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• Saturday, February 25, 2006 05:21 PM

  Tyler Perry is doing what HE does

  I have enjoyed both Tyler Perry films. No, he probably won't get an academy award, EVER, but he fulfills a need/niche. He represents a version of black life that is underrepresented and rings true. No, we're not all church going Christians, but that is the way he choses to present his story. It doesn't have to be taken as message that we should all turn to Jesus. He has a style just like Quentin Tarantino, and other writer/directors. He should be allowed to tell his stories his way just as others are allowed to do so without that kind of criticism. And speaking of Tarantino I didn't hear too many people criticize his liberal use of the "N" word. As far as Perry being the new Amos 'N Andy, I've not heard that word in any of the films I've seen, and appreciate the message that is underneath yes, the buffonery. But there is a difference between malicious over the top buffonery and light hearted, entertaining, making fun of yourself because you love yourself- your people buffonery.

  As far as Tyler Perry being in a dress, as per Dave Chappelle's observations of the intentional threat to the image of the black man in Hollywood, Milton Burle did it and there was no problem. And I've never watched a Tyler Perry production and been disgusted by the sight of fake feces or seeing black men taking a dump--can't say that about Dave. Comedy is comedy, but taste is in the execution.

  Regarding critics, it's easy for people to criticize what they don't understand--a culture of which they are not familiar. Tyler Perry is putting black people to work and showing Hollywood that our stories matter, that we matter, and the bottom line, that we make money.

  —chocolatespirit
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