Much hoopla has surrounded the movie, "Precious". I'm sure it has its merits but I am curious as to why such a movie script is so appealing to moviegoers and Hollywood. I probably answered my own question. If moviegoers have an interest Hollywood will make it. Tell me if I'm wrong but it seems that Oprah Winfrey and others go out of their way to place African-American men and fathers in a bad light. The book "Push" written by Sapphire that becomes "Precious" on the big screen focuses on a young illiterate, obese black woman that overcomes against all odds. She is the victim of physical, verbal, and sexual abuse at the hands of her parents. Her incest-driven father is responsible for her two pregnancies. Why do such movies always get such attention? Is this what moviegoers want to see? Better yet; is this what Black moviegoers want to see? I understand it has already garnered several awards. I think we all know that such atrocities take place in all cultures. However, it seems that the Oprah Winfreys and Tyler Perrys of the world like to focus on the uglies of family life. I feel this places Black men in an extremely bad light. "Precious" appears to be an updated version of "The Color Purple". We realize how much Oprah loves "The Color Purple". She has even taken it to the Broadway stage. I think Alice Walker and Oprah have the same disdain for Black men.
The Sapphires, Oprah Winfreys, Alice Walkers, and now Tyler Perry attempt to exorcise the demons of their environmental upbringings. What better way to do this than in film and literature? I think I'll pass on seeing such a depressing film. Not that I want to close my eyes and say that incestuous pedophilic monsters do not exist. But I don't want to spend my money to see films made about them. It's ugly and it happens. Just once I'd like to see a film that lifts up Black men and places them in a bright, positive light for once. Can I see such a film? Is such a film being made? Time will tell.
