Streiff, a contributor at RedState, recently took advantage of his retirement liberty by attending an afternoon screening of Matt Walsh's film "Am I Racist" in Winchester, Virginia. The decision to drive through rural Virginia was not just a scenic detour but a cost-saving measure, much appreciated by Streiff's wife.
Streiff admits to not being an ardent fan of Daily Wire or Matt Walsh, but the film's subject matter piqued his interest. The film explores the controversial topic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), which Streiff perceives as a threat to American values. He views it as a divisive tool that creates winners and losers based on a Marxist paradigm. The film's trailer, which promised a deep dive into DEI, intrigued Streiff, who often writes about the subject.
In the film, Walsh interviews several prominent figures in the anti-racism movement, including Robin DiAngelo, author of "White Fragility." DiAngelo's book is considered a significant contribution to anti-racism literature. However, Streiff was disappointed that Ibram X. Kendi, another influential figure in the anti-racism movement, was not featured in the film.
Walsh, after receiving an online certificate as a DEI trainer, ventures into the real world to gather public opinion on racism. He visits a biker bar and Black-owned businesses, and even reenacts the infamous Jussie Smollett "this is MAGA country" assault. Streiff likens the film to "Borat Explores the DEI Industry."
Walsh's interviews with key players in what Streiff calls the "race-grifting industry" are a highlight of the film. One such interview with DiAngelo results in a cringe-worthy moment when she is tricked into paying reparations to Walsh's Black producer, Benyam Capel. DiAngelo was reportedly paid $15,000 for her participation in the film.
The film's release has already caused a stir, with some of its stars deleting their social media accounts. Despite this, "Am I Racist" has performed well at the box office, ranking fourth in its opening week and becoming the top-grossing documentary of 2024. It has even received positive reviews from unexpected quarters, including Variety, a publication not typically associated with conservative viewpoints.
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