Watch Hate Thy Neighbour

The Viceland series Hate Thy Neighbour, hosted by stand-up comedian and journalist Jamali Maddix, follows the host as he travels around the world interviewing groups and individuals whose extreme views and ideologies are based on prejudicial attitudes towards minorities. The show explores the complexities of diverse social and political issues that have led to the creation of extremist movements across the globe.

Throughout the series, Jamali meets with neo-Nazis, white supremacists, anti-Semites, members of the KKK, and even a group of black separatists known as the Hebrew Israelites. In each episode, he immerses himself in the community of his subject and attempts to understand their beliefs and way of life. Through his investigative style, he explores the impact of the internet and social media in spreading these extremist views and how global events have influenced their growth.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is Maddix's willingness to put himself in dangerous situations to gain insight into these groups. He embeds himself in the communities and puts his own safety at risk, often confronting individuals with challenging questions and sometimes facing hostility. Despite this, he remains non-judgmental and determined to understand the motivations behind those he encounters.

Another standout feature of the show is the diversity of guests and subject matter. Maddix not only meets with far-right extremist groups but also delves into the Muslim Brotherhood and Sharia Law in the Middle East. He travels to Sweden and explores the rise of the Alternative for Sweden Party, which has been accused of promoting xenophobic rhetoric. Through his interviews, he highlights the different political and social factors driving these movements, and how they are all interconnected.

Hate Thy Neighbour is not just a show about extremism, it is a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which hate and prejudice can take root in society. By providing a platform for the extreme views of his guests, Maddix reveals how these ideologies justify their beliefs and demonstrates how this type of hate speech can lead to social division and, in extreme cases, violence. A key message of the series is the need for open dialogue and debate, as opposed to ignoring these groups or censoring their views, in order to combat the spread of extremist ideologies.

The series also explores how the police and local authorities deal with these extremist groups. In one episode, Maddix visits an English Defense League march where he interviews police officers and participants. The footage shows the police's struggle to balance the right to protest with the need to maintain public order in the face of increasing hostility. This episode highlights how hate speech and extremist views can lead to a breakdown of the social fabric and how the authorities struggle to deal with these situations.

The show is not without its criticisms, with some suggesting that by featuring far-right groups, it can provide them with a platform to spread their views. However, Maddix's journalistic approach means that he questions the ideologies of his guests and challenges them on their beliefs. Furthermore, the show's exploration of the causes and consequences of extremism means it is unlikely to be perceived as giving a platform to extremist views.

In conclusion, Hate Thy Neighbour is an intelligent, informative and thought-provoking series that explores the dark side of society. Maddix's engaging and fearless approach to investigating these extreme groups is both entertaining and enlightening, providing an insight into their motivations and beliefs. Through this, the show encourages viewers to engage in open and honest dialogue even with those with whom they vehemently disagree. Overall, it is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the rise of extreme ideological movements and the effects these have on modern society.