Dope Movie Reminds Me Of My Own Coming Of Age

Have you heard of the DOPE movie? You must have. It’s been getting my attention for a long time. And when I heard that Pharrell Williams and Forrest Whitaker were part of it, too, I became even more interested. I regret that I haven’t seen the movie yet [does not come out till June 12th, unless you have connection to the powers that be, and unfortunately, Oprah hasn’t called me yet]. It’s written and directed by Rick Famuyiwa – yes, a Nigerian American. But before we give him a Nigerian passport and a chieftancy title, I think he’s more American than Nigerian. Still, I got tickled when I read his name. The Dope Movie is about a young man named Malcolm who lived life on the straight and narrow. It’s his final year in high school and he’s dealing with the SAT test and college applications when he receives a chance invitation to a party. Let’s just say that things get complicated. I have never been a party person, so I have no coming of age stories about my party days. However, I noticed that I did come of age with my social/night life – which has never been a popping one, but at least, it existed. Once upon a time, I would gladly attend three weddings in one day, and I would happily spend my weekend hopping from one event to the other. Well, not anymore. I don’t know when it happened or why it happened or how it happened, but I know that these days, I literally spend my weekend sleeping, and a weekend sleeping is a weekend well spent. I no longer have an interest in making new best friends; I’m still friendly and open to making friends, but it’s just not the way it used to be. I don’t have the time, patience, or desire to sit around and wait. I barely have the strength to make it from the living room to the bedroom, so the thought of having to dress up, put make up on, wear heels, and then go somewhere — it’s exhausting. Like I said, things are different. I have come of age. I have read several articles on line about signs for you to know that you are growing up/have grown up, and I nod my head in agreement to everything I’ve read. Sometimes I can’t believe that I’m even someone’s wife — or that I’m responsible for a home. When did that happen??? So when I read about Malcolm coming of age because of his chance encounter at the party, I completely understood it. We’ve all come of age. Sometimes, our coming of age is dramatic and loud, and other times, it’s subtle and barely noticeable. Whatever coming of ageisms we encounter – subtle or otherwise – may they make us better people. Meanwhile, DOPE comes out everywhere on June 19th. You can read more about it HERE. But before I leave you, enjoy the preview below!