I felt like a superhero.
It had so much excitement behind it.
It had so much controversy behind it.
Adam Rose/Netflix
When the teaser first came out, there was this ignorant backlash because of the title.
Honestly, we werent surprised.
Its why we all madeDear White People.
We support you guys.
We support the show.
Were not taking the show off or anything.
Dont mind any of these crazy people.
Just live your lives.
It was just a very sweet thing they did.
Just that idea alone, it just brought people to the show.
Sometimes I find myself watching these reviews from the alt-right, because Im such a curious person.
I love to see what they think of the show, even if its complete malarkey.
But theyre watching the show!
As humans, were sponges.
I think its responsible for people to watch it.
If youre gonna hate it, at least take the time to watch it and form an opinion.
Tessa Thompson originated this role in the movie.
Did you feel any pressure when you accepted it?Yeah, of course.
Ive admired Tessa for the past few years as Ive watched her career blossom.
A lot of the charm of her Sam is just naturally embedded in Tessa.
Ive got be [my] own version of Sam.
I guess I was really comfortable once I addressed that because I had[creator Justin Simien].
I would listen to a lot of Angela Davis speeches, a lot of Martin Luther King speeches.
That has been so interesting to really explore.
Its kind of what I connected to with Sam.
Was there a specific episode that tapped into that in-between feeling?To be honest, season 2.
I talked to Justin and Yvette [Lee Bowser], our showrunner, about it.
I think as a performer, I needed to feel it more as Sam.
Its like when youre in a new relationship and the person wont shut up about [it].
It doesnt feel like the same piece of work.
It doesnt feel like, Were just going to keep you on this train.
Its like, Nah, you know what?
You guys liked this, lets take it to the next level.
We all talk about them, sure, but this is all trauma.
Each episode feels even more like a little mini-movie because its not like some new event happens.
Its just what are we dealing with already.
I thought I understood things like that.
After season 1, I quickly realized that my idea of my privilege was even limited.
As weve gone on in season 2, the crazy part is Ive realized that black is beyond me.
Because I am black, I just go, This is my experience.
This is the black experience, but my mind is now is like, Wow, were so multi-faceted.
Because none of my deals are signed I cant really talk about it, but I am really excited!
Dear White Peopleseason 1 is available to stream on Netlfix.
