A satire, not a documentary. A comedy, not a protest. Or is it?
After hearing of this new, radical movie talking about our story as students of color, at a predominately White university, we, Black Student Union and the Diversity Center, decided we’d go see it together. This meant each paying our own way, but hopefully at the same time to discover the film, and then debrief. As interest grew the Diversity Center Director found a way to rent the theater so we could all go for free enabling us to open it to the entire campus community but with limited seats.
As we ramped up to go see Dear White People in its opening weekend, we met some resistance on the PLU campus. The more advertisements went out, the more unsolicited and unchallenged comments, opinions, and questions. such as: “That’s so racist!” “Why are they mad?” “Is this a protest.”“Oh, yeah, I heard about that documentary.”
Racism is a system of inequality based on race, so no it’s not racist… Well, perhaps if you have experienced what it’s like as a Black face in a White place, or went to see a movie illustrating such an experience maybe you’d find out. Dear, anonymous person, no it isn’t a protest, if you actually took time to read the 30pt font, it clearly says that it is a satirical movie. Yeah, not a documentary, but it definitely could be.
The one that made me the angriest, no, that hurt me the most, was when a student said to his friends, “No one would even come if this was called “Dear Black People.” What are you saying? What do you mean? Why are you, Black man, saying things about who we are what you are doing? You should be a part of this! Don’t you know?
I remember a time when I myself rejected all things Black as poor, bad, and ignorant. I was furious, questioning why are we either docile or hostile? Ideas based in ignorance. No, we as Black people, people of color, or marginalized groups, aren’t the only ones who should understand our history. But, I do know when we don’t we continue to be ashamed of ourselves, our story our struggle, and our people it is especially important to understand our history. Only then can we stop internalizing racism, denying and devaluing our Blackness and perpetuating the negative stereotypes that disempower us and our allies.
Only after watching the movie, and seeing her burnout from being the spokesperson did I understand my frustration as well as my inability to confront the issue. I am tired with being angry with those who don’t even see their hurt. Instead, I question how I will continue to understand my identity, and continue to unpack the microaggressions I experience, the ways in which I encounter racism, and discrimination for myself.
Whether or not you agree with it’s format or storyline. I encourage you to see Dear White People a satirical comedy illustrating what it means to be a Black face and begin or continue to unpack your own identities.
By Nicole Jordan
As we ramped up to go see Dear White People in its opening weekend, we met some resistance on the PLU campus. The more advertisements went out, the more unsolicited and unchallenged comments, opinions, and questions. such as: “That’s so racist!” “Why are they mad?” “Is this a protest.”“Oh, yeah, I heard about that documentary.”
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| PLU Dear White People private screening |
Racism is a system of inequality based on race, so no it’s not racist… Well, perhaps if you have experienced what it’s like as a Black face in a White place, or went to see a movie illustrating such an experience maybe you’d find out. Dear, anonymous person, no it isn’t a protest, if you actually took time to read the 30pt font, it clearly says that it is a satirical movie. Yeah, not a documentary, but it definitely could be.
The one that made me the angriest, no, that hurt me the most, was when a student said to his friends, “No one would even come if this was called “Dear Black People.” What are you saying? What do you mean? Why are you, Black man, saying things about who we are what you are doing? You should be a part of this! Don’t you know?
I remember a time when I myself rejected all things Black as poor, bad, and ignorant. I was furious, questioning why are we either docile or hostile? Ideas based in ignorance. No, we as Black people, people of color, or marginalized groups, aren’t the only ones who should understand our history. But, I do know when we don’t we continue to be ashamed of ourselves, our story our struggle, and our people it is especially important to understand our history. Only then can we stop internalizing racism, denying and devaluing our Blackness and perpetuating the negative stereotypes that disempower us and our allies.
Only after watching the movie, and seeing her burnout from being the spokesperson did I understand my frustration as well as my inability to confront the issue. I am tired with being angry with those who don’t even see their hurt. Instead, I question how I will continue to understand my identity, and continue to unpack the microaggressions I experience, the ways in which I encounter racism, and discrimination for myself.
Whether or not you agree with it’s format or storyline. I encourage you to see Dear White People a satirical comedy illustrating what it means to be a Black face and begin or continue to unpack your own identities.
By Nicole Jordan
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