Dear White People Volume 2 premiered today on Netflix, and you’ve probably already finished the entire second volume thrice. After all, we’ve preemptively called in sick into work, school and basic human functions months ago just to see WTH helps after that cliffhanger in Vol. 1: Ch. 10.
While you might have memorized the critical plot point in Vol. 2, your friends might be preoccupied with trivial tasks like studying and taking finals. It might seem impossible to avoid giving your binge-watching-inept friends any spoilers to the second volume. And though you might automatically turn to your bestie for a more detailed discussion of ~those~ moments in Vol. 2, there are some ways that you can curve your spoiler-urge without actually ruining the second volume for any prospective viewers.
And don’t worry, this is a spoiler-free guide to evading any relevant spoilers from escaping your thumbs (while continually text your BFF to see if she’s caught up yet), so you don’t pull a Tom Holland.
1. Send some well-deserved fan messages to the people behind Dear White People
Rechanneling your energy to other aspects of your fandom will help you avoid your spoiler temptation. While you’re probably 30 tabs deep into some extensive fan theories and fan-lead discussions about the important topics in the second volume, expressing your praise for the show will help the cast and crew recognize the impact of Dear White People Vol. 2.
Though it’s so easy to criticize actors, writers and showrunners, tweeting your compliments and reactions to the creator of Dear White People, Justin Simien, or Logan Browning, who portrays Sam White on-screen, can help show the people behind Dear White People how much this show matters. Plus, even actors and TV show creators enjoy getting a positive tweet and some healthy fan art.
Seriously, empower some creators with your uplifting messages, GIFs and sketches. Who knows, your fan-arting could lead to the birth of your own Simien-stan account (which would be a nice side hobby if your friends are still chapters behind you).
2. Make a friend on Twitter, with someone who's already watched Vol. 2
If you’re impatiently waiting for your friends to get on your binge-watching level, you’ve probably already been scrolling through Twitter and researching all the trending tags affiliated with Dear White People.
Going on a like bender can help redirect your spoiler cravings, but actively commenting fellow-fans’ tweets can help you discuss vital elements of the show. Though the Twitterverse can sometimes be a trash problematic social media outlet, you can establish a virtual friendship with a fellow Dear White People fan and learn about another person’s perspective on [redacted] issue that [redacted] character discussed in Vol. 2: Ch. 2.
3. Make out of context spoilers (because then it isn't necessarily a spoiler)
Even if you’re a fresh-faced memer or GIF-illiterate, you can use the binge-watching gap between you and your friends to learn how to make some volume two-related clips and stills. Obviously, you should avoid using any actual media from Dear White People Vol. 2, but you can brainstorm some GIFs that don’t necessarily spoil any of the plot or content in the second season.
4. Listen to the soundtrack
While you might have been preoccupied with the character development throughout volume two, it’s hard to ignore that the second volume incorporated an equally captivating soundtrack.
5. Draft a fervent letter to Netflix
Somehow Dear White People hasn't been renewed for another 10 seasons. However, you can help vocalize your support for the series and illustrate to Netflix's executives how and why this show is so impactful.
Historically, fans have been known to bring their favorite shows back from the cinematic grave. While protests, copious letters and call-a-thons have revived already canceled television series, sending a letter or email to Netflix could show the streaming conglomerate that they should secure Dear White People's long-term future (so the series is never at risk for an untimely demise).
6. Send your friends Google calendar invites
We all have dozens of alarms and reminders set on our calendar. Although your bestie is on top of her studying and meeting game, you can help her stay on-schedule with her Netflix-watching itinerary by sending her a few dozen calendar invites.
You can send your best calendar reminders in 30-minute intervals, pertaining to specific chapters, through the day. Or, you can snoop on when your bestie’s study breaks are and conveniently set up her chapter reminders then. (This gives your friend a stress-free, albeit somewhat invasive, way to balance Netflix and academics because developing a balance between work and entertainment is one of many pillars to better mental health.)
7. Focus on your own mental health
Both volumes of Dear White People offer viewers necessary commentary about racism, identity politics and mental health, but it’s important to take some time to amplify your mental well-being. Although the stigma behind mental health can prohibit you from actually seeking treatment from a licensed mental health professional, if you’ve personally experienced any of the racism or harassment discussed in the second volume, it can have an adverse effect on your mental health.
Because these topics can cause some latent traumas and emotions to resurface, there’s no shame in using Dear White People as inspiration to double down on your self-care regime or seek therapy.
Nevertheless, if Dear White People aids your pre-existing mental health routine, then continue to re-watch the series until your friends finally catch-up.