Documentary Review: ‘White With Fear’ – A Stoic look at decades of political agenda and fear-mongering.

Andrew Goldberg’s latest film, “White With Fear” is a bold, courageous dive into the political machine that has weaponized racial fear in America for decades. This documentary unravels and reveals the layers of strategies that have exploited racial tensions, shining a harsh light on how this conservative agenda has cultivated white victimization narratives.

What makes ‘White With Fear‘ stand out is the sheer access it provides to the people who were not only witnesses but also architects of these political manoeuvres. Through candid, revealing interviews with figures like Rick Gates (former Trump campaign strategist), Tim Miller (former communications director for Jeb Bush), and Ian Haney López (author of ‘Dog Whistle Politics’), the film reveals never-before-heard stories that have shaped the political landscape in ways many Americans are likely unaware of.

Hillary Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State and Democratic presidential nominee, also makes an appearance, bringing a broader perspective on the divisive nature of these strategies. In one of the film’s most striking moments, a political operative describes fear as the best motivator. The film unpacks how this fear, particularly of minorities, has been used to rally white voters by pushing a narrative and an agenda of white America being under assault.

The use of archival footage is masterful. It draws on decades of political speeches, debates, and news reports to give historical context to the documentary’s central thesis. The film also takes a closer look at Obama’s campaigns and re-election giving an in-depth look at how conservative America approached the idea of America having its first black president.

Whether it’s the racial tensions that surfaced during Barack Obama’s presidency or the continuously growing firearms for the personal defence industry in white American households, this film paints a troubling picture of how fear has been commercialized and weaponized for political gain.

One of the most eye-opening revelations in the documentary is the so-called “white fear industrial complex.” Goldberg exposes how a narrative of victimhood has not only influenced elections but also made certain people very rich. Guns, for example, have become a household staple for many white Americans, with fear of an imagined racial takeover driving this trend. And this has been going on for decades.

Carol Anderson, author of ‘White Rage‘ and a professor at Emory University, offers a critical perspective on how this fear has deeply impacted Black Americans. She points out that while these fear-mongering tactics may seem political, their consequences are lived daily by communities of colour, fueling existing racial divides.

As a Black viewer, it’s impossible to watch this film without a sense of unease. It almost feels like yet another reminder to white America of a looming threat, as though the fear of racial progress is once again being stoked. The documentary doesn’t just unpack decades of political manipulation. It leaves you with a sense of how deeply ingrained this fear is, and how dangerous it can be when left unchecked.

The film doesn’t shy away from exposing hard truths. Its candid interviews and shocking revelations make for a compelling, and at times, uncomfortable viewing experience. For those who’ve long suspected that race has been used as a pawn in America’s political chess game, this documentary confirms those suspicions even more. It is truly a sobering reminder of how fear can shape not only elections but the very fabric of society.

Perhaps also, this film was intended to be also a cautionary tale and a very important call to action. Maybe urging viewers regardless of race or political beliefs to confront and address the dangers of this political system that keeps exploiting racial fault lines.

Hopefully, this film finds a way to reach the people that need it the most and it makes the change that it intends to make.

I will score this 3.5 out of 5 stars.