All this hoopla in the news about Aaron McGruder’s Boondocks parody of Tyler Perry has caused gossip to spread like wildfire and burn up the blogs. Things have cooled down now, but lest they rear their ugly heads again, we want to know what you think: once and for all.
Even the Los Angeles Times published an article on the Boondocks parody, in which journalist Greg Braxton said:
The episode marks one of the sharpest public criticisms of Perry…
The Perry brand has also been blasted by some critics and entertainers such as Spike Lee, who say Perry’s projects perpetuate negative stereotypes, and present a narrow view of African American life.
Some who watched the Boondocks episode (see here if you haven’t) think it justified; others find it harsh with a tinge of “hating.”
Why are we obsessed with what Tyler Perry does? Because he makes millions of dollars on films that, clearly, some audiences enjoy? Or, because there are filmmakers/moviegoers out there who demand better? If there is a better way to do film than the way Perry does it, why use him as a punching bag to open that discussion?
Why are we intrigued by the idea of Tyler Perry’s sexuality? Because he plays an old woman named Madea on screen? Isn’t that called acting? What would be the implications if he were indeed gay?
In all the beauty shop debates about whom or what Tyler Perry is, let’s declare once and for all: are we with Tyler Perry or against him?
