AllMovie

Originally aired on August 11, 1997 as part of the USA Network's award-winning "Erase the Hate" series, this lively variety show features a wide assortment of artists, actors and members of urban communities as they offer their insight into the nature of hatred. The show is divided into uplifting and thought-provoking segments. The show's theme song "Such As One" is performed by songwriter Siedah Garret, who is best known for co-writing Michael Jackson's smash hit "Man in the Mirror." Other sections include "El Puente," in which a band of high school students and teachers from the El Puente Academy for Peace & Justice unite to paint a colorful and inspirational mural upon a wall. "Bring in da Noise, Bring in da Funk" is a rhythmic rap and tap number addressing the performer's individual experiences with hatred and the ways in which it affects their self image. "Who I Am" features actor Malik Yoba as he reads one of his poems. "Raise Your Hands," stars lesbian performance artist Prudence Brown, a native of Trinidad, as she uses confrontational techniques to shake-up but ultimately empower audience members to bring about changes in their own lives. The "'I Hate' Monologue" was penned by distinguished playwright Bernardo Solano and is read by respected actor Edward James Olmos. "The Hating Pot" troupe, comprised of a culturally mixed group of actors, performs a piece playwright Elizabeth Swados on the streets of Manhattan. It features two songs, "Everyone's a Bigot" and "Universality." Other segments include "Dreams to Sign," featuring actress Marlee Matlin, "Storm Readings" from poet Neil Marcus, the Siedhart Garret song "Nappy Head," and finally "I Love..." a moving reflection from such artists as Kim Delaney, Dennis Franz and Ziggy Marley on the things they love.