Ep 5. Chapter V
- TV-MA
- August 2, 2019
- 28 min
-
6.1 (221)
Dear White People is a Netflix show that follows a group of black students as they navigate life at a predominantly white Ivy League college. In season 3, episode 5 titled "Chapter V", the focus is on Kelsey, a white student who is trying to fit in with the black students at Winchester University.
The episode begins with Kelsey attending a party with her newfound group of black friends. She is excited to be included and wants to prove that she can be just as cool as they are. However, her enthusiasm is dampened when she overhears one of her friends talking about her behind her back. She feels hurt and excluded, but doesn't know how to confront the problem.
Meanwhile, Sam and Lionel, two of the main characters, are working on an article for the school newspaper about the lack of diversity in the curriculum. They are frustrated by the resistance they face from the administration, who are reluctant to make any changes. They enlist the help of their friends to launch a protest, hoping to bring attention to the issue.
As the protest gains momentum, Kelsey begins to feel like she doesn't belong. She feels like an outsider, and worries that she is taking up space that should be reserved for black students. She confides in her roommate, who tells her that she doesn't have to try so hard to fit in. She should be herself, and if her friends don't accept her for who she is, then they aren't truly her friends.
Throughout the episode, we see Kelsey struggle with her identity. She wants to be accepted by her black friends, but she doesn't want to appropriate their culture. She realizes that she has a lot to learn, and makes a concerted effort to educate herself about black history and culture.
At the protest, Kelsey is forced to confront her own privilege. She sees how her own experiences differ from those of the black students around her. She realizes that she has been blind to the struggles of others, and vows to do better.
The episode ends with Kelsey apologizing to her friends for her behavior. She admits that she has a lot to learn, but that she is committed to being a better ally. Her friends forgive her, and they all come together to fight for a more inclusive curriculum.
Overall, "Chapter V" is a thought-provoking episode that tackles issues of race, privilege, and identity. It forces viewers to confront their own biases, and encourages them to be better allies to those who are marginalized. The acting is superb, and the writing is both insightful and engaging. This episode is a shining example of what Dear White People does best: examining the complexities of race relations in America with honesty and nuance.