'Step Sisters' film drawing backlash over racial humor

ATLANTA (AP) — The dance comedy "Step Sisters" won't be in theaters until next year, but the film is already drawing a backlash from the African-American community because of subject matter deemed racially offensive by some.

The plot centers on a black sorority sister named Jamilah, who in order to get into law school, has to teach black Greek-stepping to a group of white sorority sisters whose charter is about to be revoked.

Frederick and others have sent messages to Echikunwoke and to one of the film's producers, Lena Waithe, through blogs and social media.

Echikunwoke said "Step Sisters," in a comedic way, actually takes issue with stereotypes of both blacks and whites, along with society's lack of racial progress.

[...] after he read Hayward's script, he liked how the story explored the gray areas of crossing cultures, the fear of cultural appropriation and humor in racial stereotypes.

Stepping is a popular dance routine used mostly by African-American fraternities and sororities in competitions on college campuses.

Eden Sher, who plays white dancer Beth in the film, said she never attempted step dancing until her role in "Step Sisters."