Have you ever seen the original Roots?

[Anonymous]

I was 9 I’d like to rewatch as an adult.

It’s on HBO med I think I’ll do that

[Anonymous]

My white Southern family watched and I do think it helped open our eyes to the realities of slavery and racism. It was THE topic of conversation everywhere for awhile, and I don't remember anyone expressing a negative opinion about it--consensus was that it was a really well-made and illuminating show.
I was only 8, so I remember watching most of it, but being told to cover my eyes or sent out of the room at the more violent scenes.

[Anonymous]

Interestingly, the name “Toby” hit it’s peak of popularity as a baby name in 1976 and then an immediate decline after 1977. I’d bet that’s an indication of the show’s impact.

https://babynames.com/name/toby

[Anonymous]

Watched it in high school history class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can stream it on Prime. I saw it when it came out when I was in the 4th grade. I just recently watched it again along with the new version, Roots, The Next Generation and Queen. It still holds up but it’s definitely dated. I think the 2016 version was well done.

Not for free currently.

It had been on Tubi and HBOMax but not currently

I don’t think Tubi or HBOMax are free? Sometimes they have free weekends.

This is why I own the DVDs of films and series I love.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Watched it in high school history class.

Thought experiment: Would that be allowed in red states today?

[Anonymous]

I watched it at 7. I seem to recall it was a class assignment or maybe just strongly encouraged which blows my mind. Can you imagine the uproar today? I was in the Midwest then. I watched it again several years ago with my kids and it really did hold up. It retained its power and message beautifully and everyone and I mean everyone, black and white was in it. OJ was even in it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes. I'm sure some Netflix idiot will redo with a talentless pretty face.

A&E remade it a few years ago. The guy from Bridgerton played Chicken George (so yes a pretty face lol) It wasn’t as good as the original but IIRC the remake wasn’t bad.

[Anonymous]

I was in high school and vividly remember that everyone was watching it and talking about it. For me, whose high school history class consisted of memorizing civil war battles, dates, and names of generals, it was so eye-opening to the realities of our country's history and slavery. The scene where Kizzy is sold away from her parents was heart-shattering. So many great acting performances in that series too. I honestly became so interested in US history after watching Roots that I started reading many history books after that. Especially since I learned nothing in my high school classes!

[Anonymous]

no

[Anonymous]

We watched this at school growing up
- Born in 1978

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I watched it at 7. I seem to recall it was a class assignment or maybe just strongly encouraged which blows my mind. Can you imagine the uproar today? I was in the Midwest then. I watched it again several years ago with my kids and it really did hold up. It retained its power and message beautifully and everyone and I mean everyone, black and white was in it. OJ was even in it.

I think Roots would be an example of schools teaching CRT now. Clearly it is a story designed to make white people feel bad about their heritage and the crimes of their ancestors. Sad what some people want to "protect" children from.

[Anonymous]

I was also six years old when my mother watched it and I recall it very distinctly because of my mother’s strong emotional response. Age 13 or 14 I read the book and obviously appreciated it much more at that age.

[Anonymous]

I’m a late Boomer and everyone watched this when it came out.

[Anonymous]

Watched it start to finish in 5th grade.