Entry 1: The critically acclaimed Netflix series, dear white people is a dramedy with a dash of satirical comedy which follows black scholars at the predominantly white university of Winchester. The Netflix series takes us through issues of identity, white privilege, race, and systemic inequality, delivered with a humorous yet somewhat distressing tone as a means to challenge societal norms. The things found within this production share strong similarities with the concepts found in our course textbook, a different mirror: a history of multicultural America, more specifically regarding the expiration of racial dynamics and assimilating culturally. The execution of Dear white people Addressed intersections of gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status while still examining ethnic and racial identities. The character, Sam White, who plays the role of a biracial activist along with Lionel Higgins, a gay black journalist, are two characters that embody these complexities. Sam’s leadership role as the head of the black student union and Lionel’s self-discovery journey showcases how the intersection of identities can aid in shaping and individuals experience. Takaki’s (2023) point on the defining feature of America’s diversity mirrors this representation shown Dear White people. This riveting series promotes discussions on relevant issues like cultural appropriation, micro, aggressions, and systemic barriers placed on marginalized communities. I’d like to think that Takaki’s assessment on the perspective of marginalized non-white individuals is similar to the radio show the character Sam, hosts critique of white privilege on campus.
The themes found within this series really resonated with our class discussions on identity and representation within visual media. Our course readings explored the instances of power structures within our society, and I can see that reflected within the shows depiction of institutional racism, for example, the scene where the university “handled” a blackface party that was held on campus, to which upset many students. This is similar to Takaki’s point on the importance of confronting historical injustices to better understand contemporary issues, in the face of systemic marginalization Takaki(2023). The series also contests the perpetuated stereotypes commonly found in our media, double backing on Takaki’s Stands on rewriting traditional narratives.
Some major things found within this series involves privilege, race and power dynamics through creative storytelling. The reminder of the real world impact systemic racism has on the community, was exemplified in the scene with Reggie Green encounter with campus police as that moment highlighted an argument involving the need for historical awareness in the face of present day inequalities Takaki (2023). The critically, humorous nature of dear white people underscores how mainstream media has the ability to contest dominant narratives and promotes more inclusive, cultural awareness, which makes it a valuable yet entertaining medium for examining race and identity in America today.
click the link below for more insight into this powerfully entertaining TV series!
ARTICLE:https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2017/apr/28/dear-white-people-film-review-justin-simien
CITATIONS:
-IMAGES: We. (2019, September 10). We need more shows like “Dear White People.” The Famuan. https://www.thefamuanonline.com/2019/09/10/we-need-more-shows-like-dear-white-people/
-ARTICLE:
Lanre Bakare. (2017, April 28). Dear White People review – race relations go back to school in still-searing satire. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2017/apr/28/dear-white-people-film-review-justin-simien
