After reading various accounts of the alleged feuding between Tyler Perry and Spike Lee, I see a troubling pattern emerging. Frankly, each of these two directors has a unique gift with regards to film making. Naturally, this has become canon fodder for mainstream commentators. Personally, I see Spike Lee’s movies as showing the more serious side of the black community while Tyler Perry’s movies are geared more toward comedic situations. Both these aspects are major parts of any cultural community.
Yet, and if I am wrong, then please correct me in this. It appears that images of black people playing dumbed down characters seems to draw a larger audience than black people playing more serious and intelligent roles. This is no way definitive of the entire situation though. Many people have commented that they are offended by Perry’s supposedly buffoonery movies while many others feel that Lee’s movies are supposedly elitist and uppity. People are entitled to make their comments.
I feel that this presents a serious challenge especially to many of us here who are determined to show something that many people-black and white-feel is total alien: dramatic science fiction based on the African Diaspora. Often, when I tell people that I am writing a science fiction novel, I get the typical “but-you’re black” look. And I will usually respond, “Really? Serious? Aw, go on!” Please, what are your thoughts on this? Peace.
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