By Madeleine Powell
Arts Editor
Fueled by a constantly developing plot, stellar acting and superb character development, volume two of “Dear White People” uses exceptional characterization, a well-built setting and alternating points of view to thoughtfully address the issues of racism, discrimination and inequality people continue to face today.
Directed by Justin Simien, volume two of “Dear White People” contains ten episodes, and stars Logan Browning as Samantha White, Brandon P. Bell as Troy Fairbanks and Ashley Blaine Featherson as Joelle Brooks. The Netflix original “Dear White People” is based on the 2014 film of the same name.
Taking place at Winchester College, a fictional Ivy League college, “Dear White People” follows student White as she produces her podcast “Dear White People” to address the school’s deep-set problems with racism. Volume two picks up shortly after volume one, showing the characters addressing the implications of decisions they made in the past.
Each episode of “Dear White People” focuses on a different character’s perspective of the events occurring in the story. While this has the potential to be sporadic and confusing, these changes in point of view provide viewers with a greater understanding of the plot and ultimately works in the show’s favor.
“Dear White People” contains unrivaled character development, making it easy to imagine one of the show’s protagonists or antagonists in real life. White’s character is especially well-written; she is good-natured and admirably persistent, but she is not an invincible hero. She struggles, has flaws, and makes mistakes throughout the course of the show, just as one would expect any college student to do.
The plot of the show is riveting, and conflicts are barely resolved before new ones spring up. The progression of the story is very natural, however, and does not become jerky or confusing in an attempt to entertain viewers. Conversely, the manner in which each event leads to the next is fascinating and perfectly-executed.
“Dear White People” addresses pressing social issues that remain highly relevant today, including racism and sexism in a college environment. For example, the show depicts black characters trying to navigate through a world that is often hostile and unwelcoming, as well as the difficult choice a woman faces when she becomes unexpectedly pregnant. These events show perspectives that are often overlooked in mainstream media and television, allowing viewers to relate to and sympathize with characters’ struggles, and gain a new perspective on an issue they may never have experienced.
The decision to set “Dear White People” on a fictional college campus allows the writers to weave fictional secret societies and historical characters into the plot. The modern setting paired with the Winchester’s past creates intrigue and impresses viewers with the careful thought that is put into each aspect of the setting.
Volume two of “Dear White People” effectively depicts the struggles and inequality that people continue to face today through its well-developed setting, authentic characters, fast-paced storyline and shifting points of view.
Volume two of “Dear White People” is rated TV-MA and is available on Netflix
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