The film ‘You Racist, Sexist, Bigot’ encapsulates the infinite amount of stories of discrimination throughout the United States, allowing the viewer to understand the intolerance that other races, sexes, and members of the LGBTQ+ community suffer.

The most common problem concerning the fight against prejudice in the United States stems from the idea that much of the population does not understand the intolerance that is experienced by those being attacked. Especially in Phoenix, where the population of Hispanics is almost equivalent to the population of Whites, this common theme of discrimination is largely noted because of the high percentage of ethnic populations who are continuously attacked by the narrow-minded. Films like ‘You Racist, Sexist, Bigot’ give cultures, races, genders, and sexualities a voice to expand on their perspectives and educate the population. Between interviews of a Middle Eastern shop owner, a Hispanic trans-woman, and many other varying stories being voiced throughout the film, audience members, despite their race, gender, or sexuality, are able to experience their pain and the discrimination they suffer.

I like to think that I am well-educated concerning discrimination and that I understand what others are subjected to by narrow-minded people. The film, however, calls for me to question what I know, and question if I am doing enough. Being a white, straight, teenage girl, I have been belittled and shut down in many cases because of my gender. I know I have dealt with intolerant people, but I also know that I have a platform to speak up for myself while others may not feel as though they have the opportunity to.

Watching the film, listening to the stories of Americans being powerless, and learning what they suffer is painful. It is increasingly hard to talk about the struggles that this “Great America” is encouraging. But, that is exactly what the film enforces. Filmmakers Pita Juarez and Matty Steinkamp call on viewers to answer those difficult questions and educate themselves on the prejudice that others suffer. Change will not be had until those fighting are educated and stories are personified, which is exactly what the film works to promote.

‘You Racist, Sexist, Bigot’ gives audience members a glimpse into the very difficult lives that those who do not fit the status quo lead. With in-depth interviews, poems, and a culturally-rich soundtrack, the film provides a brutally honest and educating point of view that strives only to promote change and power in numbers.

I encourage viewers to get uncomfortable by having the difficult discussions that are presented throughout the film. By beginning to educate oneself of others’ stories and perspectives, the ability to push for change is found and the many ‘-isms’ of the current world can be combated. The only way to defeat the racist, sexist bigots is to spread awareness of the true eye-opener that is needed in order to fight for such an important cause, and that is exactly what can be kickstarted in one’s own life through the film ‘You Racist, Sexist, Bigot.’