Mad Black Woman by Uneasy White Man

Diary of a Mad Black Woman

Sept 12: I am so mad. And black.

Sept 13: There has been no change of circumstances in the last day.

Sept 14: Also, I am a woman.

The above is intended to be offensive. It is also (in my opinion) funny, not only because it is a hyperbolic representation of the content suggested by the title, but also because it is avant garde and off-color. This type of humor does receive a warm reception in mass media, especially when the targets are widely varied, such as with the case of Family Guy. There is hardly a group that can be identified that has not been mocked at least once by Seth MacFarlane and company. I find Tyler Perry’s work to be a little different.

First of all, let me make a disclaimer for which anyone is welcome to chastise my about: everything I know about Tyler Perry’s work I have learned from teasers, promotions and trailers. Before any Perry fans get out their pitchforks, let me remind you that the modern movie trailer is pretty much the whole movie in 60 seconds, or 120 seconds or more in a theater. TV is about the same. Most movies, but especially comedies, are not surprising anymore. You bought the ticket to [college comedy] to see that scene where [gross out moment], and you can usually call out the next thing to happen at any moment. I should see something by Tyler Perry, just to say I did, but until then I don’t think I’m too far out of line thinking that I’ve got a decent handle on it for now.

So, how is House of Pain not offensive to blacks? I see commercials on TV and I think to myself that this stuff appears to be in really bad taste. It takes African-American cultural stereotypes to zany levels that I didn’t I would see since the cancellation of Amos and Andy.

I tried to reverse it in my head and imagine a black guy watching a show exploiting white stereotypes. First of all, that image alone doesn’t seem able to fully form in my head. White culture stereotypes are largely rooted in being boring, so that’s not a very good basis for entertainment, and especially comedy. But if this was somehow put together, the show would ultimately be in poor taste and probably cancelled quickly. Why does it work for Tyler Perry? Is this a FUBU attitude of acceptance?

At this point I want to make clear that I am not criticizing Tyler Perry, or insinuating anything about his talent. The man produces entertainment that a lot of people enjoy, so congratulations to him. I just want to understand why no one seems to agree that this humor is in poor taste. I want to understand why Tyler Perry is revered by the very people I would expect to be calling for his head. Please comment with your opinions.