Add journalist, author and cultural critic Touré to the list of people unhappy with Tyler Perry and his film making skills. Touré has blasted Perry saying,
"He’s celebrating a certain victim hood and telling Black women that it’s okay to feel like a victim and to wallow in the pain of your life,” he said, adding, “It’s like cinematic malt liquor for the masses"
I have encountered this same argument with many of my family and friends. Not only do they feel Perry's movies are a set back to the black community but they also feel that his movie's are redundant. Perry has also come under fire by producer Spike Lee for the same reasons. I admit the dynamics of a Tyler Perry film are pretty much the same but to accuse his films of being a set back to the black community is reaching. I've seen all of Perry's films and I feel that some if not most of the characters are in many ways relatable to the black community. There is usually a religious undertone of sorts that always speaks volumes to having faith in god and that is huge in most black households. The endings can be typical but are always positive. Overall I can appreciate what he brings to the table as a writer and producer. His personal story of struggle is heart wrenching and he's said many times his inspiration comes from his past. My question is why do people insist that this man change his craft? As large as the movie making market is, why aren't other writers and directors filling the void and presenting us with other options? The blame is continuously put on Perry to change this so called plague- and to do this would mean changing his craft. Is this fair to him?
Perry obviously doesn't let the critique slow him down and his success is evident at the box office. If people like Touré and Spike Lee think that Tyler Perry films are coonery and buffoonery what do they possibly think about us- the people that support & go out to see them? Do they think Tyler Perry has brainwashed us to believe his work is truly quality or can they accept that Perry has filled a niche that many Americans black and white find truly enjoyable.
It's ok to have a preference as we all do. I respect people for knowing what they like and what they don't like. What I can't understand is why it's so hard for people to give credit when credit is due and understand that credit can be given regardless of preference. I applaud Tyler for his work in the film industry and will continue to support him and his craft.
Tyler's upcoming film Good Deeds is scheduled for a 2012 release.
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