Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea

Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea is a thought-provoking and impactful documentary released on Netflix in 2019, and it encapsulates the journey of comedienne and television host Chelsea Handler as she grapples with the concept of white privilege. Determined to go beyond the superficial, Handler navigates through the intricate and often uncomfortable aspects of white privilege, examining its widespread presence in modern American society.

In her characteristic style, Handler bravely leads her exploration by turning the lens on herself. Initially famous for her unabashed comedy and confrontational interviewing style, Handler transforms into an eager interviewer who's ready to be educated about racial inequality. She courageously exposes her own naivety and prejudices while admitting her privilege as a white woman in America, making the journey all the more real and relatable.

Right from the start, Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea, means to shake up established norms and inspire introspection. It is broken down into different segments, where Handler takes the viewer through personal anecdotes and experiences. Alongside these powerful testimonies, we are also introduced to various academics, authors, and activists who enrich the narrative with their insights and knowledge on racial history and social inequity.

One of the notable figures that Handler engages with is Melina Abdullah, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist and Professor of Pan-African Studies. Their conversation is eye-opening as Abdullah shares her perspectives on racial disparity and prompts chelsea to examine her own biases. Similarly, Jody David Armour, a law professor, adds another insightful layer into the discussion of white privilege and its deep roots.

The film also includes Handler’s university visit where she engages in sensitive and open dialogues with students of diverse racial and socio-economic backgrounds. The raw, student-led dialogue paints a vivid picture of racial tension and draws attention to generational disparities. It's in conversations like these where the film truly shines, balancing its terse examination of hard reality with heart-warming moments of understanding and empathy.

Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea does not shy away from featuring some uncomfortable and heated interactions. Handler is sometimes faced with resistance and indignation when confronting people about their views on racism and white privilege. This exposure to a wide array of perspectives, including those resistant or oblivious to acknowledging white privilege, adds to the film's honesty and integrity.

The documentary further explores the political implications of white privilege, investigating the impact on voters during the 2016 presidential election. It underscores the urgency for dialogue and understanding. On a personal level, Handler reflects on her own upbringing in a predominantly white neighborhood, recounting instances where she was oblivious to the preferential treatment she was accorded due to her whiteness.

However, it's not all somber analysis. As can be expected from Chelsea Handler, humor is woven cleverly into the narrative. She intertwines comedy with contentious topics to ease tension without undermining the seriousness of the issues at hand. It's a delicate balance which Handler manages with her unique brand of pointed humor and sharp wit.

Hello, Privilege. It's Me, Chelsea is an unflinching exploration of a powerful and often misunderstood concept. Chelsea Handler's self-interrogation as a privileged white woman serves as a mirror to white America, forcing them to confront their undeserved advantages and the part they play in perpetuating systemic racism. It is a movie designed to jolt audiences out of complacency and inspire them to engage in conversations about racial inequality, privilege and responsibility.

In conclusion, the documentary is an insightful and heart-rending exposé that sets out to help viewers understand the depth and socio-cultural impact of white privilege in the American context. It's not an easy watch, but it's a vitally important one, offering a courageous, self-reflective look at racial disparity and its deep, tangled roots in American society.