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 Media and Stereotypes of Black Women
Thursday, April 10, 2008

No Educational Material in Films

I watch television shows and movies solely for entertainment, not education or a sense of "Oh, so that's what they're like." I don't view films by Jackie Chan, Jet Li or Akira Kurosawa (this guy is awesome) to be educational. Interesting, yes, but nothing I'd use as historical fact.

Fanciful Suburban Drama-Comedies

I've enjoyed Parenthood, Father of the Bride and Father of the Bride 2 with Steve Martin. (Loved him in The Jerk.) Even if they are all thematically the same movie, I've never held the impression that any of them are real. (So, that's how all whites in all white suburbia live!)

One standout for me - the kitchen(s). Oh boy, talk about real estate porn! In these films, the homes are always chock full of awesome kitchen accessories. I couldn't stand my kitchen full of stuff, but I do admire these clutter nests.

What Seems True

What is true in these films is the affluent, take it all for granted, privileged nature of the characters. Those self-involved narcissists exist; I've encountered them. There's no hesitation that checks these characters. They are not inhibited by the reality that something evil and external is going to block their paths, dreams, or desires due to race and sex.

It is a great escape to watch movies and television dramas where whites in all white environment worry about mundane stuff.

Oh, if only life could be that uncomplicated for black women in America.

I liked Bringing Down the House, with Queen Latifah and Steve Martin. Queen Latifah was executive producer. I'm sure something in the script spoke to her. I winced throughout the film.

Yet what may be entertainment to me, is taken as gospel among some other groups.

Let me say this in plain English: I've met people who feel they can only relate to me based on media images of black women. I'd be really really rich if I received money for every time I heard, saw, or read what other groups in America, or the world for that matter, believed about black women. Most, if not all, of their ridiculous notions come from the Media: general entertainment (video games, books, etc), Hollywood and the advertising industry.

How it Relates to Me, A Black Woman

When I tell people I can't dance, they respond with shock. I elaborate: I can't remember dances like the Electric Slide or Bus Stop. Or any dance steps for that matter.

When I travel I get questions, which probe: What do I do for a living? We're all drug dealers and entertainers, don't cha know?

How can I afford to travel? I mugged an old white woman to get on this trip.

I've been complimented, with a note of surprise, as to how well I speak. I've even been told at different times that I "sound like a white girl."

People cross the street, clutch their purse (and babies too!), avoid my presence, and do all other wonderful sorts of things, because I am a black woman.

People who befriend me actually assume that at some point in time, I'll turn into a sassy, bossy and hotheaded sistah, and give someone a peace of my mind. Talk about a let down when I do not get mad or huffy.

What's worse are people who assume that I'm going to be their all-knowing wisdom dispensing black female wise-ass protector. Not gonna happen.

And my all time favorite: "I don't know any black women except for the [fill in the blank] show. I really liked that program." And what does that have to do with me?

Thanks For The Stereotypes!

Where else are these stupid impressions coming from, but the Media? (insert ominous music here)

Hey, I'd prefer it if the Media ignored my existence than continue to perpetrate false images masquerading as reality. Then, I can go back to watching my all white entertainment, and everyone else can too.

Labels: black women, Hollywood, media, Queen Latifah, stereotypes, Steve Martin

posted by GoldenAh
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