The Space Race
The Space Race is streaming on Disney+/Hulu at the time of writing. Not rated. Common Sense says 11.
STORY: A
A fascinating chapter in the struggle for American racial equality.
In the 1960’s, institutional racism kept Black Americans from entering the space program. Newly elected President Kennedy decides to change that. NASA pushes back against the idea, creating a new front in the struggle for equality: outer space.
PEOPLE: A+
The film reveals the humans inside of these heroes.
When we sit down with them for a bit, we realize that the people who achieve huge dreams are just people. You know, just like us! Listening to their words reminds us that our own dreams are possible.
FILM NERD STUFF: A-
A joyful soundtrack full of Black music pushes back against the stereotypical idea of who an astronaut can be.
Many times (yes today, but especially back in the 1970s) a Black person needs to tone down their “Blackness” in order to advance in a white world. The incredible music sends the message to people watching that Black people belong everywhere.
PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE (Elective Class): A
The film shows us that being the first to do something is a great achievement, but we can’t forget about all who come before and who came after.
When we hear about the “first” Black person to do something, we often make the mistake of thinking that racism has been solved. The film does a tremendous job of showing how race affects the Black astronauts who came afterwards, all the way up to present day.
It also spends a lot of time on the Black men who came before, whose dreams of flying in outer space fell short. It’s a reminder that the “first” anything can’t happen without a host of disheartening, tragic efforts first.
FINAL COMMENTS:
The film uncovers a fascinating sliver of the civil rights movement. By seeing how inequality affected space exploration, we can better see the ways it affects all parts of society.
The film also leans into the fascination most people have with outer space. You don’t have to dream of soaring through the stars in order to be inspired by this story to chase after your own dreams.
The Space Race is a vibrant, engrossing watch.