If you're an innovative programmer, you must license "Shades of Gray." This is an expertly woven documentary on a topic I thought I'd never want to read or listen to again: Abortion. Unlike many piece of journalism on this divisive topic, "Shades of Gray" avoids the usual pro-choice, pro-life dynamic by focusing on the stories of individual women (and some men). And it does it without the usual Voice-of-God narrator. In addition to editing this piece, Mitchell composed the music. Give it a listen. Better yet, expand the ears of public radio listeners by airing this unusual piece.
This is impressive work - and very careful - it's artistic AND balanced. This piece does not promote abortion. It does not condemn it. But it does provide some very precise information - for example, part one includes a beautifully produced experiential moment of what an abortion might be like - totally unromanticized - just the sound. Unembellished. It's not horrific - just factual and radiophonic at the same time. Also: a young woman calling a clinic and asking questions - like many are probably afraid to do. I imagine there are people that need to know about that. And more. The religious side gets its say, too - but doesn't overwhelm. Stations should be brave and air this. And talk it through. Anyone who would be offended by this program just simply doesn't want to listen to anyone else.
Beautifully woven with the texture and weight of each voice, and seamed carefully with ambient sound and music. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, a listener will walk away with some sort of understanding of the real picture. We spend so much time arguing about the issue. This piece is the bridge of understanding. The pace is quick, but not light. Experience and facts. Opinions and beliefs. In three segments, each part of the story picks up and moves on from the previous story. The juxtaposition of each voice gives weight to the next. The intensity of the ambient sounds climbs with the stories and the voices. And the most intellegent thing about this piece reflects the title -- you sometimes don't know exactly what side the person telling the story is taking. This documentary needs space on a national program. It needs to be heard on the smaller stations just as much as it needs to be heard on the larger stations. This piece is the catalyst to taking away every side's fear in order to open the understanding and discussion that has been looked over throughout the history of abortion. I am blown away by this incredible work. Thank you.
Comments for Shades of Gray
Produced by Jonathan Mitchell and Ahri Birnbaum-Golden
Other pieces by Jonathan Mitchell
Rating Summary
4 comments
Micah Whetstone
Posted on January 26, 2011 at 02:50 PM | Permalink
double good
double good
Todd Melby
Posted on March 06, 2008 at 03:55 AM | Permalink
Review of Shades of Gray
If you're an innovative programmer, you must license "Shades of Gray." This is an expertly woven documentary on a topic I thought I'd never want to read or listen to again: Abortion. Unlike many piece of journalism on this divisive topic, "Shades of Gray" avoids the usual pro-choice, pro-life dynamic by focusing on the stories of individual women (and some men). And it does it without the usual Voice-of-God narrator. In addition to editing this piece, Mitchell composed the music. Give it a listen. Better yet, expand the ears of public radio listeners by airing this unusual piece.
Marjorie Van Halteren
Posted on July 17, 2005 at 04:29 AM | Permalink
Review of Shades of Gray
This is impressive work - and very careful - it's artistic AND balanced. This piece does not promote abortion. It does not condemn it. But it does provide some very precise information - for example, part one includes a beautifully produced experiential moment of what an abortion might be like - totally unromanticized - just the sound. Unembellished. It's not horrific - just factual and radiophonic at the same time. Also: a young woman calling a clinic and asking questions - like many are probably afraid to do. I imagine there are people that need to know about that. And more. The religious side gets its say, too - but doesn't overwhelm. Stations should be brave and air this. And talk it through. Anyone who would be offended by this program just simply doesn't want to listen to anyone else.
Sara Wood
Posted on January 12, 2005 at 01:59 PM | Permalink
Review of Shades of Gray
Beautifully woven with the texture and weight of each voice, and seamed carefully with ambient sound and music. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, a listener will walk away with some sort of understanding of the real picture. We spend so much time arguing about the issue. This piece is the bridge of understanding. The pace is quick, but not light. Experience and facts. Opinions and beliefs. In three segments, each part of the story picks up and moves on from the previous story. The juxtaposition of each voice gives weight to the next. The intensity of the ambient sounds climbs with the stories and the voices. And the most intellegent thing about this piece reflects the title -- you sometimes don't know exactly what side the person telling the story is taking. This documentary needs space on a national program. It needs to be heard on the smaller stations just as much as it needs to be heard on the larger stations. This piece is the catalyst to taking away every side's fear in order to open the understanding and discussion that has been looked over throughout the history of abortion. I am blown away by this incredible work. Thank you.