Sharp and funny, “Dear White People” urges discussion on racism

Director Justin Simien makes his feature film debut with the satirical drama Dear White People.

It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival; leaving with the Special Jury Award for Breakthrough Talent, which was certainly deserved. The movie focuses on several students' experiences at an Ivy League college during a pseudo- race war. Dear White People comments on the presence of racism in the Obama era. Filled with unknowns, it is well-acted and executed effectively, prompting plenty of conversation on the ride home.

One name you may find familiar in this movie is Tyler James Williams. He has previously starred in the sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. In Dear White People he plays Lionel Higgins, a quiet kid with an afro traveling between residence halls. He's having trouble finding a place to fit in and is often ostracized when placed somewhere new. When a race war erupts, due to a controversial radio show and upcoming African American themed party, he's not sure what he believes or how to express it. Tessa Thompson portrays Samantha White, the half-black host of a divisive radio show entitled “Dear White People”, on which she provocatively airs her grievances towards her classmates. Troy Fairbanks (Brandon Bell) is her ex-love interest who is the son of the Dean of Students. He struggles to separate his father's expectations from his own aspirations. He has a fling with Coco Conners (Teyonah Parris), a student hoping to become famous and distance herself from racial stereotypes.

We follow these four characters as they experience life at a predominately white institution. Each faces their own obstacles and find themselves divided when a “race war” explodes on campus when the administration attempts to randomize housing. Some black students believe that this randomization is a result of an African American house having developed on campus. They accuse the administration of fearing the group. To exacerbate things, the house associated with white privilege decides to throw a black people themed party for Halloween. Students show up in black face and stereotypical African American costumes. The black community at the college is hurt and outraged, causing the race war to erupt.

Dear White People is sharply written, exploring black identity in a “post-racial” society. With so many movies portraying the plight of the black man in other time periods (12 Years a Slave, The Butler, Fruitvale Station) recently released, it's refreshing to get the perspective of the present day. Many foolishly, in the movie and real life, label today's society as some kind of post-racial utopia. Many foolishly, in the movie and real life, take things too far, reigniting race wars that have long since been resolved. The great thing about this movie is that it acknowledges both extremes and pokes fun at them. There are black people that see racism in everything, like Sam, and there are some that wish to deny it exists at all, as with Coco. There are white people that ignorantly mock racism and there are those that believe it is harder to be white, equally as ignorant. Kyle Gallner's character, Kurt Fletcher, portrays this white stereotype too well. He is the son of the president of the college, epitomizing white privilege.

The most shocking part of Dear White People is its sincerity. As you're watching, you draw examples from your own life. You've heard the words in the film spoken in real life and it's frightening. It's a stunning commentary on the subtle racism existing in today's society. It provokes discussion and calls us out on our own behavior. It has flaws, often vying for more than it can produce, but overall it meets its goal. It opens up a lane of communication that is often dismissed as being old-fashioned. With thoughtful performances, a sharply funny script, and smart production, Dear White People exposes our flaws and prompts discussions on racism in the Obama era.