Netflix's original series Dear White People debuted right in the center of a culture where issues concerning race and class are not always spoken about in a public way. This groundbreaking new series documents the real struggles faced by many, not only on one college campus, but many across the country. In 2017, you would think college students would know how to go about race, ethnicity, relationships, and sexuality. But we still have a long way to go. Thankfully, Dear White People is a fantastic way to discuss issues that often go ignored.

A Little Bit of Background

On April 28th, Netflix released the series Dear White People. The series is based off of the movie, but this is a little different because there are ten 47 minute episodes for the first season. Set at a prestigious academic institution, it delves into story lines where race and every other social topic is nit-picked an analyzed by the school's BSU (Black Student Union). They're the ones who have to do the hard work. As the show illustrates, serious issues are ignored by college administration and matters have to be taken into different hands...often the students themselves.

Ethnicity is Not the Same as Race

Clearly there is a lot to understand about race relations, especially in the case of immigration, but let's take a moment and ask ourselves: why is it so hard to talk about race? And what can we do to start the conversations? I won't be offended if you straight up ask me what my ethnicity is, but do not ever just assume. If one more person asks me whether I'm Hawaiian or Asian or Colombian, I'm going to lose my mind.

Race itself is not an issue, but it is the fact that people are confusing race with ethnicity. Dear White People puts the effort into setting fire to common misconceptions, setting the record straight and helping to educate those watching. All people are part of the human race, but there are different ethnicities within. Educate yourself. Help start the conversation and don't be afraid to participate in the dialogue. 

Love is Limitless 

Relationships are normal in college. Along with relationships, there are multiple sexual orientations. It is okay to be single, or have multiple relationships, or to not know what you're doing. You don't always have to know what you want. Who you are attracted to doesn't matter to anyone except yourself. If you meet someone who you do not share the same ideas with, you don't have to be friends or even comment on their personal intimate life. 

Speak Up and Speak Out

College is great and everything, but until we can speak openly about these topics and issues, then are we really preparing for the real world? If you have not already seen the show, I cannot express enough how important it is to make the time to watch it and self-evaluate. These kinds of endeavors may be uncomfortable, but that's life: not everything will be comfortable. Once you get past the uncomfortable stage, more dialogue can be made. Dear White People encourages the tough conversations about culturally perpetuated race and class issues. I cannot praise it enough, and I am so glad I made the decision