Here's my response to CNN's article on Tyler Perry.
The lesson here is simple:
Those who create and retain ownership (Think Cash Money & George Lucas) are those who win. Therefore, struggle if we must, but by all means keep our content. It’s like u said Bright, we gotta keep the right to our MASTERS.
I love how he says the critics are missing the point about his messages. I’m sure the majority of middle to upper class Black America turns their noses when they hear about Perry’s success. But shouldn’t a film maker be able to create whatever his little heart desires? I mean damn, why is that Black film makers always have this pressure to create master pieces that break earth-shattering boundaries? Give me a break, a film should be enjoyable, and looking at his box-office receipts…his audience tends to think so.
But I really love this dude because he’s a maverick. He’s a modern day Mary Poppins giving his audience doses of inspiration hidden behind comedy and common stereotypes found in the black community. I hate to say it but when you look at the Great Debaters (dope movie btw), and you look at the box office numbers; the proof is in the pudding. In large, Black folks did not go out to see that movie. Why? Well some may argue the Debater’s theme about integrating blacks into higher academia might be a bit overbearing. But it’s an important message right? So what does a black film maker who wants to convey an important message do? This is where other brilliant artists like Kanye West succeed and many others fail. In large people go to the movies to laugh, to be moved to tears and to escape life’s REAL PROBLEMS. It’s the art of sugar coating the medicine that allows some artists to disguise their hidden agenda of giving us the “Message” without us ever noticing it. Remember these lyrics, “They say you can rap about anything except for Jesus. That means guns, sex, lies, video tapes. But if I talk about God my record won't get played Huh?” LOL, Only Ye can stick it to the radio heads and make them play a song mentioning God. It’s not that great messages can’t prevail in today’s society; it’s simply that they can’t be explicit in nature. Hasn’t it always been that way? The message is always in the details, look closely and you’ll find them there. Whoever thinks Star Wars is about space ships and battles in other star systems is WRONG.
But for today, I’m smiling because an ordinary dude with big dreams becomes the first owner of a black film studio, not a USC Film Grad or a major Hollywood producer. Just proves our point even further. It’s not skill, it’s not genius that guarantees success in this lifetime; but rather sheer determination and the BELIEF that one can do it. T-Perry, I see you boy!
Shak
100.
May the force be with yall.
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