America Divided

America Divided is an intriguing Epix original series that aired in 2016. This five-part docuseries is notable because it skillfully intertwines socio-political storytelling with the skills and styles of several well-known Hollywood celebrities, executive-produced by Norman Lear, Shonda Rhimes, and rapper-activist Common.

Crafted with an honesty that provides viewers a chance to understand and empathize with America’s socio-economic and racial issues, the show takes the audience on an emotional journey while spotlighting the troubling, complex problems that people face across the United States. America Divided is noteworthy for its groundbreaking technique of shedding light on layered issues, thereby facilitating, influencing, and shaping discussions on these social issues.

The series employs a creative approach where high-profile correspondents like Amy Poehler, America Ferrera, Jesse Williams, Rosario Dawson, Peter Sarsgaard and Zach Galifianakis, who are passionate about social justice, explore the different challenges and dilemmas within the nation. These celebrities essentially take on the role of investigative correspondents, each one addressing a different issue and observing it through their lens and perspective. This helps the audience form a connection with the celebrities and their narratives, consequently making the subjects more relatable.

The show examines issues such as education inequality, housing discrimination, the flawed criminal justice system, and immigration policy among other problems that poses significant challenges to the American people. The celebrity investigators travel across the country to witness firsthand the struggles faced by various communities. They interview people from different walks of life and advocate for change, thereby adding a personal and human touch to the political, economic, and social crisis that the nation is confronting.

Amy Poehler looks into the complex world of domestic workers in California, revealing the mistreatment and inequality they often endure. Rosario Dawson investigates the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, using her platform to spur conversation on environmental racism and the basic right to clean water. America Ferrera delves into the complexities of the immigration debate and examines its effects on the lives of real people. Peter Sarsgaard focuses on the prevalent issue of addiction in Dayton, Ohio, provoking thought about the opioid crisis. Jesse Williams brings attention to the inequities and deficiencies in America's education system by getting directly involved with the students of St. Petersburg, Florida.

Told through impactful narratives, America Divided encourages its viewers to take a closer look at the world they live in. It is not simply a show with captivating stories; the series also includes specific moments where the correspondents engage with the subjects, occasionally participating in protests and encountering law enforcement. This adds to the poignancy of the series and amplifies the dialogues regarding these issues.

While the disparities highlighted throughout the series might cast a bleak picture of contemporary America, it’s ultimately a call to action. Each story digs deeper into broader systemic issues, encouraging viewers to think more critically about society and their own role within it. The stories are designed to evoke empathy and provoke thought in viewers, spurring a deeper understanding of complex issues.

In conclusion, America Divided is a compelling documentary series that effectively combats the narrative of a post-racial America. It’s a deep plunge into the heart of the nation's most compelling and persistent social, economic, and political issues. By showcasing these stories through the eyes of well-known correspondents that viewers can identify with, it positions its audience to not only become informed about the longstanding systems of inequality in America, but also to become engaged and action-oriented. It's a dynamic examination of a society at a crossroads, and one that's of paramount importance in our increasingly diverse world, offering a timely, informative, and emotionally resonating look into the state of America today.