5 Reasons The ‘Dear White People’ Trailer Has Us Intrigued
Dear white people, you might want to grab a middle-row seat when this flick hits theaters on October 17. Newcomer Justin Simien’s directorial breakout, Dear White People, revolves around a campus shit-starter/rebel, Samantha White, who's "like Spike Lee and Oprah had some sort of pissed off baby,” as one student puts it. She's determined to get to the root of racial tensions at Winchester University.
We’ll leave the Tyler Perry critiques at the theater door and just say, at the least, we’re happy to see fresh faces in Hollywood telling stories that matter about people of color. Here’s why the Dear White People trailer has us excited for this Sundance Festival winner, which stars Tessa Thompson (as Sam White), Teyonnah Parris (Mad Men), Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris) and Dennis Haysbert (24).
1. It takes place in a university.
Quote From Trailer: “You’re listening to Winchester University’s only college radio station.” Why We're Intrigued: The backdrop for Dear White People is the fictional Winchester University and the protagonist Samantha White’s campus radio show, “Dear White People.” Hollywood’s been largely devoid of millennial perspectives on race. But given all the mind-boggling real-life incidences of white college students donning blackface, there’s clearly something to talk about. Dear White People may throw us back to the days of thought-provoking flicks like Higher Learning or shows like A Different World that tackled race relations in a nuanced way.
2. It offers multiple perspectives on race and holds up a mirror.
Quote From Trailer: “I don’t see what the point is in blaming white folks for everything.” Why We're Intrigued: The “Are you black enough?” debate rages on... From the blue-eyed black girl to the “tragic mulatto,” this trailer excerpt shows that Dear White People will show multiple minority perspectives. There will be stereotypes and there will be self-examination.
3. It brings humor and satire.
Quote From Trailer: “The minimum requirement of black friends needed to not seem racist has just been raised to two... Sorry, but your weed man Tyrone does not count.” Why We're Intrigued: Dear White People is likely to pull in 20-somethings who prefer their racial debates with a dose of satire. YouTube parodies like “Shit White People Say to Black Girls” have made race debates viral through humor. This is basically a film-length expansion on those topics. Laugh to keep from crying, right?
4. It'll get people angry.
Quote From Trailer: “Sometimes I think the hardest thing to be in the American workforce is an educated white guy.” Why We're Intrigued: Oh, really? With statements like this, chances are Dear White People will spark an equal mix of fury and frustration about the current state of race in America. People have already had silly responses to the trailer. But it's also guaranteed to spur healthy debate.
5. It might spark a change of heart.
Quote From Trailer: “Racism is over in America. The only people who are thinking about it is Mexicans probably.” Why We're Intrigued: News flash: People really think like this. Dear White People could force people to re-examine their own behavior and prejudice. But will the people who really need to see it actually purchase tickets? It could be preaching to the choir, but every nuanced conversation about race helps. If one person is forced to open their minds, then the movie will have done its job.
