader and the effect it had on his public persona.

Despite the controversy surrounding his presidential campaign, the episode shows that Ralph Nader remained a powerful force for change in American politics. The show explores his continued advocacy for consumer safety, environmental protection, and social justice to this day as he approaches his nineties.

Throughout An Unreasonable Man, the filmmakers capture the evolution of Nader's career and personality. The episode illuminates the complex personal and political beliefs that drive Nader's activism and reveals how his struggles have shaped not only his own life but the nation itself.

Overall, An Unreasonable Man offers a fascinating portrait of one of America's most prominent political activists. The episode provides a nuanced look at Nader's life, his successes, and his battles. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in political activism and the legacy of one of America's most unrelenting advocates for change.