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...because the style of his "art" isn't quite my cup of tea. But, in support of the multifaceted nature of Black Life, Black experiences (in their variety), Black theater, Black film, and Black people in general, I gotta take my hat off to the brother and embrace him and his contributions to Black entertainment.
"Diary of a Mad Black Woman" was forced upon me by my favorite 60-some, Black Woman in a straight-seamed security guard's uniform (you know her!) who patrols my hallowed hall of the "prestigious" university where I work. I tried to give it back to her, but she told me I "bettah watch it!"--and I did.
I was both surprised and shamed (shame on me!) by the fact that I laughed and cried and found myself rewinding certain scenes in the film when I had to run to the kitchen or bathroom. While the film did not score in the Originality Category (drawing far-to-near direct "inspiration" from The Color Purple, Big Mommas House, et al), I did find myself understanding Perry's popularity among our people and the hunger that his brand of theater/film feeds. Yes, I can dissect all the negatives...but it's not necessary...at least not outside OUR "house."
Shall I dare step out on a shaky limb to assert that Perry is a welcome addition to our theatrical and cinematic heritage? Well...h@ll yeah! I believe he deserves to stand among Baraka and Wilson and Parks...you gotta meet people where they are to get them to think and feel through your art. I don't remember having to peer from behind a burgundy feathered hat--with coiffure to match--to witness Sterling finally get Hambone's ham or to behold Cheadle's Lincoln (if ya' know, ya' know what I'm talking about). But, should sistah-girl-with-hat and our mothers, aunts, godmothers, and "Madeas" like her not be entertained in a positive, soul-searching way that is reflective of who she is and from where she's come?
Anyway...my soapbox is getting weak. Thank you, Salon, for a good article on a good brother and for the clarification of the lack of a connection between our Madea and Medea of Greece. That was funny to me! Aren't they spelled differently??
