Dear White People

 As part of their month-long observance of Black History Month, Concord University’s
Black Student Union (BSU) hosted an on-campus showing of Justin Simien’s 2014 film, Dear
White People. The film was open to anyone interested, and free pizza was provided courtesy of
Marsh Library Director Connie Shumate.
Dear White People follows four black college students on their quest to find where they
fit in. It highlights not only the struggles they felt trying to fit into a ‘white’ society, but also the
problems they faced amongst themselves, sometimes not really feeling that they fit in with either
black students or white. They were looked down upon by their white classmates at their
prestigious Ivy League school, and those that didn’t take up an aggressive stance against the
discrimination were ridiculed by their more fervent black peers. As a result, tension quickly
builds between all parties.
 This tension comes to a head when a popular campus organization hosts its annual
Halloween party with a particularly offensive theme: blackface. At a blackface party, people
emulate and exaggerate the stereotypes placed on black people by wearing “ghetto” clothing and
painting their skin. Word of the party quickly gets to the campus chapter of the Black Student
Union, who then band together to try and break up the party. The situation quickly escalates as
black students trying to defend themselves are battled by party goers who can’t seem to
understand why they can’t just “take a joke” because after all, it’s “just a costume.”
Dear White People was more than just another addition to a growing heap of teenagersfinding-themselves
coming-of-age stories. This film illustrates the true events that happen all
around the country every day, even though society as a whole likes to claim that “racism is
dead.”
 Following the film was a discussion on themes of the film and how they applied to real
life. Stereotypes were one of the biggest topics off discussion, with many of the current BSU
members sharing their own personal experiences with stereotypes that may seem harmless but
can have a lasting effect on the self-esteem and well-being of the victim.
 Another phenomena that was brought up was the expectation for black people to laugh
along with everyone else at the ridiculous stereotypes thrust upon them every day. The question
was raised, “Why do we laugh when people stereotype our hair, clothing, or speech?” Another
member offered the sobering explanation that “Sometimes, it’s just easier to laugh.”
 This isn’t the first or last event orchestrated by the BSU to celebrate Black History
Month. Throughout the entire month of February, a display has been set up outside the Libby
Alvis Dining Hall for all to see. On Thursday, February 26, they will host a Poetry Slam, a free
event open to all students who either want to participate or just watch. The event will begin at
8:30 p.m. at the Subway Sides Stage.  The most anticipated event hosted by the BSU is the Umoja Ball. “Umoja” is a Swahilli
word meaning “Unity,” a fitting theme to wrap up Black History Month. The ball will be held in
the university’s Ballroom on the third floor of the Jean and Jerry Beasley Student Center on
Friday, February 27. Like all BSU events, the event is open to all and anyone may purchase
tickets. Tickets purchased prior to the event will be $5 a piece, and tickets may also be purchased
at the door on the night of the event for $8. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact
BSU member Ashley Hawkins at (304)731-1360