NICK-ON-NICK

One reason I keep digital cable around is so I can enjoy thebrilliance that is Sundance Channel and IFC. Independent movies wear onme after a while, and long ago I came to the conclusion that“independent” does not necessarily mean “good.”  The reason I likeSundance and IFC so much is because of their willingness to showdocumentaries, like Split: A Divided America. It’s about Americanpolitics and how the idea of discourse is completely alien to modernsociety because our political beliefs have become so terriblypolarized. What ultimately happens in modern times is politicaldiscourse turns into a personal argument complete with battle lines andknowing your enemy. The filmmaker/narrator interviewed people fromacross the political spectrum, and this was what impressed me the most.He talked to people on both sides (even now I’m using his language),Republican and Democrat alike, high ranking officials, pastors,academics, editors and reporters and commentators. Yes there were somewho let their personal views show their polarization as they talked,but the vast majority agreed with each other and gave corroborativetestimonies. I was thoroughly fascinated and enlightened. There’s justsomething about a good documentary. I love absorbing information, andit might have something to do with my inability to finish a book thatdraws me to them. I know I’ve found a good documentary when I’mthinking about it days afterward. A good movie will change you, but agood documentary will transform you.