American Masters

The Story Behind the Title of the Novel "The Bluest Eye"

In this excerpt from Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, Toni Morrison recalls the time a Black childhood friend, who was 11 at the time, told her that she had been praying for blue eyes for two years. “This kind of racism hurts. This is not lynchings and murders and drownings. This is interior pain.” A film by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders.

The Story Behind the Title of the Novel "The Bluest Eye"

1m 27s

  • Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service [ASL + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service [ASL + OC]

    12m 41s

    This version contains on-screen ASL interpretation and open captions. Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai’i who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities.

  • Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service [Extended Audio Description + OC]: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service [Extended Audio Description + OC]

    15m 31s

    This version contains extended audio description and large open captions. Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai’i who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities.

  • Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Daniel K. Inouye: Life of Service

    12m 41s

    Explore the story of the U.S. Senator for Hawai’i who was injured in battle during World War II, resulting in the amputation of his right arm. Posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his lifelong public service, Inouye championed the cause of justice and equality for all Americans, including people living with disabilities.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.