Black Arts Journal Entry - Week 12 (4/5/23): Raoul Peck's "Exterminate All the Brutes" Continued Discussion

Raoul Peck's four-part documentary series "Exterminate All the Brutes" explores the history of racism, genocide, and colonialism by Europeans in the Americas, Africa, and other parts of the world. The show delivers a fascinating and difficult critique of the prevalent Western historical narratives while delving into the intricate and interrelated histories of imperialism, capitalism, and white supremacy.

Peck examines the violent underbelly of Western culture and its history of exploitation and brutality using a combination of documentary footage, reenactments, animation, and philosophical thoughts. He urges viewers to examine their own historical presumptions and face the difficult realities of racism and colonialism's pervasive effects on modern society.

The concept of the "colonial gaze," which refers to the manner in which Western culture has created and perpetuated preconceptions and misconceptions about non-European peoples and cultures, is one of the series' major themes. According to Peck, this gaze is to blame for the persistent marginalization and oppression of people of color by influencing the dominant narratives of Western history and society.

"Exterminate All the Brutes" is a strong and difficult work of art that compels spectators to pay attention and contemplate. The series is a crucial contribution to current discussions about race, history, and social justice because of Peck's profound engagement with history and his outspoken criticism of Western civilization.