A Dangerous Idea Poster

A Dangerous Idea 2016

★ 8.02 votes106 min📅 2016-12-09

"Eugenics, genetics and the American dream"

Directed by Stephanie Welch, *A Dangerous Idea (2016)* unpacks a troubling resurgence of biologically determined politics that once justified America's darkest injustices.

Director: Stephanie Welch

Cast

Andrew Kimbrell
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Garland Allen
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Ignacio Chapela
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Barry Commoner
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Troy Duster
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Fidelma Fitzpatrick
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Agustín Fuentes
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Ruth Hubbard
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Oliver James
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Van Jones
Van Jones
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is A Dangerous Idea (2016) about?

*A Dangerous Idea* dives into the dark underbelly of America's fascination with biological determinism, tracing its roots from historical injustices to present-day implications. The film argues that this ideology has repeatedly been used to justify exploitation, disenfranchisement, and state-sanctioned violence against marginalized groups.

Who directed A Dangerous Idea?

Stephanie Welch directed *A Dangerous Idea*, steering the documentary with a focus on uncovering uncomfortable truths about eugenics and its modern echoes.

Who stars in A Dangerous Idea?

The documentary features insightful commentary from scholars like Andrew Kimbrell, Garland Allen, and Barry Commoner, alongside activists such as Troy Duster and Fidelma Fitzpatrick.

Is A Dangerous Idea (2016) worth watching?

While unrated on IMDb, *A Dangerous Idea* is a compelling watch for its bold subject matter and expert-led analysis. Its relevance to current social debates and the filmmaker's adept storytelling make it a standout in the documentary genre.

How long is A Dangerous Idea?

The runtime of *A Dangerous Idea* is 106 minutes.

About A Dangerous Idea (2016) — How Eugenics Still Haunts the American Dream

Directed by Stephanie Welch, *A Dangerous Idea (2016)* unpacks a troubling resurgence of biologically determined politics that once justified America's darkest injustices. This gripping documentary explores how pseudoscientific eugenics has historically marginalized women and people of color while masquerading as progressive enlightenment. Through sharp interviews with experts like Andrew Kimbrell and Barry Commoner, the film exposes how such ideologies continue to shape policy, reinforce systemic discrimination, and threaten the very foundations of equality. With a tone that balances urgency and authority, Welch crafts a sobering wake-up call about the enduring legacy of genetic determinism.

Shot in stark, compelling visuals, *A Dangerous Idea (2016)* doesn't just recount past atrocities—it draws a direct line to modern controversies where science is weaponized for political ends. The documentary's haunting exploration of America's obsession with superiority reveals a chilling truth: the same dangerous idea that once fueled slavery and segregation is now cloaked in the language of advancement. A must-watch for anyone invested in social justice, history, or the ethical boundaries of science.