Hate Thy Neighbor

Hate Thy Neighbor is a compelling docuseries that aired on the Viceland network in 2016. The show is a brutal exploration of global racism and extremism alongside the startlingly ordinary lives of the individuals who propagate these ideologies. The host of the show, Jamali Maddix, is a British stand-up comedian of mixed race heritage, and his intelligent humor, combined with his own experiences and worldview, lend a funny and insightful perspective to the series, which sometimes delves into deeply controversial and uncomfortable territories.

Throughout the series, Jamali abandons the comfort and security of the stage to dive into the real world beyond the border of comedy, getting up close and personal with some of the most divisive and extreme ideologies of modern times. His assignment? To meet face-to-face with the people spreading hatred across the world and look beyond the headlines to understand why these groups exist and what they really stand for. Heading to locations as far-flung as Ukraine and America, Maddix immerses himself among individuals who openly espouse racism and/or xenophobia, aiming to humanise those whose beliefs often provoke strong hate and fear in the public imagination.

Hate Thy Neighbor's inclination towards extreme ideologies offers its viewers an insightful anthropological perspective on hate-filled subcultures both within the US and internationally, thus shining a light on a worldview that many viewers may find repugnant yet intriguing. Jamali Maddix interacts with leaders of these movements or ideologies, attends their gatherings and rallies, and conducts one-on-one interviews with them. Each episode is punctuated by a stand-up segment featuring the comedian doing a routine related to the subject of the episode. These sequences add a semblance of light relief to the otherwise heavy content of the series, humanizing Maddix's journey while also clearly pointing out the scary implications of some of these ideologies in a humorous vein.

One of Hate Thy Neighbor’s key objectives appears to be subverting these stereotypes by getting to know the people behind the headlines. The show does not aim to vilify or ridicule, nor does it set out to vindicate or justify the individuals and their beliefs. Rather, it takes a neutral, observational stance and aims to initiate dialogues and gain a deeper understanding of what motivates and fuels such hatred. It places itself and its viewers in the literal living rooms and flag-adorned basements of KKK members, neo-Nazis, and extremists of all kinds, unflinchingly peering into the reality of their belief systems.

Jamali stands out as the true heartbeat of the series. His candidness and light-hearted demeanor bring a layer of humanity to the conversations. While he disapproves of the ideologies presented, he remains respectful even in disagreement, often injecting humor in the most tense situations. It's this respectful, genuine approach that allows the people he engages with to lower their defenses and offer a more honest, unscripted insight into their lives and motivations.

Hate Thy Neighbor is not for the faint of heart. It dives headfirst into a side of society that many dismiss or refuse to acknowledge, doing its best to accurately portray the individuals who harbor these ideologies without glorifying or promoting their views. The show is unflinching, raw and appropriately uncomfortable, forcing viewers to question their ideas and preconceptions. It is more than a mere documentary—it is a study of the roots of hatred, bigotry, and fear and is a must-watch for those wishing to understand the complexities of the human condition. However, at its core, the show remains a reflection on empathy, understanding, and the line between acceptance and convolution or manipulation.

The series ultimately emerges as a remarkable piece of television, encouraging conversation while providing a clearer understanding of some of the most misunderstood segments of society. As provocative as its name, Hate Thy Neighbor is a challenge to confront the harsh realities of hatred but also a plea to seek comprehension beyond the surface level. And in doing so, it challenges viewers, pushing them to question their preconceptions and to consider what fuels hatred and division in the world.