Lazy BBC Doc Fails to Tackle Extreme Views in ‘America’s New Female Right’

Most viewers of the BBC documentary “America’s New Female Right” are unlikely to align with the views expressed within it. Statements like “Women getting the right to vote has led to every form of degeneracy” and “Feminism is a thousand times more toxic than the ‘toxic masculinity’ we hear so much about” are bound to generate controversy. Additionally, claims that “Satan’s agenda” is to destroy the nuclear family structure to control society will likely be met with skepticism.

These declarations are made with conviction and sincerity by women who champion right-wing causes, often in seeming contradiction to what many would consider their own best interests.

The presenter, Layla Wright, interviews three central figures. First, there’s Morgonn McMichael, a 24-year-old online influencer who advocates for women to embrace traditional roles as stay-at-home wives and mothers. She argues that encouraging women to enter the corporate world is against “our inherent nature.”

Next is Christie Hutcherson, a middle-aged woman who leads an online group called Women Fighting for America. This group also has a smaller contingent of volunteers who patrol sections of the US-Mexico border, livestreaming their findings. Wright joins Hutcherson on one of these patrols, where they discover a makeshift camp created by people crossing the border. Despite finding children’s toys scattered around, Hutcherson and her team focus more on the “camo gear” they discover, primarily sensible rucksacks, and discuss “high-value targets being smuggled in.” Hutcherson dismisses the idea that there could be any innocent individuals in the camp.

The third interviewee is 17-year-old Hannah Faulkner, who gained fame three years ago for organizing a Teens Against Genital Mutilation rally in Nashville, Tennessee. The rally supported a ban on medical intervention for young transgender people. Faulkner, homeschooled by devoutly Christian parents, has become a rising star in right-wing circles.

Each of these individuals presents a complex topic that warrants thorough examination and scrutiny. However, instead of delivering an in-depth analysis, the documentary often feels hastily assembled, relying on stereotypes and preconceived notions to drive its narrative.

Sinister music accompanies certain scenes, underscoring the “villainy” of the subjects and leaving little room for viewers to form their own opinions. This approach borders on laziness, reducing what could be a nuanced discussion into a mere display of “point and weep.”

If the goal is to challenge the beliefs of people like McMichael, Hutcherson, and Faulkner, then the program requires a presenter with the skills and courage to confront them directly. These individuals hold deeply rooted convictions, and it takes intellectual and emotional fortitude to engage with them meaningfully. Wright does make attempts to stand up to Hutcherson, who comes across as a bully targeting illegal immigrants, but the effort falls short of a balanced debate.

While the statements made in the documentary are shocking to many, they only resonate with those who already disagree. Without deeper exploration, the BBC risks merely preaching to the choir rather than advancing the conversation.

America’s New Female Right was broadcast on BBC Three and is available on BBC iPlayer.

Source: The Guardian