A Dangerous Idea
A dangerous idea has threatened the American Dream from the beginning – the belief that some groups and individuals are inherently superior to others and more deserving of fundamental rights. Such biological determinism provided an excuse for some of America’s most shameful history. And now it’s back.

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SYNOPSIS

A dangerous idea has threatened the American Dream from the beginning – the belief that some groups and individuals are inherently superior to others and more deserving of fundamental rights. Such biological determinism provided an excuse for some of America’s most shameful history. And now it’s back.

The documentary A DANGEROUS IDEA reveals how biologically determined politics has disenfranchised women and people of color, provided a rationale for state sanctioned crimes committed against America’s most vulnerable citizens, and now gains new traction under the Trump administration.

Featuring interviews with social thinkers such as Van Jones and Robert Reich, as well as prominent scientists, A DANGEROUS IDEA is a radical reassessment of the meaning, use and misuse of gene science. Like no other film before it, this documentary brings to light how false scientific claims have rolled back long fought for gains in equality, and how powerful interests are poised once again to use the gene myth to unravel the American Dream.

A BELIEF IN BIOLOGICAL DETERMINISM HAS PROVIDED A DANGEROUS RATIONALE FOR SOME OF AMERICA’S MOST SHAMEFUL HISTORY.

“You have these people who … just seemed to have missed the whole point of the country. And they actually think that the founding reality of profound inequality is fine with them. And that view even tries to masquerade as science.”

VAN JONES, ACTIVIST, COMMENTATOR, AUTHOR

THIS FILM IS A RADICAL REASSESSMENT OF GENE SCIENCE, WHICH HAS BEEN USED, ABUSED AND MISCONSTRUED TO VIOLATE THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF UNTOLD MILLIONS.

In this time of false facts and backlash against a new equality, A DANGEROUS IDEA should be required viewing.

GLORIA STEINEM, WRITER, LECTURER, POLITICAL ACTIVIST

A DANGEROUS IDEA is extremely timely because with the current administration we are seeing a renewed threat of a biologically determined politics.

ROBERT REICH, AUTHOR, FORMER U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR

Free Viewing Kit for Faith & Community Groups

Viewing Guide with Discussion Questions

Download the printable A Dangerous Idea Discussion Guide which includes 5-easy steps for using the entire film, or sections of it, for your virtual viewing and post-viewing discussions on Zoom or in person. Simply follow the five steps in the guide to have a successful screening, discussions, and engaging activities!

 

Watch the Film Online with Your Group

Watch the full-length film or shorter version. This film brings to light how false scientific claims have rolled back long fought for gains in equality, and how powerful interests are poised once again to use the gene myth to unravel the American Dream.

Promotional Tools

We’ve put together a few things to help you promote your screening of the film with your group. Share the film’s 3-minute trailer or 13-minute teaser to get your group enthused. Download an event poster. Access promotional photos and copy for use on social media, print, web and email communications.