Video: The Lie That Invented Racism

To understand and eradicate racist thinking, start at the beginning. That’s what journalist and documentarian John Biewen did, leading to a trove of surprising and thought-provoking information on the “origins” of race. He shares his findings, supplying answers to fundamental questions about racism — and lays out an exemplary path for practicing effective allyship.

John Biewen directs the audio program at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, where he produces the Center’s Peabody-nominated documentary podcast, Scene on Radio.

Running time: 18 minutes

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John Biewen directs the audio program at the Center for Documentary Studies at Duke University, where he produces the Center’s Peabody-nominated documentary podcast, Scene on Radio.

Over several decades as an audio journalist and documentary maker, John Biewen has reported from across the United States, Europe, Japan and India. Before joining CDS, Biewen reported for Minnesota Public Radio, NPR News and American RadioWorks. His work has aired on programs such as All Things Considered, This American Life, Studio 360 and the BBC World Service. 

Biewen grew up in Minnesota and now lives in Durham, North Carolina. He is co-editor of the book Reality Radio: Telling True Stories in Sound.