Ever since the creation of video streaming, people have been able to watch whatever they want, whenever they want. Funny animal videos, music videos, vlogs, and tutorials, are all without commercials unlike what you would normally have to endure when watching TV. And then Netflix rose to the top to become America's top video streaming website in 2011. The greatest thing to happen to mankind. And with Netflix came out with a show that is the most amazing show I have ever watched.
In the Spring of 2017, the show "Dear White People" aired on Netflix. The show was based on the movie "Dear White People" (2014), directed by Justin Simien. The show is about a group of students of color who go to an elite Ivy League School and face quite a few social and racial dilemmas. There are a lot of topics that are brought to the audience’s attention throughout the show. For example, it goes into institutionalized racism, assimilation, determining one’s sexuality, and love. This show could not have been created at a better moment in time because of all the events that have occurred in the U.S. This show is relatable and is the reason why it was such a sensation when it came out.
According to an article from USA Today, the show received quite a reaction from critics. It earned 85% from Metacritic and a 100% from Rotten Tomatoes. A review from The New York Times says that since the show has been turned into a series, it allows for more detail and in-depth background stories of each character. However, the show has also gotten some negative feedback. The trailer angered quite a few white viewers which resulted in the hashtag #BoycottNetflix on Twitter. For some viewers, it was deemed as racist towards white people. Justin Simien responded back to the controversy with a lengthy article called, “Why Did I Name It Dear White People?” The article explains the double standard of being black and the director's doubt of naming the project "Dear White People".
Simply put, this show was absolutely phenomenal. It was revolutionary and had me spellbound. It truly is a "must watch" show because of the fact that there are no subliminal messages throughout. The controversial topics are all out there in the open, making it hard for people not to acknowledge what is really going on in our society.
