There’s a lazy way to dismiss Matt Walsh’s new documentary, “Am I Racist?”
The film’s star must be racist for attacking DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) measures.
The proof? Good luck finding it.
Still, anyone aghast at the thought of mocking DEI might use that specious argument. It’s hardly a new line of attack.
Disagree with unfettered immigration? Racist! Think affirmative action runs afoul of the country’s core principles? Racist!
You know the drill.
Except a look at the people who have seen “Am I Racist?” during its first two weeks of release crushes that slipshod argument. It’s not just white audiences who made “Am I Racist?” the year’s top-grossing documentary … by a country mile.
Demographics supplied by The Daily Wire show the film has attracted people across the ethnic spectrum during its initial release.
Weekend 1: 36 Percent Non-White Audiences
- Caucasian: 64%
- Hispanic: 18%
- AA: 6%
- Asian: 5%
- NatAm/Other: 8%
Weekend 2: 32 Percent Non-White Audiences
- Caucasian: 68%
- Hispanic: 11%
- AA: 6%
- Asian: 8%
- NatAm/Other: 8%
The film’s YouTube critics also feature several black content creators, some of whom have praised the movie and its themes.
Why is this important? It suggests the film’s withering attack on DEI policies is reaching a broad array of Americans. President Donald Trump has expanded the conservative base to include more people of color in recent years.
Walsh’s irreverent documentary may be doing something similar.
The audience to date also defangs the film’s angriest critics. If Walsh’s modus operandi is racist, then what does it say about Asian-Americans who saw the film in the first few days of release?
What about Hispanic movie goers? Black film fans?
The film’s message is reaching many demographic groups. That may explain why liberal film journalists have mostly steered clear of the documentary.
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