Diary of a Mad Black Woman
Monday, March 2, 2009

Through no will of my own, I found myself watching Diary of a Mad Black Woman with some friends and associates. This was the first time, ever, I watched a Tyler Perry movie. I am not a cultural, film, or art snob. I hate any sense of exclusivity regarding culture, there's something for everyone - I believe. However, I do prefer, and enjoy foreign films compared to the putrid "entertainment" distributed by Hollywood: that rancid racist/sexist Industrial Media Complex.

In short, Diary is about a woman, Helen (Kimberly Elise), so devoted to her upper class lawyer husband, Charles (Steve Harris) through eighteen years of marriage, that when he abandons her for a light, nearly-white woman!, she apparently loses her sense of self. This situation makes her an angry black woman, and in case we didn't realize it she tells us!

However, Helen quickly finds a new love (insert eye roll here) named Orlando (Shemar Moore); a pretty light skinned iron welding, working-class brotha! He keeps dropping so much truth on her about herself! He's edjumucated with street knowledge. If only she could see how real Orlando is.

Unfortunately, Helen has to temporarily abandon this down-to-earth-working-class-keepin'-it-real-brotha when she is able to gain some measure of revenge on her wicked mean husband. The revenge scheme doesn't last longer than a hot minute, and Helen's able to find a new spirit of self through forgiveness. Or something like that.

Why, there's even a church scene near the end, where all will be well. Everyone gets to holler, I mean sing, about Jesus and will find redemption.

Apparently, Tyler Perry man is the only living and breathing black American to have his own movie studio. I thought Oprah has one too, but maybe I'm looking at the wrong definition of being able to produce entertainment for the small (TV), or big screen (movie distribution deals).

He has had incredible success with a character named Madea, which I suspect is something of an alter-ego for this man. Madea gets to be, along with Joe (played by Perry also), offensive, vulgar, obnoxious, pathological, morally and physically unattractive, which is the funny. The pistol packing, wild behavior, morals free, anti-social Madea, gets to do all and be all, and is so hilarious in doing so.

Being an older black woman supposedly makes Madea free to do as she pleases. Say what?

This character, the obnoxious black woman, started with Eddie Murphy. I know people want to point to Geraldine by Flip Wilson, but I can say that the character was fussy, classy, sexy, coy, attractive, and truly funny. Geraldine was about being desirable, and still doing what she liked without breaking a nail.

There's really no comparison to what was then, and what gets portrayed now.

I know people who love all the creative works by Tyler Perry; I can't find fault with them. It works for them. Not everyone is looking for highbrow, intelligent, serious or thought provoking film. I know I don't.

Yet, I draw the line at many of these tired, highly influential, and constantly negative portrayal of black women. It's a sore point for me: it robs me of my humanity. These images carry worldwide influence. Trust me, they do.

Until every other television program and movie shows black women as the attractive and desirable girl next door to rebut the uncouth, unsociable, harridan - I'm not contributing to these creator's bottom line.

Next time this film, or any other like it, comes up, I'll have other things to do.

Labels: angry black woman, black women, Hollywood, Kimberly Elise, Madea, media, Media Industrial Complex, Steve Harris, Tyler Perry

posted by GoldenAh
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The Great Debaters
Thursday, January 10, 2008


This movie was produced by Oprah Winfrey and directed by Denzel Washington.

It's about the true "real" life victories of Wiley College black debating team in Texas during 1935. This was during the height of the Great Depression. The team, led by Mel Tolson (Denzel Washington) goes about beating most of their black college adversaries.

The film's final debate showdown is between Wiley and Harvard.

I enjoyed the film. It was funny, entertaining, and avoided being maudlin.

I think for the audience the film was intended for, they would find it educational. The history of American black colleges isn't new to me. It is interesting that they showed the Wiley students being treated with respect by Harvard. I think it was a rather gentle view of the University.

The 1930's was the height of power for white supremist groups. During this period, the Klu Klux Klan was on Harvard's campus, revered like any other Greek fraternity. The Klan was started by politicians, lawyers, and the social elite of the south. It was respected in the north as well.

How do I know that? Check their year books.

Nevertheless, the film is an excellent alternative view of black people. It shows the pride, self-confidence and esteem black Americans had in themselves during these times. In the face of local terrorists they still forged ahead.

Forest Whittaker is also in this film as Wiley College's President. His wife is portrayed by Kimberly Elise, who's role, while rather small and demure is still integral to the movie. It's nice to see black women who can be portrayed as reasonable normal people.

The only complaint I have is with Denzel's camera direction: there were a number of scenes where features were fuzzy for a halo, ghostly effect. Not good.

Labels: Denzel Washington, Forest Whittaker, Harvard University, Kimberly Elise, klu klux klan, Oprah Winfrey, Wiley College

posted by GoldenAh
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