The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell is a 2011 American documentary film that uncovers the volatile and contentious history of the controversial U.S. military policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT). DADT was a policy that sought to hide homosexuality in the military by expecting service members not to reveal their sexual orientation, and in turn, the military would not investigate their private lives. This detailed documentary dives deep into the topic, unraveling the misguided policy's origins, its implementation, and ultimate repeal.

The film features prominent figures, such as Carl Levin, a U.S. Senator who served as chairman of the Armed Services Committee, Robert Gates, the former Secretary of Defense, and Admiral Mike Mullen, the ex-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. It also introduces real, touching human stories from military service members who were silenced by DADT, along with interviews with journalists, politicians, and historians.

The movie begins with an elucidation of the climate in Washington D.C. during the early 1990s when Bill Clinton was elected President of the United States. It discusses how Clinton proposed to lift the ban on homosexuality in the military - an announcement that was met with widespread backlash from the Pentagon, Congress, and an important portion of the American public, who perceived it as a detrimental move for military efficiency and morale.

This documentary takes you on a chronological journey. It portrays the genesis of the policy, which came about as an attempt by the Clinton administration to compromise between removing the ban and appeasing conservative opposition. You are then shown how the policy was carried out and enforced. It graphically depicts the phobia, stereotyping, and discrimination that service members experienced under the reign of the policy. Through accounts provided by these service members, the film paints a vivid picture of the emotional toll taken on those who served under Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

As the story progresses, we see the growing movement for the repeal of the DADT policy. The documentary features powerful interviews with key political players involved in the policy’s eventual removal. Robert Gates, the former Secretary of Defense, sheds light on the military's stance on DADT during the Obama administration, while Admiral Mike Mullen provides an insight into the internal debates within the Department of Defense leading up to the policy’s repeal.

What this documentary does beautifully is bring out the personal stories behind the policy, combining this with historical analysis and political perspective. It highlights the stories of those directly affected and provides a timeline of the events that led to the eventual repeal of DADT.

The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell underlines the change in American society with a strong emphasis on the military. It tracks both how the military's attitude and American public's perspective shifted from a place of fear and rooted prejudices to accepting individual’s identity. In doing so, the film humanizes the very people who were so long forced to hide away in the shadows and serves as a stark reminder of the progress made while also highlighting the continuous fight for human rights.

The multifaceted approach provides a comprehensive view of this military policy while addressing themes like sexuality, gender, discrimination, power and politics. It is comprehensive in its analysis, yet it still urges the audience to reflect on what has passed and what is yet to come.

The documentary is a gripping tale, engrossing in its interviews and narrative, and heart-rending in its personal stories. It presents the audience not only with a deeper understanding of the controversial policy but also an intimate portrayal of the lives affected by it.

In conclusion, The Strange History of Don't Ask, Don't Tell from 2011 offers a detailed view of one of the most critically debated topics in the American military. It presents a comprehensive, sobering look at a controversial law, its impact, and its eventual repeal, through a carefully woven narrative of personal stories, high-caliber interviews, and documented history. The film ensures the preservation of this chapter in American history, a testament to the enduring fight for equality and justice.