Reel said:

chocolate1 said:

I've just read the thread from the point where I left off yesterday...

• Those concerned about "coonery" should see "The Family that Prays". If the title threw you, it is not what you think- no overly religious rhetoric. Most Importantly, THERE IS NO MADEA! (I've been over Madea for a long time!) Sanaa Lathan's character was such a bitch, it was wonderful!
• I used to HATE all things Tyler Perry- when I was engaged a while back, my "future in-laws" used to have those damn bootlegs of TP's plays. Every time my EX- and I would go to his sister's house, I'd have to endure a grainy, poorly-shot VHS. I didn't think they were clever or interesting AT ALL. Then I saw one of the "real" movies, and couldn't understand what the big deal was... Madea just annoys me. But I personally do not know anyone who gets a deep spritiual message from his stuff- except for my friend, Y, but she was having some "other issues".
• I'm not sure I understand your point, Reel, about Black people and stereotypes. Just like with any other groups, we do not all feel one way about stereotypes, food, or anything else, so you cannot speak for all Blacks. Hell, I know people who pride themselves on being "stereotypical"- not just Black, but Latino, Italian... etc. Some people don't see it as stereotypical- they see it as cultural.
• I agree with Tony about Spike Lee. He needs to "do what he does" and not spend so much time criticizing others. Yes, his documentaries are relevant, but if he's not making movies anymore, then so be it... stop hatin' and go watch a basketball game.

Well, that's my ... (oh, and, what's with the bolded typing? To me it looks like shouting... just asking )

Then you should re-read it because I clearly stated that I could not speak for all blacks.

What. Ever.

The opening line, even with the disclaimer still came across as trying to speak for all of us.

And what does the part about some of us being aloof actually mean?

The thing though about black people....we are really really sensitive about stereotypes. (At least most of us because I can't speak for all of us - some of us are a little aloof.)

I changed my post to clarify my thoughts... I realized my post was probably LONGER than yours, so I mispoke there.

[Edited 6/26/10 8:21am]

cborgman said:

johnart said:

Why do you detest him?

I only started checking out his movies in recent months and like the 4 movies I've seen of his. (Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Medea's Family Reunion, Medea Goes to Jail and I Can do Bad All by Myself).

I don't know what his personal stances are.

I don't watch the Boondocks.

I have no idea what this episode is supposed to be revealing about him.

[Edited 6/25/10 21:55pm]

well, personally, and it is only my opinion, i think that his movies are poorly written and directed pandering bits of fluff that try to pass themselves off as something deep, and i agree with spike lee that there is a whole lot of cooning and buffoonery in his stuff.

as far as his personal life, i dont particularly care, but i do find it fascinating that he is a gay man who is pandering to christians and somehow successfully selling them a lame drag character by just talking a whole lot about jesus and god. but, that doesnt bother me half as much as how poorly written and directed his stuff is. that is the cardinal sin of him for me.

there is part of me that appreciates that he is out to make money, and will do anything to get it, but there is part of me that thinks it's uncle tomming to pretend to be straight to make his fortune off christian fundamnetalists, and manipulating an audience by feeding them mass quantities of cinematic high fructose corn syrup with a made by jesus label.

there are a wealth of far superior black writers and directors with strong and interesting voices and stories who are ignored while he is raking it in hand over fist by pandering.

just my opinion though.

Hey borgy. In regards to your last point: why can't they coexist? I'm sure you didn't mean it that way, but implicit in your words is the idea that there are only a few spots for black writers and directors, and that Perry is taking up one and should get out of the way.

I'm not picking on you, I'm just that white chick who asks white friends to examine their pre-programmed notions on race - because we are all pre-programmed.

johnart said:

kewlschool said:

I 'm with cborgman on this topic. His productions are boring-not that that he doesn't have moments. Mr. Perry's work feel contrived and bland.

He may be no August Wilson, but could he at least be a Charles Schulz?

But my question is, this: for all the critisism...are they supposed to be intellectually challenging films/plays??? Or do people go to see them for some laughs (OK and maybe some Jesus praisin :lo:)?

That's a serious question. I've just taken the ones I've seen for what they are. Middle of the road, entertainment.

If people are looking to his work for life changing filmmaking, then that's kinda on them. No?

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

chocolate1 said:

Reel said:

What. Ever.

The opening line, even with the disclaimer still came across as trying to speak for all of us.

And what does the part about some of us being aloof actually mean?

The thing though about black people....we are really really sensitive about stereotypes. (At least most of us because I can't speak for all of us - some of us are a little aloof.)

I changed my post to clarify my thoughts... I realized my post was probably LONGER than yours, so I mispoke there.

[Edited 6/26/10 8:21am]

Girl, stop wasting my time. I aint defending nothing that I already admitted to.

Reel said:

chocolate1 said:

Girl, stop wasting my time. I aint defending nothing that I already admitted to.

Uh, it's not that serious...

If I don't agree with you, or your point doesn't make sense to me, then that's the way it is...

But either refer to me as "chocolate1" or my actual name- which I do not expect from you- but not "Girl", thank you. We're not cool like that.

TonyVanDam said:

Reel said:

Serious question: How was Spike supposed to "pass the torch"? Tyler's work was primarily in the theater then moved to film. Spike was always in film and to my knowledge his work was never in the theater. At what time was Spike supposed to do this, once Tyler's stage plays were written into screen plays? No offense, I'm just asking.

Tyler is still making hit films. What was Spike's last hit film that fans actually gave a damn about?

"The Inside Man"

chocolate1 said:

I've just read the thread from the point where I left off yesterday...

• Those concerned about "coonery" should see "The Family that Prays". If the title threw you, it is not what you think- no overly religious rhetoric. Most Importantly, THERE IS NO MADEA! (I've been over Madea for a long time!) Sanaa Lathan's character was such a bitch, it was wonderful!
• I used to HATE all things Tyler Perry- when I was engaged a while back, my "future in-laws" used to have those damn bootlegs of TP's plays. Every time my EX- and I would go to his sister's house, I'd have to endure a grainy, poorly-shot VHS. I didn't think they were clever or interesting AT ALL. Then I saw one of the "real" movies, and couldn't understand what the big deal was... Madea just annoys me. But I personally do not know anyone who gets a deep spritiual message from his stuff- except for my friend, Y, but she was having some "other issues".
• I'm not sure I understand your point, Reel, about Black people and stereotypes. Just like with any other groups, we do not all feel one way about stereotypes, food, or anything else, so you cannot speak for all Blacks. Hell, I know people who pride themselves on being "stereotypical"- not just Black, but Latino, Italian... etc. Some people don't see it as stereotypical- they see it as cultural.
• I agree with Tony about Spike Lee. He needs to "do what he does" and not spend so much time criticizing others. Yes, his documentaries are relevant, but if he's not making movies anymore, then so be it... stop hatin' and go watch a basketball game.

Well, that's my ... (oh, and, what's with the bolded typing? To me it looks like shouting... just asking )

Agreed on pretty much everything stated here. I also liked The Family that Preys and was at least glad to see a female written as the villain vs. the usual male stepping in for that.

Ottensen said:

chocolate1 said:

I've just read the thread from the point where I left off yesterday...

• Those concerned about "coonery" should see "The Family that Prays". If the title threw you, it is not what you think- no overly religious rhetoric. Most Importantly, THERE IS NO MADEA! (I've been over Madea for a long time!) Sanaa Lathan's character was such a bitch, it was wonderful!
• I used to HATE all things Tyler Perry- when I was engaged a while back, my "future in-laws" used to have those damn bootlegs of TP's plays. Every time my EX- and I would go to his sister's house, I'd have to endure a grainy, poorly-shot VHS. I didn't think they were clever or interesting AT ALL. Then I saw one of the "real" movies, and couldn't understand what the big deal was... Madea just annoys me. But I personally do not know anyone who gets a deep spritiual message from his stuff- except for my friend, Y, but she was having some "other issues".
• I'm not sure I understand your point, Reel, about Black people and stereotypes. Just like with any other groups, we do not all feel one way about stereotypes, food, or anything else, so you cannot speak for all Blacks. Hell, I know people who pride themselves on being "stereotypical"- not just Black, but Latino, Italian... etc. Some people don't see it as stereotypical- they see it as cultural.
• I agree with Tony about Spike Lee. He needs to "do what he does" and not spend so much time criticizing others. Yes, his documentaries are relevant, but if he's not making movies anymore, then so be it... stop hatin' and go watch a basketball game.

Well, that's my ... (oh, and, what's with the bolded typing? To me it looks like shouting... just asking )

Agreed on pretty much everything stated here. I also liked The Family that Preys and was at least glad to see a female written as the villain vs. the usual male stepping in for that.

(I changed it to "Preys"- thanks! )

cborgman said:

TheVoid said:

I know almost nothing about this person.

However, is he gay? Has he actually admitted to that?

he kind of tap dancey avoids the question.

[Tyler Perry] acknowledges first, that climbing into a dress and wig and packing his face full of Maybelline could very well lead people to question for which side he's hitting. "It used to bother me a whole lot in the beginning, it really, really did," says Perry. "But what it's done is give me firm seating in my manhood. And if some people can't separate the character from the man that I am, then that's their issue, not mine."

or his manhood in some firm seating!

i do find it fascinating that he is a gay man who is pandering to christians and somehow successfully selling them a lame drag character by just talking a whole lot about jesus and god.

yet it's okay when Bugs Bunny does it and children watch it.....

let Tyler be Tyler and fill his niche. I enjoy his movies. I don't need everything to be the same and be deep and all. When I'm ready fr Spike, then I'll watch Spike. When I'm ready for Singleton I'll watch Singleton. If all Black movie writers were the same what would be the point?

PunkMistress said:

johnart said:

But my question is, this: for all the critisism...are they supposed to be intellectually challenging films/plays??? Or do people go to see them for some laughs (OK and maybe some Jesus praisin :lo:)?

That's a serious question. I've just taken the ones I've seen for what they are. Middle of the road, entertainment.

If people are looking to his work for life changing filmmaking, then that's kinda on them. No?

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

Heey, Mama! Where ya been?

I actually see you as a Madea type granny when you get older, who takes no stuff off of young people. I do believe one of my favorite posts from you was on your random quotes thread when you told your baby girl to do her homework...or you would punch her in the face

The interesting thing about the drag character is that Tyler always stated in the beginning of his career that Madea was supposed to be the matriarch archtype that used to be present in families and neighborhoods a few generations ago, but is no longer present since the collapse of the family structure. Many of the marriages and 2 parent families out there are fighting desperately to stay together if they manage to stay together at all, let alone have extended families (like grannies, grandpas,& aunts & uncles in the mix), the character was intended to be a throwback to the timof grandmothers and great grandmothers having a role in our lives; usually these women (from Perry's experience) were known to be a complicated mixture of stern and loving, sour and sweet, funny,but didn't take any crap off of anyone, and especially not in their own family. He's always been very open that Madea is actually a composite character of his mother, some aunties, and other neighborhood matriarchs from his days as a boy in Louisiana. Although Madea has taken on a life and character of her own (too big for itself and missing the original, intended mark that inspired it, IMO) I still feel like I get what he's trying to say with Madea (at least from the earlier portion from his career).

I had a southern grandmother myself who was almost stereotypically complicated and contradictory as this character; she was a bible toting-holy roller who cursed like a sailor, was the church choir director, made her own buttermilk biscuits, killed her own chickens, loved to drink vodka & grapefruit juice and was very handy with a Colt 45 gun. It was required to always address people as m'am or sir in her presence or you would get it big time...sassing off at the mouth, please, that would have resulted in you getting your butt kicked. I recognize alot of what Madea was intended to be in my own life experience with my granny. She loved us, spoiled us, but was not afraid to beat.that.ass... and had no qualms letting her 11 adult children, their grandchildren, and her husband know it

Ottensen said:

PunkMistress said:

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

Heey, Mama! Where ya been?

I actually see you as a Madea type granny when you get older, who takes no stuff off of young people. I do believe one of my favorite posts from you was on your random quotes thread when you told your baby girl to do her homework...or you would punch her in the face

The interesting thing about the drag character is that Tyler always stated in the beginning of his career that Madea was supposed to be the matriarch archtype that used to be present in families and neighborhoods a few generations ago, but is no longer present since the collapse of the family structure. Many of the marriages and 2 parent families out there are fighting desperately to stay together if they manage to stay together at all, let alone have extended families (like grannies, grandpas,& aunts & uncles in the mix), the character was intended to be a throwback to the timof grandmothers and great grandmothers having a role in our lives; usually these women (from Perry's experience) were known to be a complicated mixture of stern and loving, sour and sweet, funny,but didn't take any crap off of anyone, and especially not in their own family. He's always been very open that Madea is actually a composite character of his mother, some aunties, and other neighborhood matriarchs from his days as a boy in Louisiana. Although Madea has taken on a life and character of her own (too big for itself and missing the original, intended mark that inspired it, IMO) I still feel like I get what he's trying to say with Madea (at least from the earlier portion from his career).

I had a southern grandmother myself who was almost stereotypically complicated and contradictory as this character; she was a bible toting-holy roller who cursed like a sailor, was the church choir director, made her own buttermilk biscuits, killed her own chickens, loved to drink vodka & grapefruit juice and was very handy with a Colt 45 gun. It was required to always address people as m'am or sir in her presence or you would get it big time...sassing off at the mouth, please, that would have resulted in you getting your butt kicked. I recognize alot of what Madea was intended to be in my own life experience with my granny. She loved us, spoiled us, but was not afraid to beat.that.ass... and had no qualms letting her 11 adult children, their grandchildren, and her husband know it

See, I love you for this.

I knew Grandmas like Madea, though not as exaggerated - but she's a character, after all.

My daughters' great-grandmother on their father's side was six feet tall, half black and half Indian from Louisiana, could cook her behind off and took in every single strung-out or down-on-their-luck family member who needed her to. She also would not hesitate to call you a crazy motherfucker. One of her sons changed his name to Oshanga and refused to eat anything but fruits, vegetables and herbs. She would always call him "Chimichanga" or "Oshawalla or whateva the damn hell he call hisself!" We don't have any contact with that side of the family anymore, but I remember her fondly.

PunkMistress said:

Ottensen said:

Heey, Mama! Where ya been?

I actually see you as a Madea type granny when you get older, who takes no stuff off of young people. I do believe one of my favorite posts from you was on your random quotes thread when you told your baby girl to do her homework...or you would punch her in the face

The interesting thing about the drag character is that Tyler always stated in the beginning of his career that Madea was supposed to be the matriarch archtype that used to be present in families and neighborhoods a few generations ago, but is no longer present since the collapse of the family structure. Many of the marriages and 2 parent families out there are fighting desperately to stay together if they manage to stay together at all, let alone have extended families (like grannies, grandpas,& aunts & uncles in the mix), the character was intended to be a throwback to the timof grandmothers and great grandmothers having a role in our lives; usually these women (from Perry's experience) were known to be a complicated mixture of stern and loving, sour and sweet, funny,but didn't take any crap off of anyone, and especially not in their own family. He's always been very open that Madea is actually a composite character of his mother, some aunties, and other neighborhood matriarchs from his days as a boy in Louisiana. Although Madea has taken on a life and character of her own (too big for itself and missing the original, intended mark that inspired it, IMO) I still feel like I get what he's trying to say with Madea (at least from the earlier portion from his career).

I had a southern grandmother myself who was almost stereotypically complicated and contradictory as this character; she was a bible toting-holy roller who cursed like a sailor, was the church choir director, made her own buttermilk biscuits, killed her own chickens, loved to drink vodka & grapefruit juice and was very handy with a Colt 45 gun. It was required to always address people as m'am or sir in her presence or you would get it big time...sassing off at the mouth, please, that would have resulted in you getting your butt kicked. I recognize alot of what Madea was intended to be in my own life experience with my granny. She loved us, spoiled us, but was not afraid to beat.that.ass... and had no qualms letting her 11 adult children, their grandchildren, and her husband know it

See, I love you for this.

I knew Grandmas like Madea, though not as exaggerated - but she's a character, after all.

My daughters' great-grandmother on their father's side was six feet tall, half black and half Indian from Louisiana, could cook her behind off and took in every single strung-out or down-on-their-luck family member who needed her to. She also would not hesitate to call you a crazy motherfucker. One of her sons changed his name to Oshanga and refused to eat anything but fruits, vegetables and herbs. She would always call him "Chimichanga" or "Oshawalla or whateva the damn hell he call hisself!" We don't have any contact with that side of the family anymore, but I remember her fondly.

LOL @ that.

Ottensen said:

PunkMistress said:

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

Heey, Mama! Where ya been?

I actually see you as a Madea type granny when you get older, who takes no stuff off of young people. I do believe one of my favorite posts from you was on your random quotes thread when you told your baby girl to do her homework...or you would punch her in the face

The interesting thing about the drag character is that Tyler always stated in the beginning of his career that Madea was supposed to be the matriarch archtype that used to be present in families and neighborhoods a few generations ago, but is no longer present since the collapse of the family structure. Many of the marriages and 2 parent families out there are fighting desperately to stay together if they manage to stay together at all, let alone have extended families (like grannies, grandpas,& aunts & uncles in the mix), the character was intended to be a throwback to the timof grandmothers and great grandmothers having a role in our lives; usually these women (from Perry's experience) were known to be a complicated mixture of stern and loving, sour and sweet, funny,but didn't take any crap off of anyone, and especially not in their own family. He's always been very open that Madea is actually a composite character of his mother, some aunties, and other neighborhood matriarchs from his days as a boy in Louisiana. Although Madea has taken on a life and character of her own (too big for itself and missing the original, intended mark that inspired it, IMO) I still feel like I get what he's trying to say with Madea (at least from the earlier portion from his career).

I had a southern grandmother myself who was almost stereotypically complicated and contradictory as this character; she was a bible toting-holy roller who cursed like a sailor, was the church choir director, made her own buttermilk biscuits, killed her own chickens, loved to drink vodka & grapefruit juice and was very handy with a Colt 45 gun. It was required to always address people as m'am or sir in her presence or you would get it big time...sassing off at the mouth, please, that would have resulted in you getting your butt kicked. I recognize alot of what Madea was intended to be in my own life experience with my granny. She loved us, spoiled us, but was not afraid to beat.that.ass... and had no qualms letting her 11 adult children, their grandchildren, and her husband know it

I have heard Tylers extensive explanation for the Madea character, and I ate it up at the time. But the character is wallowing only in the knuckle busting and craziness and spending very little time doing what he created her to do. Tyler is showing very little of the complete attributes that the character is supposed to be ressurected for in the first place.

And damn, can't he find a crazy looking woman to play that part already? I'm just saying.

[Edited 6/26/10 13:16pm]

BklynBabe said:

let Tyler be Tyler and fill his niche. I enjoy his movies. I don't need everything to be the same and be deep and all. When I'm ready fr Spike, then I'll watch Spike. When I'm ready for Singleton I'll watch Singleton. If all Black movie writers were the same what would be the point?

And. There. It. Is.

Fish Sticks

PositivityNYC said:

johnart said:

Because it totally is.

Then I was FORCED to sit separately from the only other person who didn't wanna watch the movie so we had to text and giggle the whole time.

Texts like:

(as Nemoy comes on screen) 300 Geeks just jizzed they pants.

WTF did Nemoy just say? He needs new dentures.

OOH Jada looks FAAAAABulous!

HA! I didn't even see this before I replied

::PINCH:: ::PINCH:: ::PINCH::

U wussn't apposed to be in this thread.

<---BUSTED

That episode had me in tears!!

chocolate1 said:

I've just read the thread from the point where I left off yesterday...

• Those concerned about "coonery" should see "The Family that Preys".

"Preys" is next on our Netflix.

PunkMistress said:

johnart said:

But my question is, this: for all the critisism...are they supposed to be intellectually challenging films/plays??? Or do people go to see them for some laughs (OK and maybe some Jesus praisin :lo:)?

That's a serious question. I've just taken the ones I've seen for what they are. Middle of the road, entertainment.

If people are looking to his work for life changing filmmaking, then that's kinda on them. No?

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

Me too.

Here's my take/question:

How is Medea different from other characters a lot of folk love? For example:

...or Brenda in the Scary Movie flix or a lot of the "white trash" characters on My Name is Earl?

All of which I enjoy immensely.

johnart said:

PunkMistress said:

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

Me too.

Here's my take/question:

How is Medea different from other characters a lot of folk love? For example:

...or Brenda in the Scary Movie flix or a lot of the "white trash" characters on My Name is Earl?

All of which I enjoy immensely.

Ha @ you went there to Living Color, and to that particular skit. Well for me Keenan Ivory Waynes was different because In Living Color was a variety show that was interracial, and transcended race. Jim Carey got his start out on that show playing Fire Marshall Bill. Also, Keenan Ivory Waynes did not saturate the airways with skits like the one you posted, or Jamie Fox's female character. He had funny skits that were akin to Saturday Night Live that were pure comedy where there was no real "shucking and jiving". There was good diverse dancing on that show. I guess diversity was the key with that show, and why I had no problem with it. I didn't think it "consistantly" promoted any stereotypes.

He also had some funny but socially conscious movies out there also.

Check out the movie "Hollywood Shuffle" where Robert Townsends character has to make a decision and has internal conflict about whether he wants to pursue a guaranteed career in Hollywood playing a stereotypical blaxploitation character, or if should he just take PRIDE in himself and just work at the Post Office. In that movie, he chose the post office.

johnart said:

PunkMistress said:

This is kind of how I see it.

I unabashedly love the Madea plays. They make me roll with laughter. When she pulls out a gun or starts burning that mouthy girl with her cigarette, it's funny. That's all.

Me too.

Here's my take/question:

How is Medea different from other characters a lot of folk love? For example:

...or Brenda in the Scary Movie flix or a lot of the "white trash" characters on My Name is Earl?

All of which I enjoy immensely.

He kills me with those little hats too.

Reel said:

johnart said:

Me too.

Here's my take/question:

How is Medea different from other characters a lot of folk love? For example:

...or Brenda in the Scary Movie flix or a lot of the "white trash" characters on My Name is Earl?

All of which I enjoy immensely.

Ha @ you went there to Living Color, and to that particular skit. Well for me Keenan Ivory Waynes was different because In Living Color was a variety show that was interracial, and transcended race. Jim Carey got his start out on that show playing Fire Marshall Bill. Also, Keenan Ivory Waynes did not saturate the airways with skits like the one you posted, or Jamie Fox's female character. He had funny skits that were akin to Saturday Night Live that were pure comedy where there was no real "shucking and jiving". There was good diverse dancing on that show. I guess diversity was the key with that show, and why I had no problem with it. I didn't think it "consistantly" promoted any stereotypes.

He also had some funny but socially conscious movies out there also.

Check out the movie "Hollywood Shuffle" where Robert Townsends character has to make a decision and has internal conflict about whether he wants to pursue a guaranteed career in Hollywood playing a stereotypical blaxploitation character, or if should he just take PRIDE in himself and just work at the Post Office. In that movie, he chose the post office.

I don't even know what particular skit that was. I just picked one cause I am not talking about In Living Color as a show overall. I am talking about specific characters. In Living Color might have been a diverse show, but Men on Film perpetuated one specific stereotype consistently and constantly.It was about one specific thing and only that thing.

Again, I enjoy all the examples I used. I just don't see why Medea might be offensive but something like Men on Film might not. If Tyler Perry is minstrel, then Men on Film a comparable portrayal of gays (even if those men exsist, and they do). Yet I seldom see folk take issue with it.

[Edited 6/26/10 18:21pm]

PunkMistress said:

Ottensen said:

Heey, Mama! Where ya been?

I actually see you as a Madea type granny when you get older, who takes no stuff off of young people. I do believe one of my favorite posts from you was on your random quotes thread when you told your baby girl to do her homework...or you would punch her in the face

The interesting thing about the drag character is that Tyler always stated in the beginning of his career that Madea was supposed to be the matriarch archtype that used to be present in families and neighborhoods a few generations ago, but is no longer present since the collapse of the family structure. Many of the marriages and 2 parent families out there are fighting desperately to stay together if they manage to stay together at all, let alone have extended families (like grannies, grandpas,& aunts & uncles in the mix), the character was intended to be a throwback to the timof grandmothers and great grandmothers having a role in our lives; usually these women (from Perry's experience) were known to be a complicated mixture of stern and loving, sour and sweet, funny,but didn't take any crap off of anyone, and especially not in their own family. He's always been very open that Madea is actually a composite character of his mother, some aunties, and other neighborhood matriarchs from his days as a boy in Louisiana. Although Madea has taken on a life and character of her own (too big for itself and missing the original, intended mark that inspired it, IMO) I still feel like I get what he's trying to say with Madea (at least from the earlier portion from his career).

I had a southern grandmother myself who was almost stereotypically complicated and contradictory as this character; she was a bible toting-holy roller who cursed like a sailor, was the church choir director, made her own buttermilk biscuits, killed her own chickens, loved to drink vodka & grapefruit juice and was very handy with a Colt 45 gun. It was required to always address people as m'am or sir in her presence or you would get it big time...sassing off at the mouth, please, that would have resulted in you getting your butt kicked. I recognize alot of what Madea was intended to be in my own life experience with my granny. She loved us, spoiled us, but was not afraid to beat.that.ass... and had no qualms letting her 11 adult children, their grandchildren, and her husband know it

See, I love you for this.

I knew Grandmas like Madea, though not as exaggerated - but she's a character, after all.

My daughters' great-grandmother on their father's side was six feet tall, half black and half Indian from Louisiana, could cook her behind off and took in every single strung-out or down-on-their-luck family member who needed her to. She also would not hesitate to call you a crazy motherfucker. One of her sons changed his name to Oshanga and refused to eat anything but fruits, vegetables and herbs. She would always call him "Chimichanga" or "Oshawalla or whateva the damn hell he call hisself!" We don't have any contact with that side of the family anymore, but I remember her fondly.

I also wanted to say that, to me anyway, Medea goes beyond color. I actually see my own lilly white mom in her at times. I cannot tell you the crazy (Medea-ish) shit that Rican-at-heart woman put me through in my childhood. From fightin her cheatin common-law husband's other women in the damn front lawn (I'm talkin rollin round on the grass and shit while me and the neighborhood kids were like ) to goin to a neighbor's house who called me a fatty or some shit and callin her out to kick her ass for it.

When I see the Medea character, I take her as loving, protective and don'tgiveafuck-ish. And I can't help but to endear myself to that kind of woman.

Reel said:

Reel said:

I mean it's not like Spike is going to "harrass" people, he's just going to let them know the real deal. He'll like say it once, and then he'll leave it alone.

yeah, Spike's a great guy. just ask Wim Wenders!

johnart said:

chocolate1 said:

I've just read the thread from the point where I left off yesterday...

• Those concerned about "coonery" should see "The Family that Preys".

"Preys" is next on our Netflix.

I really liked that one. I've watched it a few times on cable.

johnart said:

PunkMistress said:

See, I love you for this.

I knew Grandmas like Madea, though not as exaggerated - but she's a character, after all.

My daughters' great-grandmother on their father's side was six feet tall, half black and half Indian from Louisiana, could cook her behind off and took in every single strung-out or down-on-their-luck family member who needed her to. She also would not hesitate to call you a crazy motherfucker. One of her sons changed his name to Oshanga and refused to eat anything but fruits, vegetables and herbs. She would always call him "Chimichanga" or "Oshawalla or whateva the damn hell he call hisself!" We don't have any contact with that side of the family anymore, but I remember her fondly.

I also wanted to say that, to me anyway, Medea goes beyond color. I actually see my own lilly white mom in her at times. I cannot tell you the crazy (Medea-ish) shit that Rican-at-heart woman put me through in my childhood. From fightin her cheatin common-law husband's other women in the damn front lawn (I'm talkin rollin round on the grass and shit while me and the neighborhood kids were like ) to goin to a neighbor's house who called me a fatty or some shit and callin her out to kick her ass for it.

When I see the Medea character, I take her as loving, protective and don'tgiveafuck-ish. And I can't help but to endear myself to that kind of woman.

I feel ya, my grandma had a few madea-like characteristics too....oh, the stories!

Tyler gave his description of the character and I was satisfied with it.

While I loved the comic strip and Seasons 1 and 2 of The Boondocks, Season 3 has pretty much left me with the look after each episode, so far.

To me, it seems that since this is supposed to be the final season for the show, Aaron is using it as an opportunity to get out some pent up animosity and he's taking no prisoners.

As for the TP espisode, I didn't like it. I didn't like it at all. Not for the fact that I do happen to enjoy Tyler's Plays and movies. I didn't like it because of the fact that I've met several of the beautiful, inside and out, Black Men that have appeared in Tyler's Plays, outside of that realm and I personally think Aaron needs his stanking ass kicked for casting the shadow of whatever he feels or thinks about Tyler Perry onto them.

What he did was fucked up, it wasn't funny!

And Jesus said "Sexy men."

I agree that Aaron M. is taking out sacred cows -- but "The Boondocks" has always been about that. I hope episodes like the Tyler Perry one get people thinking about their entertainment choices.

No, I don't think all entertainment with black folks needs to be deep and wonderful, but I'd love for the deep and wonderful movies to get the same recognition and distribution that the stereotypical dreck gets.

The closest we've come in recent years has been deep and dysfunctional (a la "Precious"). It seems a black blockbuster these days either needs TP in drag or black folks treating each other animalistically.

I'd love a black love story ... that didn't have Queen Latifah in it... It's time for Erykah to get back on the silver screen. She tore up Cider House Rules...