‘DEAR WHITE PEOPLE.’ Movie encourages UCCS to discuss race

Feb. 23, 2015

Alexander Nedd
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Don’t let the title fool you, this movie is for all to enjoy.

Screened by MOSAIC and the Office of Student Activities on Feb. 17, students were treated to snacks and refreshments to celebrate Black History Month and encourage discussion about race.

Written and directed by Justin Simien, the R-rated feature “Dear White People” follows the lives of select students at Winchester University with interwoven story lines on sex, power, greed and race.

At times the film was uncomfortable and in other moments just flat out hilarious. It reaches a climax culturally and racially when an offensive-themed invitation goes viral, a subsequent Halloween party takes place on campus and perpetrates war between whites and blacks.

Released late last year, “Dear White People” has sparked conversation across the country.

Freshman Peyton O’Driscoll thought the event was awesome.

“The balance between the seriousness of the issue and the humor they put behind the issue was really good,” she said.

“I didn’t know what it was about when I first came to see it but it’s a really good film and definitely worth watching” continued O’Driscoll.

Andrea Mueller, senior, viewed the screening.

“When I saw the flyers I thought it was a joke,” Mueller said. “I didn’t think it was real, and when I found [out] it was real I said I definitely want to see what that’s about.”

“You don’t think racism is an issue in 2015 but it is,” she said.

“As much as we try to deny it I think racism is still much of an issue today and in the U.S, and this brought to light of how it is played in our generation,” O’Driscoll said.

When asked if the events such as the climatic party scene could happen at UCCS, O’Driscoll thought yes, while Mueller said no.

Vanessa Delgado, LGBT program director for MOSAIC, helped host the night’s well received gathering.

“The reason for (the event) was Black History month,” Delgado said. “There is not enough that our campus has done in the past to really support, celebrate and recognize Black History.”

“I think that this movie, because it’s so new and so relevant, it’s important for the campus to see, there is a lot going on politically in our country and socially, with race.”

“Dear White People” is now available on DVD and Blu-ray.

“If you didn’t see it, you need to see it,” Mueller said.