The Iron Shackles Award: Tyler Perry (originally written in 2011)

[Time to light the incense on both ends again… finger snaps, crowd quiets]

Ladies and gentlemen, boys & girls, kids of all… (actually, no kids). It is time for another installment of the now infamous “Iron Shackles Award.”

If this is your first time seeing this, it is all explained in the previous post, can’t waste time going over it again, just know that this one is for the outlier… the one’s whose achievements are in complete contrast to those we celebrate during Black History Month.

I’ll be honest, this one was tough — not because our culture was short of possible recipients, but because it was hard narrowing it to one. Martin’s return to cross dressing and the Popeyes spokeswoman slave [suspiciously deleted from youtube] were key candidates, then I saw something in the last hour that spoke to me in such a way that would have turned Harriet Tubman into Uncle Ruckus “(no relation).”

In an attempt to get through the rigors of a rough work day, one filled with people determined to test my patience… I sought respite, a moment of peace amongst my fellow man. So while digitally frolicking on Twitter I had the misfortune of seeing a promotional poster for another Madea film. On this one however, Tyler (as Madea) was adorned in “Whiteface” and being billed “The Real Black Swan.” I need this shit to stop.

Really Toby? Really?!!!!
There was a time where I thought seeing more black filmmakers, producers and actors was a good thing, BUT REALLY?!!!!

I was prepared to ignore your Madeas merely because you also crafted films like “The Family that Preys,” but at a rate of 8 modern day minstrels to three Madea/Mr. Brown-less films — not to mention your plays and two different television shows showing us at our intellectual worsts, you are simply doing more harm than good.

True, your films bring in profit… but is that all we’re here for? Bartering the integrity of your people for some dollars.

It was one thing when those were the only roles available, like in the days of Mantan Moreland but when you are the writer, producer, director and chief financier there is simply no excuse.

I apologize if this “Iron Shackles Award” isn’t as funny as the last, but this one hurts, especially because Tyler can do better — he has done better…

Madea, you are as good for the African Diaspora as colon cancer.

That’s it, I’m done… holla back next Friday.

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“The Iron Shackles Award” is awarded every Friday during Black History Month