Justin Simien's book "Dear White People" (Cover illustration by Ian O'Phelan)

“Dear White People” has been a favorite among critics since its premiere last month. Written and directed by Justin Simien, “Dear White People” challenges the ‘color-blind’ mentality which dominates discussions of racial issues in America.

I had the pleasure of meeting the up-and-coming filmmaker Justin Simien during his book signing at Book Soup in West Hollywood. Six weeks is all it took for Simien to write his short guide that, despite its title, is not about white people. It’s about black people and the struggles they still face in a “Post-racial” America. It gives an insightful look as to what the real definition of racism is and how race deeply affects the identity of all people.

Simien addressed his audience like he would a friend. He created a comfortable environment for his readers and he even stayed at the end to talk to a few of us about his future in writing and filmmaking. This satirical book coincides wonderfully with his film of the same name. He gives his own perspective on his experience as a black man and he emphasizes that it’s just one “experience of a black man” and not “the black experience.” He does this by giving an honest look at what it is like to be black in 21st century America from his own point of view. He explains that the goal of his book is not to make white people feel guilty but rather serve to inform people about the privilege they do not always realize they have.

SEE ALSO: Film Review: 'Dear White People'

As Simien read the first chapter of his book, he had all of us laughing at the ridiculous, but true realities. He read, “And with the kind of casual intermingling of the races once envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the casting director of the original season of the ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers,’ many people of all persuasions are discovering that not only does “post-racism” mean “denial of racism,” it also means that there is a multitude of microaggressions between mainstream and marginalized cultures brewing that go unexpressed.” This use of comedy aids Simien in delivering his message without it becoming a lecture on race. This guide on how to tread the unsteady waters of racism in society today creates a discussion among readers. It takes on this prevalent issue in America without trying to be more than it is. Simien was trying to stir conversation about this problem and offer advice to prevent ignorance and naiveté when it comes to race.

When I asked Simien why he chose to make the lead character in his film bi-racial instead of just black he spoke about how it was partially influenced by his mom who often found herself torn between being white and being black. He said sometimes black people feel they have to live up to certain stereotypes or “play up their blackness for black friends” and “play down their blackness for white friends.” Every black person who has ever been around someone outside of their own race has felt that they were too black or maybe not black enough. And for those of you still wondering why it is okay for there to be a “Dear White People” but not a “Dear Black People,” you should pick up a copy of this book. Despite its title, this is a book for people of any race.

Contact Contributor Alliyah Ferrera here