1) Lovers say: “He sells tickets like no other!”
There are few filmmakers more bankable than Tyler Perry. When he drops his name on anything, black women flock to the theaters like five year olds chasing the ice cream truck. His name has turned to gold and the man can fill up a box office quick. Love him or hate him, you must give him credit for raking in the dough.
1) Haters say: “A black man in a dress, really?”
The last thing strong black men need to see is another black man volunteering to publicly emasculate himself. I hope Tyler Perry hates that dress as much as I do. I strongly suspect he does.
2) Lovers say: “He owns his own stuff”
Part of the reason black people have no opportunities in Hollywood is because most of those opportunities are owned and controlled by the descendants of our historical oppressors. If we were to own more stuff, we’d get more opportunities. Tyler Perry has been a one-man miracle worker when it comes to resurrecting the careers of those actors and actresses you never thought you’d see again. He is creating jobs for thousands.
2) Haters say: “Minstrel show anyone?”
Yes, many of the Tyler Perry characters represent southern buffoonery at its best. The ignorance, shucking and jiving that we see from characters like Mr. Brown makes some of us want to throw up. If I see Mr. Brown in public, I will surely chase him down and whip his A$$.
3) Lovers say: “He helps black women get their voices heard”
Black women love Tyler Perry in part because he does a very good job of telling their stories. The voices of black women are muted in Hollywood and many of our best black actresses, such as Alfre Woodard and Angela Bassett, don’t get the respect they deserve. Tyler provides these actresses with platforms worthy of the queens that they are.
3) Haters say: “Is there more you need to tell us?”
I’m not sure if Tyler Perry is gay, but Boondocks creator Aaron McGruder seems to think that he is. Additionally, many people wonder how any straight man can be so in-tune with what women want to see and hear on the big screen. If Tyler is gay, I am hopeful that the world allows him to simply step out and share his sexuality instead of forcing him to hide it. Part of me wonders if his admission of sexual abuse to Oprah in the midst of the Eddie Long sex scandal is coincidental or a bridge toward sharing more information. If Perry is part of the “Down Low Nation” we’ve created in black America, I’d certainly hate to hear it.
4) Lovers say: “His films are hilarious, inspirational and insightful (at times)”
Yes, some of the jokes in Tyler’s movies are politically incorrect, but I often find myself laughing at them. If you’re never entertained by Tyler, then you’re either lying, in denial or have never seen any of his films. In addition to many stereotypical characters, Perry provides a wide range of role models which go beyond the standard menu of rappers, hoochie mamas and thugs we see in other films. This can be refreshing.
4) Haters say: “Simple-minded plots and story lines”
Sometimes, watching a Tyler Perry movie makes me think I’m in the third grade. I’ve rarely seen situations where the men are so evil to their wives, and that revenge is so sweet and perfect. Tyler’s films aren’t exactly complex, since most of us know that in the end, the woman is going to lose 50 pounds, her horrible husband is going to have a terrible accident, she is going to start dating a male super model and her hubby will beg for her forgiveness in front of everyone. Tyler Perry movies aren’t exactly complicated.
5) Lovers say: “Oprah loves him”
Oprah’s love for Tyler Perry gives the rest of us a license to love him as well. In fact, she serves as the fuel for his success. If Oprah thinks you’re amazing, then you’re pretty much set for life. The fact that Tyler has committed himself to empowering black women is one reason Oprah would be sure to love him.
5) Haters say: “Racist hollywood loves him”
Perry has been strongly supported by racist Hollywood because he is the black man willing to wear a dress to make people laugh. Had he only presented intelligent, progressive films on serious issues, he likely would not have been embraced as readily as he has been. The ironic thing about Hollywood embracing Tyler Perry buffoonery is that by playing the role he wants them to play, he is liberating other black filmmakers to be a bit more independent. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? I’ll let you be the judge.
