I’m So Ready to See Dear White People!
Chile, I’ve been excited about the movie Dear White People since I first heard about it. Created by young Black people (writer and director Justin Simien, producer Lena Waithe) and giving in-your-face commentary on racial dynamics in the United States.
Looking around right now at what’s happening in Ferguson, you can see that we have so far to go. Or we can look in mainstream media and see all the boolsheet that’s being perpetuated about Black people (like that angry Black woman Shonda Rhimes piece, for example).
DWP stars Teyonah Parris (who I love and is in Mad Men), Tyler James Williams (remember him from Everybody Hates Chris), Tessa Thompson, Brandon P. Bell, Dennis Haysbert (he reminds us to be in good hands in those Allstate commercials. And he’s geriatric bae because he is FOREVERFAHN. Hey boo!) and more.
I am just really excited when Black content creators put together dopeness and this is what this movie looks like it’s going to be. That trailer had me cracking up and fist-pumping. This is an independent film that has generated buzz because it slayed at Sundance and other places. I’m forever rooting for the underdog and this film is looking like David.
“Dear White People… please stop touching my hair. Does this look like a petting zoo to you?” LOL WELP!
The time for addressing racism politely is done. OVER. Actually, that time should have never been here because prejudice is anything but polite. Sometimes, you just gotta say some shit WIT YO CHEST! So yes, I completely appreciate the filmmakers behind “Dear White People” calling it just that. You mad, bro?
Actually, yes. Folks are mad. The YouTube comments on the trailer are full of butthurt people and this is to be expected. Whenever white people are told they’re racist or that racism is still alive and well, and they’re benefactors of white privilege, the level of pissitivity goes through the roof. So imagine an entire movie that basically points it out. OH THE UPSET! FOLKS HAZ IT.
The best satire is the kind that is founded in truth and it makes people uncomfortable because it turns the mirror on them.
Dear White People opens in DC, New York, LA and Atlanta on October 17. There’s private screenings happening too (and I wish there was one in Chicago. DANGIT). But October 24, it opens nationwide. YESSSS!!!
Fun fact: I’m on The Root 100 list with Justin and Lena. Talk about being in DOPE company!
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It’s being shown 10/20 as part of the Int’l Film Festival in Chicago, but does appear to be sold out. 🙁
DAMBIT!!!! I didn’t know.
aaaaaaaaaaand October 17th I will be in line to see it.
#thatisit and #thatisall
Pretty sure Philly gets it on the 17th as well. I will be there even if I have to stand in line!
Word? Philly isn’t on the list here for Oct 17: http://dearwhitepeoplemovie.com/tickets
When does it come to B’more?
it’s at the Charles Theater now… I went Thursday!!!
My bestie got tickets for all of us (me and our husbands) to go on Friday Night! We are making it an event…gonna wear themed t-shirts and everything! LMAO!
I re-watched the trailers and read some of the comments; people are pissed about this movie lol!
I am looking forward to this movie also. From what I can see by the trailer, it reminds me a little of Spike Lee’s School Daze (1988). In fact, I feel like these are the offspring of School Daze and Soul Man (1986). Although they are more polished, self aware, assertive and articulate, they are still fighting the same fight. The only difference is as Luvvie stated, no more being polite. But then again, they don’t have the grandmothers who had personally experienced the raw hatred of racism and, therefore tried to instill in us good manners as a passive attempt to try to save our lives. Now I am speaking as a woman who grew up in the south, different region different type of struggle. Nevertheless, I am very much looking forward to this new energy and perspective on dealing with the same old thing.
Hope Toronto gets it…but I doubt it
Hi I live in Toronto and I think we might get it when it opens nationwide in the states because certain cinemas here show Sundance films before everyone, like the Scotia Cineplex at Yonge and Bloor, my sis and I sent there to watch Fruitvale Station and 12 Years, so check for show times online.
My sister and I get the whole “want to touch you hair” thing all the time, most people here especially in the city aren’t used to seeing black women with natural hair and the braiding styles that I do our hair in, and everyone not only white, but Asian, Indian and even some black people are fascinated by “all the different ways we can wear our hair”, it is sometimes too funny.
Toronto Cineplex theatres will get it November 7th.
I was hoping you’d do a write up on this movie. I had a chance to see it a couple of months ago at the LA film fest and it was OUTSTANDING! I watched the mock trailer about a year ago when they were trying to get financing and even then, you could tell that it was gonna be good.
My favorite comments on YouTube have been the “What if we made a Dear BLACK People?” as if it’s the same damb thing. Like… there’s several seats, find a couple, m’kay?
Yeah, butthurt. I read the comments when the trailer first came out. Seriously if I had a dime for every time something like this comes out and white people cry “It’s racist, what would people say if there was a Dear Black People movie?” I might have a nice chunk of change in my bank account. I am so tired of “Why do we need an Ebony Magazine?” type questions? They are so comfortable with not seeing us in the media they hate having it called to their attention.
Brilliant truth!
I. Cannot. Wait! I went to Howard with one of the girls in the film, so it’s like seeing a good film and family on the screen! #CissyHoustonFace to the haters *cough cough privileged 2520’s*
i got tickets to see it 10/18 at the new orleans film fest. *does brother franklin*
I’ve been dying to see this movie since my boo Dennis put the trailer on his social media accounts! It looks like it will be coming to Jacksonville next week, so I will be there!
THANK YOU for writing about this movie and providing the link! I was thinking about it recently and forgot the name.
So does Stark Raven Silly make a cameo as a clueless colorless person?
Luvvie, take your lecherous eyes off my geriatric bae! I’ve been stalking Dennis H. since Waiting to Exhale days
Herm Edwards is my geriatric bae! I kinda have a thing for Doc Rivers too.
Back on topic: YESSSSSSSS to the movie! That is all.
I remember the mock trailer for this before it became an actual movie and was so excited. Yes to the definition of racism used in the movie! It is the most correct. And yes to them answering “what would people say about a Dear Black People?” in the film. Just yes, yes, yes! It doesn’t come out where I’m located though 🙁 still gonna support if it does. Oh if I could of been even an extra in this film.
Watched the trailer like 5x. I really wanna see this movie if it doesn’t release in Alabama I will be waiting on Redbox!
Saw the movie last night and I lived all night remembering the great lines and storyline. Tyler should be in court for stealing every scene he was in. It was damn near a documentary because of so many things I have experienced that showed up in the movie. Put on some comfortable shoes and walk the earth until you find a theatre where this movie is playing.
I saw the film back on October 19th. It was . . . okay, but I feel it could’ve been more radical. As much as I wanted to love film, I left the theater feeling a little empty.
Now, I love the hard work and dedication Justin Simien and Co put into getting this film to theaters, and for that, I gave my 11 duckets 11 duckets down at the Midtown Art Cinema to support this film. For the support alone, I encourage everyone to go see it.
As far as my overall impression of the film – It was clever, and I could see the appeal it will have on some millennials; however, as a viewer, I just wish it turned up the satire even more. I mean, if you have the chance to bring a film with such an important message as racism and white privilege, go all the way in.
But that’s only this dude’s opinion.