I recently attended the showing of the film “Dear White People” conducted by The Deaprtment of Black and Latino Studies on February 11th. I met up with another FRO classmate, Soffiya, and we sat together. The film was definitely relevant to many of the issues we have today regarding racial tension in the US. I actually saw some of it before attending the showing, but this was my first time seeing it in full.

“Dear White People” is a film that encompasses almost all aspects of being a young Black American in today’s world; from being mixed, to homosexual, to the lightskin vs. darkskin debate, and more. The film takes place at a renowned university following the lives of several Black students attending the school. One of the main characters and students happens to be biracial, and is the president of an all Black house on campus. She is presumably the “cause” of many racial incidents happening on campus and regards herself as a Black rights activist. Having a White father and Black mother has caused her to feel like she must make a choice between which race she most identifies with. This is seen throughout the film as she outwardly identifies with being proudly Black, being the president of the all Black house on campus and running a satirical Black blog called “Deat White People” however, having a White boyfriend and personally enjoying things that would more or less be labled as “white.” Moreover, the film later revolves around a party happening on campus held by a house with mostly white members who are in opposition of the “Dear White People” blog. In an attempt to mock the blog, the party is themed for guests to dress up as if they were Black. This “Blackface” party causes outrage and ends up with the Black Student Union, led by Lionel who is a homosexual Black student formerly belonging to the house hosting the party, sabotaging the event.  It ends in violence with Lionel being seen as the hero and media coverage of the party being broadcast nationwide.

After the film, we were all led into discussion about various topics covered within it. It was a very good debate, with us talking about very controversial topics like if Black people can actually be “racist” or if the film and many other films in present day, carry a blatant gay agenda. Although it was relatively short due to time contraints, it was a very constructive debate and I enjoyed the film!