'Taking a middle-ground approach, the two-part documentary offers a complicated Franklin full of 'concealed contradictions,'' writes Craig Bruce Smith
. Follow him on Twitter: @craigbrucesmith. All views are those of the author. after the Second Continental Congress compromised to omit an anti-slavery passage from the Declaration of Independence. “What would posterity think we were? Demi-gods?” responded Benjamin Franklin. “We’re men. No more, no less.”
. With a clap of thunder, the anticipation of lightning, and the trademark slow camera pan over a historical portrait, Burns’ film exhibits much of the tension that dominates the public discussion of the founders today. We have moved from worship to skepticism to outright vilification of this country’s creators. Today the conflict is between their service to the nations and the weight of their flaws.
What a difference twenty years makes. The last time PBS released a documentary on Franklin was in 2002. It opened with a sponsor’s glowing message of praise “celebrating the wisdom and ingenuity of one of America’s most distinguished founding fathers.” Franklin and his achievements were celebrated. It took three hours for the film to make any mention of Franklin and slavery. Burns’ version does so within three minutes.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cadbury faces fresh accusations of child labour on cocoa farms in GhanaA new TV documentary alleges that children as young as 10 are using machetes to harvest pods
Read more »
The Kid Laroi debuts pink hair at the March Madness Music FestivalThe Kid Laroi, 18, showed off a bold new look while performing on stage at the March Madness Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana on Saturday.
Read more »
Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast after 6 years for new Channel 5 showBREAKING: Dan Walker leaving BBC Breakfast after 6 years for new Channel 5 show.
Read more »
Rishi Sunak asks Royal Mint to create NFTTreasury wants to show Britain is at cutting edge for new technologies with cryptoasset launch by summer
Read more »
Key target for waiting times on cancer treatment missed in 98% of NHS England areas in JanuaryAs a new parliamentary report shows cancer survival rates in England falling behind comparable countries, Sky News looks at where in the country treatment is slowest.
Read more »
How to start writing a novel - authors share how they did itHave you always wanted to write a novel, but aren't sure how to start? ✏️🤔 As part of the Space to Write Project, Metro sat down with several authors to find out how they finally got past that mental hurdle - and what you can do to get started.
Read more »