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Spike Lee Rips Tyler Perry

Posted by: BlogXilla 5/29/2009 | 31,466 Views

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Spike Lee had an interview with Ed Gordon on Our World with Black Enterprise scheduled to air this weekend. In the interview he complained about “coonery and buffoonery” and both of Tyler Perry’s shows “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne,” comparing them to characters from minstrel shows.

“We’ve had this discussion back and forth. When John Singleton [made 'Boyz in the Hood'], people came out to see it. But when he did ‘Rosewood,’ nobody showed up. So a lot of this is on us! You vote with your pocketbook, your wallet. You vote with your time sitting in front of the idiot box, and [Tyler Perry] has a huge audience. We shouldn’t think that Tyler Perry is going to make the same film that I am going to make, or that John Singleton or my cousin Malcolm Lee [would make]. As African-Americans, we’re not one monolithic group, so there is room for all of that. But at the same time, for me, the imaging is troubling and it harkens back to ‘Amos n’ Andy.’”

“Each artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors, but I still think there is a lot of stuff out today that is coonery and buffoonery. I know it’s making a lot of money and breaking records, but we can do better. … I am a huge basketball fan, and when I watch the games on TNT, I see these two ads for these two shows (Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne”), and I am scratching my head. We got a black president, and we going back to Mantan Moreland and Sleep ‘n’ Eat?

TO SEE TYLER PERRY'S RESPONSE ON SUNDAY'S 60 MINUTES, CLICK HERE

239 comments

Bull crap-i remember Spike Lees movies- and to be honest a few of them had to do with the white man not letting the black man rise up and how they always had to fight for this and that, even having fights and confrontations, there was alot of blaming and alot of racism-Tylor Perry on the other hand shows the struggles of the black people within their own and how they over come it-how even those with money (Diary of a MBW and Medias Family Reunion) have their conflicts and rise above them to become better and more confident people, if theres anything i've learned from Tyler Perry's movies is that you've got to love yourself first, appreciate and understand who you are and where you've been in order to love others and in order to know where you want to go in life

GiGi 10/27/2009 | reply
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As our mothers use to say...STOP IT, kiss and make up! Why is it that we constantly put down each other. We have this silly behavior in the music industry, the movie industry, on the job, and yes, even in the church. Lots of us can relate to Madea and even Brown. I have an uncle that was just like Brown. I see nothing coonish or bafoonish about the Paynes. Their subject matters deal with real life matters. And Madea, she's also like some of our feisty, take no mess, kind of mothers and grandmothers. And another thing that ticks me off is the publc put-downs. Everyone have their opinions; their likes and dislikes. But when are we going to be more a support for each other rather than contributors to our demise. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of issues involving Black folk that we should speak up against. Such as the poor or non-existing education of our young people. Such as the alarming rate our children are killing each other. Such as the inordinate amount of Black men in prisons. Such as dead-beat dads and mothers. Such as the violence in song lyrics and on televions, but the movies, programs and plays Tyler Perry is producing is not one of them. WAKE UP MY PEOPLE!!!

Dorothy Dickinson 10/27/2009 | reply
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I did the math:

When a caucasian officer stops a black motorist driving a Lexus it's very possible the motorist will argue he was stopped because "they are black".

Now when a black officer stops a black motorist driving a Lexus, it's very possible the black motorist may argue the black officer is "hating".

So because 2 black entertainers are targeting each other it's because they're "hatin". I STRONGLY DON'T THINK SPIKE is hating!.... Spike is expressing a concern he has on how Brown and House of Payne are nothing but "coonery and buffoonery" humor with no artisting talent or realm.

Those that call Spike haters are the ignorant ones. The ones who relate to the coonery and buffoonery humor. A true eductaed black man would know better.

J'mon 10/27/2009 | reply
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Mr. Lee, get a grip! Do I detect a hint of jealousy? Mr. Perry has done more in a short period of time for the community than you have. It's interesting how we can all find fault in each other take the shadow from you eyes and see the good that Mr. Perry with all of his fortune is doing for the "BLACK" community. Mr. Perry, I am not mad at you. Continue to use your talents anyway that God allows you. And, always pray and pray for those who choose not to understand. Keep on keeping on.

Sassygirl 10/27/2009 | reply
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Spike should really get over himself, I enjoy his work but it they haven't been the most uplifting works of genius! Clockers, really???!!! There was a good post on http://spatterblog.com/ about Spike Lee's sillyness and i agree..

No Haters 10/27/2009 | reply
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People - slow down and breath - don't you think it's a bit strange that Tyler has a movie coming out and Spike Lee made his comments in May? Is is really necessary to "bash" one brother over another? Here's what you can do to make an intelligent decision (for yourself) about the comments made by Lee - review and "listen to" the interview with Ed Gordon. Respect that both brothers have a style that contributes to the black community which allows "each of us" to gain insight into how we are as people. WAKE-UP! We are on a road that has many curves and maybe, just maybe - these brother will collaborate and help us to straighten out these curves as they have a means to inform and influence us through their style of media. Support - don't condone and please, please get the facts before you voice an opinion less than supportive.

common sense 10/27/2009 | reply
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I wish that Spike would not have made those comments about Tyler. Spike is entitled to his own opinion and has every right to voice it. My momma raised me like this, whatever goes on in this house, stays in this house. So as African Americans we have to protect our house. We have to stop putting our business in the street. It would have been great for Spike to call Tyler and say, "Man, you are doing a great job employing "our" folks but have you ever considered..... That way it would not have looked like a personal attack on Tyler. It would not have been perceived as him being a "hater". There is a time and place to do everything and that was not the correct forum to criticize Tyler Perry.

Taye 10/27/2009 | reply
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CBD:

Tyler Perry never stepped out of any "Box". He has very cliched themes in his films that would you fine at any standard low-rent all black community play. He is just putting the stuff out there on film.

Ricardo 10/27/2009 | reply
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OH Spike have a period all ready!!! Tyler Perry is a gifted writer and he has brought out a lot of topics that people are afraid to touch, just like spike but Tyler is on a whole other generation of people that he is reaching out too. To call his work coonery and all those other negative comments try being positive and reaching out to Tyler and giving up some veteran ideas to help him become more successful at reaching a more complex audience. NOTE: When WHITE FOLKS are quoting Madea at work you know you've made it. Thanx Tyler

Savaah 10/27/2009 | reply
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I believe that Spike has a valid point. I'm not dismissing Tyler's accomplishments as a writer,director or producer. However in a world were a black president can still be called a "liar," during a historical joint session of congress is a world that whenever an opportunity to be serious is afforded us it must be taken. We need to look at ourselves and own issues when a serious film makers like Spike and Tyler can't agree on a point. Just think what they could do if they joined forces.

By the way one of the other commentators mentioned "where are our Spielberg type films, and another mentioned where are the science fiction films. Hold on and start researching this title, "The Shadow Walker Chronicles." Watch, Wait and Behold!

oztitan 10/27/2009 | reply
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TP stepped outside the box to show that African American are not just broke and poor. We need movies with a beginning and an end, and not just sitting in a movie thinking "where in the heck did this scene come from!" Spike...TP is working smart. UM...can my children see any of your shows and movies? If every black producer/writer/director made movies and shows like you, then it wouldn't be original. I guess "Kanye West" after a week or so, you are going to go back on national TV and apologize that you stuck your foot in your mouth. Be happy for TP!

CDB 10/27/2009 | reply
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BTW, I have no great love of Lee's work either. He's made some good films but I hardly call him a visionary.

Ricardo Cantoral 10/27/2009 | reply
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I don't agree that Tyler Perry's movies are "coonery bafoonery", they just suck. Tyler Perry is not funny, period.

Ricardo Cantoral 10/27/2009 | reply
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Quick question - Why is that when someone merely disagrees or have a different point of view from someone else they are noted as haters? Spike Lee is NOT a hater! -Spike has NEVER (even before Perry made a play) agreed with blacks being portrayed as Coons n' Bufoons or running the chitlin' circuit. Spike has never agreed to it, which has been evident in ALL of his work. So why should he change his tune now? Yes, we do have a black prez and a BLACK first lady...so when will we graduate from wallowing in ignorance and poking fun at our ownselves? Perry's film makes you laugh and is no better than Good Times but Spike's films makes you THINK, gives you new perspectives!Where is our "Stephen King" or "Steven Spielberg" QUALITY plots, scenery, and MOVIES??? We need to upgrade our mindset or will we be forever destined and doomed to BET.

pinksugar22 10/27/2009 | reply
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Damn Spike why come u just can't give Tyler his props. Is it that ur jealous of how blacks are tuning into his work. Before u judge him look at his work. Thats what wrong with blacks now instead of giving him praise and blessing u trying to bring him down. As long as Tyler has God on his side he dont have to worry about people with PHD's PLAYA HATER DEGREE

TLEE 10/27/2009 | reply
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