We’ve already seen so many viral PSAs and teasers from Justin Simien’s ‘Dear White People,’ which opens October 17th, that it’s hard to believe this is the first full-length trailer. But it’s true! This is it! It still remains to be seen how this film is going to solve racism without a nice, straight-talking white lady.
Between the title and the direct address at the beginning of the trailer, I’m sure lots of folks (mostly the white people) will feel like they’re being subjected to some sort of extended harangue about race. But as the trailer continues, it starts to feel like more of a conversation than a lecture. Sort of like how Rust Cohle in True Detective started out sounding like the voice of the narrator but evolved to where the nihilism was just his particular character trait? Yeah, maybe I’m overthinking this. Anyway, I’m hoping this will offer another voice of racial satire out there besides Spike Lee, who let’s be honest is kind of a jackass.
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE follows the stories of four black students at an Ivy League college where a riot breaks out over a popular “African American” themed party thrown by white students. With tongue planted firmly in cheek, the film will explore racial identity in “post-racial” America while weaving a universal story of forging one’s unique path in the world.
At this point I think most white people know enough not to ask to touch black people’s hair. Or ask them about their weave. However, we curly-haired anglos could really use similar campaign of public education. Like, dear straight-haired people, don’t ask if it’s a vitamin deficiency. Don’t compare us to Ronald McDonald, or ask us questions like “have you ever tried shaving it off to see if it grows back normal?” or “how come you gots poodle hair, fag?”
Suggesting for a friend.