Washington Post Columnist, Courtland Milloy had an interesting Op-Ed piece which was featured in “The Tacoma News Tribune,” section B5 on Thursday, February 26, 2009. Mr. Milloy, with the precision of a medical surgeon, began a delicate dissection of the latest installment of the current “Madea” character of the hugely series of popular movies by filmmaker/actor Tyler Perry; who as it seems, stars as the main character. There is no doubt to the enormous appeal and financial success of Mr. Perry, and like King Midas, the legendary ruler of Crete, where everything Tyler Perry touches seems to turn into cinematic gold.
Yet, in spite of all the gut-busting, rib-tickling, and hysterical laughter which is the usual reaction from seeing his many characters on the ‘Big Screen,’ the social implications of this subtle negative stereotyping might not be so funny. The ‘Matriarch’ has been the pillar or foundation of the Black family, community, and Church; without whose widespread influence and almost sacrosanct status, Blacks would have a lot more problems than they do. Of course, the Hollywood executives aren’t too concerned about these negative characterizations of an updated version of ‘Aunt Jemimah’ upon the psyche of African-Americans, nor the repressed internal psychological damage and unhealthy self-esteem that these images may inflict. As long as these movies of ‘blaxploitation’ are shown on many theater screens owned by ‘AMC,’ the more the merrier. It’s all about “KA-CHING” of the cash registers, wearing the ‘Bling-bling,’ ‘Livin’ large, and driving a ‘BENTLEY.’
The problem doesn’t just rest with Tyler Perry because he is not the only performer to represent Black women in such a demeaning way because the long list includes Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, and Eddie Murphy; to name a few. Even Flip Wilson’s “Geraldine” wasn’t that insulting. Of course it is always easier to parody a fictional and imaginary person because Oprah Winfrey didn’t see the humor of Kim Wayans portrayal of her in some of the comedy skits on “In Living Color.” In fact, Miss ‘O’ admitted to being hurt by Ms. Wayans, albeit funny, outlandishly insensitive, imitation of the then, overweight talk show host.
These routines, whether on the comedy shows, Broadway, or at the cinemas are reminiscent of the ‘Minstrel’ shows where White men in black facial makeup with lips and eyes painted white imitated ‘Negroes’ or ‘Colored People’ back then, with such disgusting and dehumanizing depictions; much to the approval, delight and enjoyment of their White audiences, with the most famous of them being the legendary Al Jolson. That was then, but now it’s our turn to make fun of ourselves. Forget about Steppin Fetchin and all that because it would appear that as Taalam Acey rightly depicts in “Pieces of Change,” that, “There is a Market 4 Niggaz, and the bigger the monkey the more the money.” Comedian Dave Chappelle finally came to his senses and found out the truth in that old adage, “They are Not Laughing with You, but at You.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
February 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
