Other: A Brief History of American Xenophobia Based on Erika Lee's book America for Americans, brings up over 75 points in American history in just 7 minutes. Covering over 400 years of the American status quo where Xenophobia and racism created roots that spread in policy and everyday American life. The film is a mix of motion graphics and cel style animation. 

The United States often touts itself as a "nation of immigrants," but this obscures the real story: Our country was built by enslaved Africans and exploited immigrants on stolen Indigenous land, which left deep scars that we have yet to heal. This brief history of xenophobia and racism shows how these darker parts of American history are interconnected, and challenges viewers to write new narratives as we work together to confront our past and build a more just and equitable future. 

The film was produced by Seattle based Movement Content, and is an initiative of Densho, A grassroots organization dedicated to preserving, educating, and sharing the story of World War II-era incarceration of Japanese Americans in order to deepen understandings of American history and inspire action for equity. 

Stills

Credits

• Produced by Movement Content for Densho. Copyright 2020. 
• Produced and Directed by: JJ Gerber / Movement Content
• Densho Project Manager: Natasha Varner
• Based on the book: America for Americans: A History of Xenophobia in the United States by Erika Lee. 
• Copywriter: Kathleen Tarrant
• Design: Heather Lynn-Aquino, Juliet Park
• Animation: Aradhana Modi Bejarano, Andrew Pabon, Kevin Fleury
• Narrator: Jessica Deshong
• Music & Sound Design: Sono Sanctus

Content suggested by JJ Gerber.