Dear Mr. Perry,
I appreciate your commitment to giving Black folks jobs in front of and behind the camera, having opened the largest Black owned film production studio in the country in Atlanta last year. You own the rights to all of your films, which is not something most filmmakers can say. Your love and concern for Black people is undeniable, as proved yet again when you sent a group of Philly children and their families to Disneyland after they had been the victims of racism at a local community pool. You have also introduced generations of young viewers to some of our most treasured and important artists such as Maya Angelou, Ruby Dee and Cicely Tyson, who have all appeared in your films. And while they are often infused with over-the-top humor, your films contain positive messages about self-worth, love and respect.
However, my feelings about your work are somewhat complicated, as is the case for a lot of my fellow Black artists/intellectuals. Much of what we see in your films, particularly the Medea series and your two TV shows ‘Meet The Browns’ and ‘House Of Payne’, is in step with decades old stereotypes of bumbling, emasculated Black male buffoons and crass, sassy Black women. To be completely honest, my circles of friends (many of whom enjoy your film work) find the TBS shows to be wholly unwatchable. As Spike Lee said recently “As African-Americans, we’re not one monolithic group”, thus there is no problem with having diverse images of us on the screen, “But at the same time, for me, the imaging is troubling and it hearkens back to ‘Amos ‘n Andy’.”
As much as I would like to support your series, especially given the complete dearth of Black shows on television, I simply cannot. In fact, it is the lack of other Black programming that makes the problems with ‘Meet the Browns’ and ‘House of Payne’ so glaring and painful. While both network television and cable have been cruel to Blacks over the past few years, least we not forget that we have a long list of critically acclaimed Black television shows in our past that did not toe the line between comedy and coonery. Among them: ‘The Jeffersons’, ’227′, ‘Amen’, ‘The Cosby Show’, ‘A Different World’, ‘Roc’, ‘Living Single’, ‘The Bernie Mac Show’ (the only thing resembling a direct descendant to ‘The Cosby Show’s’ family sitcom legacy thus far), etc. There is no reason to believe that Black audiences are less sophisticated in 2009 than they were in 1989 and that we would not be receptive to a show that resembled one of the ones that I mentioned. While I am tempted to watch your shows because they are pretty much the only Black ones on television, I don’t want to send the message to networks and advertisers that I as a Black consumer find those images to be acceptable.
By not submitting your films for pre-release review by critics, you have sent a strong message to the White guardians of Hollywood that you do not require their approval to have a hit film and that is admirable. You notably attacked a negative review by Roger Ebert of ‘Diary of a Mad Black Woman’, stating that he did not understand the film because it wasn’t for him. I agree that cultural ownership of our stories is important and that what we experience as a people cannot always be appreciated or understood by others. However, I and many other Black viewers have expressed some of the very same attitudes about your work that Ebert and other White critics articulated. You’ll have a very poignant story going and then here is this jarring, over-the-top Medea character in the middle of it all. It’s akin to giving a child candy in order to make them take their vitamins and I find it to be a bit insulting.
In most of your films, you are a lead actor, the screenwriter, director and executive producer. While you are obviously a man of many talents, know that hubris is the downfall of many a great man. Given that there are so few opportunities for Black artists in Hollywood, you would best use your power for the greater good of our people by removing some of the many hats that you wear and distributing them amongst your artistic peers. One of the biggest, and oft-ignored, criticisms of your work has been the writing. You are obviously capable of creating these very engaging and unique stories and in the hands of a masterful writer, one of your films could silence all the critics and naysayers.
As far as the Medea character goes, I won’t say much as you have again recently expressed your desire to stop portraying her. I’d be lying if the gun-toting, pot smoking granny never gave me a chuckle and the character certainly has a lot of heart and something very earnest about her. However, I can’t help but to feel that through her, the country has had the opportunity to laugh at one of the most important members of the Black community: the “Big Mama”, the beloved grandmother. And while our grannies are often these boisterous, over-the-top figures, I just can’t quite get with seeing Big Mama completely desexualized and played by a 6’3 man with prosthetic breasts flopping in the wind. Our grandmothers deserve much more than that.
At this point, you have created an empire on the foundation of love, Christianity and concern, but also stereotype and Black pathologies. Mr. Perry, you are in a position now where if you be so willing, you could completely revolutionize the world of Black film. I appreciate the step that you and your friend Oprah have taken in helping to fund the soon-to-be released Lee Daniels film ‘Precious’ and I hope that you continue to support the work of other Black directors. Please bring both fledgling and seasoned Black writers and directors to your studios and use the many tools that you have worked so hard for so that the next young artist doesn’t have struggle as you did to get his voice heard. There is so much talent within our ranks and you are one of the few folks in a position to get that talent in people’s homes.
I beg of you, Mr. Perry- stop dismissing the critics as haters and realize that Black people are in great need of new and honest images of us in the media. We have had men in dresses who weren’t actual drag performers and we’ve had bumbling buffoons and loud, aggressive mammies. I know you have more, because we are more and YOU are more. It is obvious that your people will be loyal to you and support you no matter what. So do right by us. I think you love us enough to do just that.
Sincerely,
Sister Toldja
Valetta, Rizzyvoe, and John,
At what point did we come to where people are successful in entertaining the masses did they become untouchable when it comes to criticism and critiques? And I think many of us have learned from the music industry, money and numbers (records sales) only equates to business success, not necessarily quality of product.
I get and understand the whole, “instead of criticize, build a better product yourself” argument, but what about those who have an opinion, yet are not in the creative arts to produce or build competition? I think it’s easy to say, “if you can’t do better, then shut up,” but that’s not reality. Reality is that people, thinkers, can watch something – even enjoy it – yet still point to valid concerns when it comes to imagery and perception of programs and movies, and plays, that are marketed and built for us.
Also just because it’s a sitcom and traditionally sitcoms were presented in a certain manner, doesn’t mean they can’t go against the norm – the Cosby Show did it. Now while every show doesn’t need to be patterned after the Cosby Show, the point is there’s a precedence for being unique and striving for a higher standard, rather than seeking the some old norm.
The other point, which is probably the main point, is the fact that yes its good to have these shows on the air, but there is no balance. So for Black folk, what you see is what you get. There are a variety of non-Black, non-Latino, non-Asian shows on the air so everyone is able to see every facet of “white life.” But with this being the only representation of us on air, we have a right to point out that which can be, or is, deemed offensive.
Funny thing, when The Cosby Show first came on the air it too was criticized, mainly for being too middle class. I say that to say, there is always room for criticism whether it agreed with or not.
Thanks for putting this out there. I have never been a fan of madea. I refuse to watch any movies/show where that character is part of it. Most people think I am crazy and that I don't have a sense of humor, but this type of foolery is not humorous to me.
I feel that instead of encouraging Tyler Perry to redirect his work, we should FIND, SUPPORT, AND FUND other artist with another voice. As a behind the scenes artsy person, I know that my voice is sometimes different from others and instead of telling Tyler Perry to do it all, I would like the chance. I would like you to have the chance. I think its not him that we should be writing to, its the producers. BUT, when we write, we should have a candidate. Think like politics and coalition, lets find a candidate and help her/him get on the screen to.
LOVE THE WRITING BY THE WAY
thank you for this letter sista.
cyntreia
Excellent. I have been mulling over how to say the same thing for months now. You have completely capture how we feel about Tyler Perry.d
Madea is back in theaters for one reason well maybe two. First and foremost and the bottom line – to give Lionsgate two good fiscal quarters – one with the movie release and two with the dvd release. Second because as the author posed, we are conflicted. We want to support and love our brother and sisters on the screen, but they can't get on the screen unless they do something that is not up to parr.
I want to see this cast, but not so much spliced with a brother in a dress.
While I do find this article interesting, I must say that you can't ask someone to leave their genre just b/c you do not prefer or agree with. Spike Lee has an established genre, he does not do comedies and never has. His calling in the area of movies is something different. Just because those of us that are intelligent or have reached a certain place in our lived feels this "holds us down" A phrase that I have come to hate, We have to let this man be.
This is what works for him and what has made him successful. How often has Spike Lee ventured from his established genre or any actor, actress for that matter. This is the business. A better desire would be to have more black directors rise up to show the rest of our stories. It is not up to one man to make a movie to satisfy the whims of every single black person, they education background, their trials and tribulations etc. Jay-z raps, he does not tap dance, sing on broadway and then direct a play. He has a genre and he sticks with what he knows and that is okay. We also accept the same from Spike Lee. However, it is not okay for Tyler Perry???
I understand you are fellow WY alum-if so well done dolphinite. You have aptly captured what many of us have felt but not articulated. I do not watch either of the television shows and have no interest in them due to the things you mentioned. I also never watched shows like Martin for the same fact that this kind of image perpetuates and even encourages some people to emulate this kind of behavior. There is more to "us". Great job…I live in Atlanta and would gladly deliver the letter to his studio if you'd like.
For Sister Toldja * in love and respect sis* I write this.
I do NOT eat cheese, never did, never will. I hate the smell of it, and hate to see it. Will I go see a MOVIE that talks about CHEESE? Nope, probaly won’t. Why? Because it doesnt interest me. To spend time talking and discussing WHY I DONT LIKE IT TO PEOPLE WHO DONT UNDERSTAND…. is like trying to get a dog to apply for a JOB! It doesnt work.
SO many people spend lots of time hating Tyler Perry, blogging about him, discussing with their TYLER PERRY friends why THEY don’t like his movies. Can you imagine how TIME CONSUMING THAT IS?
I wonder why people dont spend more time discussing THINGS THEY DO LIKE, THINGS AND MOVIES THAT DOES INTEREST them.
I for the LIFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE OF ME cant see myself discussing CHEESE over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over AGAIN. To a audience who AGREES WITH ME OR THAT DOESNT.
So, my point is THIS…….. Tyler Perry has his audience. Thats in the bag, its already a DONE DEAL!!! People have to decide if they like his WORK or not. I feel that every movie that HAS EVER BEEN MADE, either you can relate or you can’t? There are Madea’s out there * Im 42* so yes I can relate to her because I like how she tells the truth. If people says she’s a sterotype, then guess what? Every character in a movie is toooooooo!!! Because in any character that has ever been in a movie SOMEBODY SOMEWHERE CAN RELATE.
Its okay if you go see a movie and you dont fit one of those characters. Thats not for you. Why do people feel that they have to connect to a character because they paid to see a movie?Everybody havent been through everything, so for those who arent feeling his movies, FINE MOVE ON…… but there are people who are going through those things, people who want to marry and have hope in those type of Prince-Princess tales.There are people who just DONT KNOW HOW TO FORGIVE NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES THEYVE SEEN A TYLER PERRY MOVIE. Everyone is on different levels in life. So dont knock a Tyler Perry movie because you cant feel it, or its shucking and jiving and your eyes. For everything that you in your life DO, I can find you someone WHO DOESNT . THATS HOW LIFE IS.
If you go to see a Tyler Perry movie there is always a message, and my new motto is: IF YOU HAVE SEEN TYLER PERRY’S MOVIE AND YOURE TIRED OF THE SAME THEME WHICH IS -FORGIVNESS, YOU BETTER NOT GO TO HELL FOR NOT FORGIVING SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE BECAUSE GOD SENT YOU PLENTY OF MOVIES AND MESSAGES!!!
Again I don’t eat cheese, but I will look and A FEEL like a dayum fool to hold conversations to those who do and to those who don’t. The reason why Im sooooo happy in life, is because I make all my conversations ABOUT THINGS I LOVE AND UNDERSTAND.
GOD BLESS
http://hecallmecree.wordpress.com/
i'm a writer myself, of course not with Tyler Perry's cash-but there is no way in hell a writer can speak for a whole community, no matter how well you write-because there are two many DIFFERENT types of people. I must say Tyler Perry does a good job of displaying both lower class black people AS WELL AS UPPER CLASS BLACK PEOPLE. He displays crackheads but displays black attorneys and businessmen/businesswomen as well. The reason he calls people haters is because why havent black people sent a bunch of letters and sent out blogs to WHITE hollywood and WHITE directors when they OWN the networks and have put out continuous stereotypical material. This is what they mean about Black people and the "crabs in the barrell" mentality. When you write something you are creating and telling an entertaining story. Everything is not meant to have a message. I recently worked with a lady that had NEVER directed in her entire life, a so-called actor that had only performed in two plays. Yet she constantly thought she could teach me how to direct an entire show. So it is true, The money Tyler made is HIS and he can create what he pleases just like you can say and write what you please on this blog. If you dont like it, dont go see it. But why do we always have to be so negative? If you have nothing nice to say dont say it. Tyler is not Jesus it is NOT his job to please the universe just because he writes.Everyone on this blog is exercising their right to free speech yet you want to restrict what type of writing Tyler Pery does? thats hypocritical. How about we attack all of the white people who have produced these shows for years. Tyler Perry produces, but the networks make the decisions so at the end of the day-if he does not write according to how White Hollywood wants-his shows wouldnt make the network-HE DOES NOT HAVE ALL THE SAY-SO; THE NETWORKS DECIDE. If you guys arent going to pay his rent-get over it. Youre publicly humiliating this Black man as we speak. Why dont we get back to basics-if you dont like it dont watch it. The white writers will put on another ghetto black reality show and no black people will say anything. Where was this blog for "Flava of Love" or "I love New York". Quit bothering the black person that made it. Im sick of the stereotypes on ALL shows about Black people because I'M EDUCATED AS WELL-and I'm educated enough to know that regardless of how much money Tyler Pery has or what his following is-THE NETWORKS HAVE THE WHOLE"chitlin"idea of black people and have forced many black writers to join that GAME if they want to get paid. They can either paticipate or desentigrate and not make the network.When Black people that write seek any spondorship white investors call the shots. But just cause Tyler Perry has the money why does he have to forego sponsorship to avoid white influence just to please others and spend his own millions when this has been going on way before him. On MY WIFE AND KIDS, the son just HAD to be DUMB, he had to have a girl knocked up in high school too of course.Tyle is a writer not Jesus-leave him alone, dang
Another case of complaints and no action!! That's all people do is sit back absorb and say what the hell they don't like. Where are the cookies? Because someone needs some…
My thoughts are -BUILD A BRIDGE & GET OVER IT! Some black people don't want what this blogger is calling for, they don't want to see diversity within the black culture shown onscreen- some black people like the minstrel show-and like to laugh at it-AND they contribute their hard earned dollars to ensure those representations keep being showcased.
I've yet to see any bloggers with such strong criticisms put themselves in a position to inspire real change-but instead I see those who choose to have diarrhea of the mouth. I don't see the point of these letters other than viewing them as an attempt for bloggers to get people on their bandwagon of "Oh I'm so intellectual-listen to my endless banter on the state of black people being misrepresented in mainstream media…blah blah blah" Give me a break! Ugh!
I'm black, I'm a woman. I realize the world is not perfect. America is not perfect. Black America is not perfect. Hollywood is far from perfect.
You cannot satisfy everyone. People who feel this way need to brainstorm ideas on how to become the majority.
Become the actor, actress, producer, writer, director you want to see impact the big screen. Until then shut it up because everyone laughing at Madea is drowning you out!!!
Mr. Tyler Perry, I can related to your movies, especially Dairy of a Mad Black Woman and Why Did I Get Marry, I love them all they are so spiritual, my heart has been broken by my husband, and I still love him,I been a good wife for eight years,he file for divorce, I have a story to tell. How can I mend this broken heart? I pray every day that it get easier for me.
Let’s keep it real Madea is honestly a hilarious character! However here is another critique for the talented Mr. Perry: his movies are too preachy, sometimes I think he can get his message across without a ten minute church scene it has become entirely too predictable. By the way I really enjoyed ” The Family That Preys” (Madea Free).
I’ve tried to watch “House of Payne” and “Meet the Browns” on several occaisions and as I was watching I kept asking myself: why can’t these this characters speak properly, you know use proper English? It’s embarassing!
I have no issue with criticisms of Mr. Perry’s work. I take more issue with lack of criticism of other’s work.
Spike Lee’s films have depicted every stereotypical characteristic of black men as drug dealer, thief, pimp, etc. that exists.
I grew up down south, in the country, where what appears as “coonery” to some, is “down home” to others.
When the criticism is even-handed and dealt with the same strength, then fine. However, when the critique comes from a place of xenophobic misunderstanding, there is an issue.
When we will stop worrying about what other people think of us, and become free to live, laugh, work and play how WE see fit?
I totally agree. I can’t watch his TV Show’s and some of the movies don’t really speak to me at all. Hopefully he’s getting better as time goes on.
So at what point is it okay for an African American male to display his take on how we are viewed. *sarcastic voice*. So are there letters at the doors of Marc Foster, Stephen Gyllenhaal and etc. on how THEY view us as African American- not to mention we’re always portrayed as lower class African Americans. Like the saying goes: ‘If you dont like it change it, if you cant change it appreciate it.”
Some confuse critical thinking and offering constructive criticism with complaining or ‘hatin’. What she has written is a well reasoned argument and emerges from a history of Black film criticism. Since the hey days of the Chicago Defender, Pittsburgh Courier and other Black Newspapers writers have provided alternative perspectives to artists, and the community at large. It was because of people like Dick Campbell, Ossie Davis, Rosetta La Noire and countless others that Black media has developed (people who both provided alternatives as well as offered constructive criticism). As a filmmaker or writer you get better at your craft with feedback. While if you own the product its ultimately your call, that does not mean you cannot benefit from suggestions. Writing this blog is her forum for creating change it has created this discussion which may move others to think and create more holistic images. We should have more choices than like it or shut up. there are some viewers who cannot imagine a Black image not steeped in stereotype, as Ossie Davis once said, we need to hold our artists to a higher standard. Does anyone ever question why we see certain images or representations of Blackness over and over? Or when a woman makes an excellent observation she is reduced to hatin or complaining? Well written piece here.
well written! Very well written! The only Tyler Perry project I enjoyed was Why Did I Get Married? It was an awesome unpredictable plot, but all his other movies/tv shows were always overacted, overreacted, and borderline degrading. Also, his movies are so predictable. Every scene was taken from another movie.
This is brilliant. Hope he reads it.