Hating Tyler Perry: Why Does He Raise the Ire of the Black Intelligentsia?

July 25th, 2011 - By TheEditor

by Steven Barboza

If Perry Can Do Bad All By Himself, Should Black Critics Assign His Films to “Perry’s Inferno”?

We live in the age of Tyler Perry.

He is everywhere – on billboards, in sitcom credits, in profiles of Hollywood heavyweights. His stage and screen creation, Madea – a feisty, linebacker of a grandmother – has joined the pantheon of black comedic characters, a hall of fame that includes Flip Wilson’s Geraldine and Bill Cosby’s Fat Albert. And soon, Perry will appear in a thriller as the crime-solving psychologist Alex Cross, a role made famous by Oscar-winner Morgan Freeman. The film will be shot in Cleveland starting next month.

Perry is arguably the most successful black film director, producer and screenwriter in history, a mogul whose status in Hollywood is a testament to his business acumen and artistic ingenuity. Why then are there so many Tyler Perry haters?

There’s a huge market for his films. But the black literati have designated a special place in hell for them: Perry’s Inferno. The criticisms are harsh indeed. They go something like this:

•    Tyler Perry is the “KFC of black cinema.”
•    Tyler Perry’s television shows contain “old stereotypes of buffoonish, emasculated black men and crass, sassy black women.”
•    Tyler Perry is a no-count filmmaker whose works are excuses for feel-good sermonizing, not vehicles for human drama that will enlighten us.

This is just not the kind of criticism you’d expect to hear about a major black artist in the era of Obama. It sounds like disapproval for another era – that of the actor popularly known as Sleep ’n Eat, Willie Best’s character of the 1930s.

“I feel like Tyler Perry’s films are bad for your brain,” said Touré, TV host and cultural critic. “They promote a sort of victimhood: it is good and comfortable and okay to be a victim, especially in [the movie] ‘For Colored Girls,’ [featuring women] who are getting beat down by life in various ways and then at the end, they hug. They make no material change. They don’t get rid of the villains in their life. They don’t make attempts to move upward. They just hug. It’s victim Adult Videos. I don’t think it’s positive to tell black people it’s okay to be victims.”

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  • Queen Vee

    What I like about Tyler Perry, is that he is his own man. He fought Hollywood and won. He uses his poetic license as he sees fit. He saw his niche and filled it. He is a successful businessman because he believed in his product and he believed in himself. Most of all, he believes in God, is a Christian, and uses that basis in his films to get his message across. If everyone would look at his films, they all share a common theme–forgiveness. In the medieval times, the "fool" who made the king laugh, also made the king think. His films make you laugh, but they also make you think. To be successful in this economy is major, and he is putting people to work. This is the American dream that he is living–to have your own business and to be successful at it.

    • jessica

      Tyler Perry didn't fight Hollywood at all. He succumbed to it. He gives us just what Hollywood told him to give us. A bunch of buffoons and stereotypes. Believe me, no Tyler Perry movie sees the light of day unless the white man says so. Yes he has his own movie studio but believe me he does not have the last word on his movies being made or released.

  • J. Beville

    Perry and Lee, as well as DuBois and Washington are "Apples and Oranges" As Lee stated, Black folks and their expressions are not monolithic. This should be obvious to all who are looking by now. In short, there is no real comparison,,,contrast, yes but not comparison. Each and every artist has something to say and some speak with one kind of technology (expertise) and others speak with another. Audiences who examine all of these varied expressions and art exhibits are testiment to that.

  • rodell59

    Like the frustrated actor who can't, become critics. Thats all that is. I pray for the day when we use our energy to uplift and not tear down those in the struggle. Is Tyler Perry perfect no he is not but I applaud his efforts and wish him well in his endeavors. If you have a problem with someone in what he or she is doing, then get off your high horse and get into the arena.

  • Veronica

    Bottom line its envy and jealousy…….They only throw stones at trees that bare fruit.

  • smoothprof

    this is a reply to most people in this thread. jealously? totally stupid… i have been black for most of my life. my grandparents were sharecroppers and laborers… it is utterly silly to think that people cannot criticize something so public as television and "cinema." come on black people! to characterize perry's films as relevant to most black families is to completely miss the point and to characterize african americans in a similar way as white supremacist patriarchy… no tyler perry films do not related to the majority of black people and families. where do you live? do you read? or do you live under a rock? or perhaps you get your primary images of black people from television? my goodness… think, people. think! when you criticize something that you think is wrong, is it because you are jealous? or because it is damaging, painful, and wrong?

    • Curtis

      PREACH!

  • smoothprof

    to suggest that tyler perry is the best out there is as ridiculous as this article and a tyler perry film. it shows the depth of ignorance regarding the creative arts. many black people are trained and educated in the arts. they, like many other black people who are qualified in various fields, are passed over for a type of popular, shallow, and bufoon-type representation. who wrote this silly article? tyler perry and spike lee akin to du bois and washington? that is some ignorant and insulting sh… and who is this intelligentsia? you quoted no scholars, no professors who are trained in the humanities, the theater arts, philosophy, religion, or fine arts. no disrespect to spike lee or toure, both of whom i respect, but they are not black intelligentsia. and even if they were, you draw such a conclusion based on two thinkers? clearly reductionistic. and to call it "hate"–who certified you a journalist? bad scholarship, poor journalism… tyler perry shows unfortunately are part of a long legacy of representations in american media that can only show black people in negative, stereotypical, and unflattering ways–as if this is somehow authentically "black." this is just dumb dot com (think "the braxtons").

    • jessica

      Thank you!

  • Nina

    Someone mentioned Spike Lee on here.

    Just as much as people blasts Tyler Perry about his so-called " coonery" of his films, looking at the same thing about race and/or politics is just as a pain in the butt as he. Too much of the same things aren't good for anybody.

  • CONSTANCE WOODS

    CONSTANCE WOODS (BUFFALO, NY)

    GET OVER YOURSELVES PEOPLE!!!! your doing to must! its ENTERTAINMENT "HELLO"
    WHICH WE AS BLACKS CAN BE ABOUT ALL THOSE THINGS IF WE DONT REALLY HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS. !!!!!!!

  • Truthbtold

    I personally don't really care for Tyler Perry's projects, but I certainly respect, admire, and commend him for his success and his efforts. He is talented and successful at what he does. He has honed his craft, and does a remarkable job of "working." He is putting people to work, and giving back to his community. May you continue to ignore the critics Tyler and have continued success. Be Blessed!

  • Jay

    It's his work, he runs the show and writes the scripts but it's not his fault that there's a lack of diversity in HIS films? Please explain that

  • guest

    i know plenty more huxtables than the browns.

  • jusaskin'

    What is under Tyler perry's dress when he plays madea…boxers, briefs, g-string….?

  • LaToya Tagan

    First off Tyler isn't a great actor so why does he get the role of Alex Cross? He's already rich so why couldn't he leave this role out there for another black actor? As much as I love James Patterson's fictional character Alex Cross I will not go view it in theaters.

    • huh

      The producers replaced Idris Elba with him because they said Tyler was more of a global brand…? REALLY? Idris is in the golden globe nominated "Luther", a British series about a troubled detective. Idris is Ghanian by heritage and British by Birth. How on EARTH is Tyler Perry more of a global celeb?

      The only thing I can think is that money talks, and after Idris spoke out about the fact that he would like to see the LEVEL of filmmaking in Black Cinema lifted, Tyler Perry soon became a Producer ($) on the Alex Cross film, and then was injected as the lead.

    • sasha

      i agree!!! i love the books and i wouldnt want anyone but morgan freeman playing dr. cross
      i will NOT go see it..#noshade to mr.Perry but i cant…

  • cam

    People really; get a life!!
    This man is doin his job and getting his hustle on very well I must say. You keep up the excellent work Tyler we love u!!
    It’s a shame we can’t be positive and encourage success!! I tell u some of us have such terrible ways!!!! #GODHAVMERCY

    • Blaxican

      "getting his hustle on…" I feel like that's exactly the point of all the Tyler Perry critics. You're definitely his demographic. Keep on elevatin us…!

  • vivian kemp

    when Woody Allen started out making films I did not see any cat fighting ,so sisters and brothers please let's do like wise.

    • bam

      how are woody allen and tyler perry connected at all?…..

  • freakofnature

    @Lisa ” Many of us already know what needs to be done in our communities. Many black folks are unemployed, family members incarcerated, have no money, etc,”. Ok so if “many of us” already know what needs to be done in our community, why are many of our people still unemployed, still have family members incarcerated and still have no money? If we already knew what needed to be done, we wouldn’t be dealing with these issues.

    • Mars

      uh no just because you know what needs to be done doesn't mean you do it. fat people know they need to lose weight by eating less and exercising but they don't do it because it's hard and take discipline.

  • Notsomuch

    I don't understand the family dynamic on Meet the Browns and I definitely don't know any families like it. Why are married doctor and head nurse living with Mr. Brown in a rooming house? I never saw the episode that explains it. I think the phased out the other renters so at least it doesn't seem strangely overcrowded in the house anymore but something still seems strange.

  • Punky

    First off Tyler Perry didn't write For Colored Girls and he didn't do the play justice at all. And to be quite honest I know more Huxtables than Browns. Don't underestimate the African American community. My question is why can't he make it balanced? You can show the various aspects of the black community without making it become parody which is what he does. I think it's great he is keeping people working and creating jobs but also think about what you're projecting onto the community.

    • Lue Blacknell

      Amen! I concur-I do not understand all the backlash w/Tyler Perry movies & shows. I detect a lot of jealousy-especially from toure' -but I see him sometimes on shows on msnbc -but never in a capacity as a host-always a "guest" & only for a "hot minute". Just maybe if he had something to offer-Tyler Perry would give him more than a "guest" casting. Those that do not like Tyler Perry's movies & shows-DO NOT go see them. For everyone that hate Tyler Perry & his movies-there are 20 more that love what he is doing.

  • Ill Will

    I’m not a big fan of Tyler Perry. I can appreciate the imagery given but as a male, I’m tired of the perspective that caters to the female experience and would like to a better balancing act for the black male experience. I think he is a great businessman and very fortunate to have gained success however, I feel depreciated as a black man whenever I watch his work.

    I’m just sayin.

    • guest

      my man you are right. thats exactly what i say when i get in a tyler perry arguement. just show me an image of a strong black man not a bufoon or a man that beats on and disrepects women.

      • JeromeD

        Daddy's Little Girls.

  • http://blackradioblog.com Lisa

    In my opinion the more diverse voices in black cinema which speaks to our community the better. It just infuriates me that uppity negroes who always shout the loudest and participates in forums criticizing others do the least for the community. People want to be entertained and don't always want to be preached to. Many of us already know what needs to be done in our communities. Many black folks are unemployed, family members incarcerated, have no money, etc, etc. Most of us just want to laugh and forget our troubles for at least for a minute. Tyler Perry gives us that one moment of freedom from our crazy lives.

    • Curtis

      Many black folks are unemployed, family members incarcerated, have no money but yet still all you want to do is "laugh and forget our troubles"? Last time I checked, unemployment, incarceration and having no money is not a laughing matter. It's this attitude of brushing these issues to the side and just wanting to be entertained that has the black community unemployed, incarcerated and with no money. Keep it up!

      • http://Blackhistorychannel.com Ras-El

        Yes you must remember that most media is propaganda… And Must be used to manufacture a consensus that you and your people can overcome adversity (tragedy to triumph stories) because the powers that be have been using this medium to kill the spirit of black folks since the inception of films

      • http://www.dreamandhustle.com DreamandHustle

        Curtis you are my hero!!!!!!

        Lisa is atypical of many African-Americans who want to use entertainment to run away from problems and challenges we face in the African-American community that are extremely grave in nature. These same people think we can somehow sustain an ongoing assault of unemployment, incarceration and poverty and somehow, we will make it out okay if we pray, say we are "blessed and highly favored" and laugh at Tyler Perry movies.

        I will no longer date a woman that likes Tyler Perry and if that means I have to start dating non-Black women as a result, then so be it.

      • http://blackradioblog.com Lisa

        I don't want to hear this garbage about some of us are brushing off the issues which affect our communities. The majority of black folks don't want to do what is necessary to fix the problems. First, lets make sure our kids get a quality education. Make sure they do their homework and not listen to hip hop and BET all day believing they can drop out of school to become rappers or celebrities. Stop spending money on things which have no value like cars, clothes, jewelry etc and save your damn money. Think global and learn new languages and forge new relationships with people from all over the world and not just white folks. Lastly, become an entrepreneur. Starting your own business is the only way black americans are going to be able to be successful and not have to ask white folks for anything.

        • Curtis

          I'm really confused as to what your point is. You say you don't want to hear "garbage about about some of us are brushing off the issues", but then you say the majority of black folks don't want to do what is necessary to fix the problems, which is pretty much the same things as brushing off the issues. So basically what I'm getting is you realize what needs to be done, you understand that it's not being done but you don't want to deal with it. Correct me if I'm wrong.

          • http://blackradioblog.com Lisa

            My point was we as African Americans go through so much struggle in our every day lives, we just need a time where we can relax and enjoy ourselves for a minute. Tyler Perry gives us that moment. It does not mean that we are dismissing what is going on.

            • Curtis

              Ok but as you just stated we as blacks don't want to do what is necessary to fix the problems, meaning we're doing nothing at all. So what exactly do we need a break from?

            • Curtis

              I get that you feel you need some time to escape the day to day problems that we as black people face and that's understandable but you've also made the point that we're not doing anything to resolve these issues in the first place. So basically what your doing is masking the problem. Trying to escape from the issues aren't going to make them go away, which really should be the our ultimate goal. If like you said, we're not doing anything to make a change, what do we need to relax for? Clearly we've been relaxing too much.

    • http://blackradioblog.com Lisa

      Hollywood is in the business of making money. I am a big Spike Lee fan. I support every movie he has ever done. However, his movies does not do well at the box office. Majority of the films many black filmmakers present to Hollywood, they feel won't make money. There are many quality black films which have been made, but they went straight to DVD. As intelligent and cultured as we black people think we are, the majority of black folks don't go see the films we want to see ourselves make. People have changed. This is an era where reality television is more successful than a scripted show. Garbage sells and Hollywood knows it. I am also tired of seeing black romantic comedies. They are so played out. I may be criticized but I would like to a New Jack City type of hood film. I haven't seen one made in a long time. I mean one that is very well made with top black actors. There is nothing wrong with those type of films. I want to be entertained period. I don't need to watch a public service announcement type of film. I know who I am a black woman. I don't always have the need to feel like I have to always look good for white folks. It does not matter if we are doctors, lawyers, Presidents, etc. White folks will always look at us as inferior. I just want to live life period.

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