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I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: Netflix is the best thing that ever happened to television. I would even go as far as saying that because of Netflix, cable television was forced to up their game in terms of show quality, talent, cinematography, and all other elements of film production.
One of my recent Netflix binges involved their original series Dear White People.
I. LOVE. THIS. SHOW.
I knew about the Dear White People series for some time, because the series is based upon the 2014 film of the same name that was a winner of the 2014 Sundance Film Festival. Justin Simien, the creator of the movie and Netflix show has given us a story that we can dissect from beginning to end. Although both trailers looked interesting, I never felt compelled to watch right away. With so many other shows already on my queue to watch, this one fell to the backburner. I happen to follow a few of the actors on the show and their recent promotion of Dear White People Season 2 put the show back into my line of awareness. So, the other weekend I decided to start from Season 1 and pretty much binged both seasons for the next couple of days. The show is that good! It is definitely a nod to 90s shows like a Different World.
To give a brief overview, Dear White People gives viewers a look into race politics, stereotypes, and identity at the fictional Ivy League Winchester College. This provocative, comedy centers around the main character Samantha White, a biracial student who runs a campus radio show aptly named “Dear White People.” Although I liked Sam’s character, she was definitely pegged as having a bit of the ‘tragic mulatto syndrome’ – battling her blackness and trying to figure out how to fit into both worlds. The lead character is played by Logan Browning, who does an excellent job of playing Sam, the fierce, fearless leader with a chip on her shoulder.
The show opens with a dramatic introduction showing a blackface party being thrown on campus and the racial tension that ensues as a result of the student’s actions. What’s really ironic about this premise, is that the fictional nuances of the show have happened in reality. There is nothing outlandish about this plot because Americans, more specifically African Americans are battling these social issues every single day. Dear White People blatantly shows what systematic racism looks and feels like from the POV of people of color, but tinged with satire.
The casting department for Dear White People (the series) did an amazing job because I absolutely adore all of the characters. Three of my favorites in particular are Lionel, Joelle, and Reggie. Anytime they are on screen, I get my life! One particular detail I love about this series is how it shows the character’s backstories. So many shows fail to do the backstory legwork and leave viewers confused about the actions of their favorite characters. Every episode of Dear White People is dedicated to one of the main characters and provides so much insight into their mentality, particularly as they engage on campus.
I enjoyed how Dear White People gives viewers a look at a range of Black characters, versus the typical standard ‘tokens’ shown on today’s television. You know the type. Instead, we are presented with intellectual and multifaceted personalities and dialogue that showcases our complexities as African Americans navigating in world that quite frankly sees us as one-dimensional. What I love about this show is the depiction of both cultures. You’ll find that there are qualities you will like and hate with different groups. Contrary to what some people believe, Blacks do not think all white people are the same. More often than not, we look at each individual and treat each situation or interaction as singular. We know that there are some problematic types that seek to oppress, while there are others who understand their own privilege and speak out against white supremacy.
Going into Season 2 of the show, the story gets deeper into the lives of the main cast and also reveals information about the legacy of Winchester. I’m telling you, I absolutely love the writing on this show and would love to be part of the writing team. One of the characters that really stood out is Coco. On the surface, she is this intelligent brown girl who desperately wants to meet the approval of the affluent, white community. She does this in several ways and makes her objectives very clear. However, over the course of the season, viewers get to see the layers of Coco. The issues that Coco experiences are relatable and being faced with them really holds a mirror up to the trials that dark-skinned Black women face today. Kudos to Dear White People for approaching topics like colorism, the pressure of meeting parents’ expectations, the struggle of guarding your ‘blackness,’ friendships, peer pressure and more.
And Lionel. Oh Lionel. Did I mention how much I love this character? His story was so fresh and complex. I don’t even know if he meant to be that funny, but I was always in stiches after one of his scenes. I love how despite his awkwardness, he still managed to be courageous and speak up about injustice. He could have easily let those stronger personalities around him smother his voice. Yet, he rose triumphant every time.
I am definitely rooting for this show to continue giving us great stories. I feel like viewers have to be quick while watching it because there are so many teaching moments, comedic and ironic elements, and snarky goodness that makes the show so unique. There are so many other backstories that can be explored and conversations or societal issues that this show can give audiences.
Like anyone, I too have my criticisms. This is more of a question for Hollywood storytellers in general. Do the writing teams think that Black love or even a strong, united Black family are nonexistent? The closest I’ve gotten to seeing it recently is the CW superhero hit Black Lightening. OMG what a show!! But I want to see Black couples IN LOVE. Not jumping from person to person. Not confused about their sexuality. Not saying they love one person, but sexing another. But pure Black LOVE. Also, the family dynamic. There are Black children who come from two parent households. Where are these stories? This representation is important. Yes, I understand that dysfunction (something we all honestly share as human beings) makes good television. Overcoming our faults and growing is what helps the course of a story. But I also know that seeing positive images makes us take a reflection of our own lives and want to live up to those positive ideals.
The Netflix original series Dear White People gets a two thumbs up for me and I look forward to Season 3.
What do you think?