Last Friday, the film Dear White People opened in select cinemas in four major cities in America, including New York. A satirical film by young filmmaker Justin Simien, who has already won several awards and was named by trade magazine Variety as one of the top 10 promising directors. More than a solution to racism, his goal with this film was to start a conversation about racism in the post-Obama era.
The film is set on the prestigious campus of the fictional Ivy League Winchester University, where tensions slowly but surely flare around a planned “Black” Halloween party organized by white students.
The setting is perfect to literally highlight almost every possible stereotype. Contrary to what you might think with a title like “Dear White People” Black stereotypes are also on offer. What makes the film brilliant is that it is not the stereotypes we are always bombarded with. It is the stereotypes that we black people recognize, who, whether or not in conflict, have masterful conversations that are not only hilarious but also have a historical context and are often stimulating.
From Coco (Teyonah Parris), the dark girl who can't help but leave her long, smooth, weaved hair alone and would rather not have a black man, to Sam (Tessa Thompson), the mixed-blood leading actress who is constantly in conflict with herself. She "does it" with a white boy and is a fan of Taylor Swift, but doesn't dare to admit it openly, afraid that she would otherwise not be black enough.
No one is spared an uncomfortable feeling when watching this film, especially when it reaches a climax at the party where white students with black painted faces are screaming to hip hop music. Possibly a learning moment for the Netherlands to see parties with black painted faces and afro wigs in a different light.
The cast is simply fantastic. There is not a single weak link but if you ask me, Teyonah Parris, who plays Coco, is the standout. A very strong actress who makes me feel the most uncomfortable because she is so convincing in her role of overcompensating for an inferiority complex.
All in all, a great recommendation that, if done well, will not only spark a conversation about race but also encourage further thinking about race relations.