Well, I suppose I will have to offer a dissenting view. While I enjoy watching some of Tyler Perry’s endeavors, I also enjoy films that take a more “cerebral” tone from time to time. There is a balance to be found. We all need levity at some point. I like watching Frasier, but I also like the Three Stooges. Hey, if it makes me laugh, I will neither stop watching, nor apologize for doing so. If Tyler Perry’s shows embarrass Mr. Lee, perhaps he should take a step back and get at the root of why he feels that way. Do they make us “look bad?” And to who? Whites? Blacks? Both? The truth is, anyone who hates Blacks will find a reason to, regardless of whether it is rational or not. While some elements of Tyler Perry’s work skirt the edge of plausibility, there are many facets that mirror people that I know, and situations that I have seen. Plus, Perry’s shows always stress positive ideals like religion and faith, family unity, and community service. Like it or not, it takes all kinds. Hmmm…..for the Christians, what would Jesus do? Wealth, education, and social status take a backseat to what is in your heart. We can and should always strive to do better, but try to please everyone, and you please none.

I do not have a problem with Tyler Perry. All his movies and tv shows have a message in them if you are really paying attention. He does not offend blacks, especially me. This is what is going on all across America and he chooses to do it in a way that makes you laugh instead of cry. “Laughter is the best medicine.” Spike Lee is going to be Spike Lee, he spoke his opinion and in it to me was little jealousy or envy. You don’t hear too much about Spike and his last movie did not do well at all, but Tyler Perry keeps striving and has accomplished more in a short length of time than most black writers. Give props where props are due. Lift our people up instead of tearing them down, that is what is wrong with our BLACK race, we are too busy bringing our own people down.

Have we forgotten, that we are entitled to Freedom of Speech. However, let’s be respectful of others. I do understand Spike Lee’s position but on the other hand I enjoy Meet the Browns” & most of Tyler Perry’s movies/shows.
both men are sending a positive message. Are we that uptight, as a race of people, that we can not laugh. Meet the Browns is very entertaining. Spike Lee had some unsuccessful films & some that appear to be racist. Please stop the judging & pointing the finger. And for once, attempt to get along. No 2 people, think the same therefore, no 2 people wil find humor in the same thing all the time. They are both success men that should be working towards a common ground. Peace & unity for all man kind. Uplift one another, rather than tear down one another. If you don’t have anything pleasant to say remain silent. My question to both entertainers, What are you doing to “PAT IT FORWARD” to help the next person(or generation of young people)? I don’t believe in that mentality that Spike made it for Tyler or pave the way, because their were many that pave the way for Spike.(Bill Cosby, Richcard Pryor to name a couple. Let’s release the mentality that we owe someone, you owe yourself to do the Right thing for yourself. If it wasn’t for the grace of the Higher power, nothing of which you are speaking would be possible.

Onelove, God Bless.

Since this is America, everyone is entitled to their opinions. Therefore, Spike Lee is entitled to his. What I don”t like is the flip flopping that we as black people have towards each other. Ever notice how you dont hear these types of comments from white, latino or any other group about their comedians or other works of “arts”. Why? because they recognize the difference between entertainment and reality. Somehow some of us tend to believe that our pure existance is based on television, movie or video images. Where is the criticism of the clothing that young women are wearing in the public streets or the way our young men behave? I guess that is acceptable…See I feel that our priorties are all screwed up! Black folks are the most confused individuals on the planet, and the most critical. A nation of HATERS!. Rather talk about the girl next door and her weave then the 3 babies by 3 different daddies in your own house. Rather talk negatively about a comedy show that keep black actors working but will run to watch the latest “reality” show about where sisters are calling each other b++++ and w++++ and fighting like animals in the street. People please!…If Spike Lee wants to condemn something, try venting that anger and discuss toward the hundreds of other issues that occur everyday in our neighborhoods. Black and Latinos surely keeping the candle and balloon makers happy. Think about how many you see in our neighborhoods on a daily basis. See my point?? If I want to laugh at something Madea says or cry during a scene of Rosewood (yes, I saw it) then let me do it. Oh…and by the way…let’s not BEGIN to talk about the “buffoonery” actions of a lot of those basketball players Mr. Lee so loves to support. This is one sister’s opinion and observations. My REAL TALK!

Spike Lee spoke in Philadelphia a few months ago and the question came up about Tyler Perry. He stated that he respects Tyler Perry for making money (he brings in millions in the box office), however, what about quality. The Diary of a Mad Black Woman was good and thought provoking. Family Reunion was ok and Madea goes to Jail was ridiculous. House of Payne is horrible and Meet the Browns isn’t that much better. However, Tyler Perry makes Money, and thats something that Spike Lee or anyone else can’t refute. Is there an Oscar in the horizon for Tyler Perry? I think NOT. Is there a Mansion sitting on a hill? Most Definitely. I respect Tyler for making money. I respect Spike Lee for making quality. I don’t fault Spike Lee for criticizing Tyler, because quite frankly, he is one of the only ones who can.

the only thing I am offended with is lee’s comparison of tyler perry’s work to amos n’ andy. perry’s work fails terribly in comparison to amos ‘n andy. a&a is all we had back the. I would watch a&a than tyler perry’s shows: it’s much more original, sincere, and funny. I wonder if tyler perry has seen any of the predecessor’s work including that of spencer williams.

I was hoping I wasn’t the only critical of Perry’s work. I applaud his accomplishments but I would love to compell his to produce better images and storylines.

Shelton, I was wondering when you were going to speak up.

I do not think the issue is whether or not I am offended. I love most of the Tyler stuff but hate the sitcoms on TV. So I watch the good and I do not turn into the sitcoms. Tyler Perry has no obligation to do stuff the Spike approves of. Spike has every right to criticize what he wants. I then have a right to enjoy what I want without concern for attaining approval of the critics. I think we can now move past the stage of being concerned if others do not “uphold the Race”. We no longer have to worry about what “They” think of us. They are going to think what they want any way. Frankly, I liked Amos & Andy and am not shamed to admit it.

Personally I think that T.P. is great. He is putting out there what people want
to see, maybe not all but you can’t please everybody. Some things I don’t
agree with so I don’t watch it. If you don’t like it, don’t watch. Alot of people
relate to alot of the characters betrayed in TP’s work. At the end of the day
IT”S COMEDY!! Way things are today, we NEED a good laugh!!
Keep doing your thing Mr. Perry.

Joe, AK did make sense! He was conveying how the shows such as “Seinfeld” and “Friends” had bafoonish chararcters too, such as Tyler’s “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne”. The white shows went on to be some of the highest rated shows of all times!
We as a race already have lots of pains and anguish in our everyday life. So, what if Tyler Perry wants to give us something to take the edge off at times! I am proud of both Spike and Tyler for their accomplishments. One chooses to write about struggles in a more serious way and the other chooses to write about our struggles in a comedic way. Let’s just all try to praise and support each other for our successes! It leaves a sour taste in my mouth when we criticize each other in public. It is sort of like a family member “airing the families’ dirty laundry!”
I love Tyler Perry and pray that God continues to bless him as he keeps the laughter coming!

Poor “OLD” Spike

only good movie he made was the one with Janet Jackson. the rest are crap

I AGREE WITH SPIKE.ALL THESE YEARS OUR PEOPLE WENT THROUGH ALOT OF S#%!. AND THIS IS THE BEST WE CAN DO. ANYTHING FOR A LAUGH.BUT IT SHOWS ME THAT S#%! WILL NEVER CHANGE IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY.ALL ENTERTAINMENT AINT GOOD ENTERTAINMENT.WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS. WHAT ABOUT PRIDE.SO HE’S GETTING PAID.I CALL THAT LOW SELF ESTEEM DOLLARS.ANYTHING 4 A LAUGH.

Spike took the words right out of my mouth. I think that the tv shows that Tyler Perry has produced ARE ignorant, stupid, and unrealistic. His first movie, Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Why did I get Married were GREAT movies. But the other ones? I could SO do without. Madea is ALWAYS one to put a smile on our faces but I think that Brown is one of the most STUPID characters Tyler has ever come up with. He really needs to rethink his tv shows. And black people…stop supporting himjust because he’s black. YES we do want our people to succeed but must we just lay down and take anything he puts across?? Thanks Spike…..

Im not offended by Spike Lee’s comment because he is entitled to his own opinion. However, we must remember he is an individual. He does not speak for all of Black America. I dont necessisarily agree or like everything that either one produces; but I support them. I applaud Spike Lee, Tyler Perry, John Singletary and the other Black filmakers and television producers because we as a people do need our voices heard. Also I am extremely proud of that they keep Black people working across the board.

Jade……you are truly awesome! You took the thoughts right out of my mind!!!!! We need to start our own television show in which we can get the African-American community to face and deal with some of these “bafoonish” issues! How about education for our children????? Huh? Why don’t we African-Americans face educational issues that are running rampant through the community? We only lose ground when we take part in criticizing and not helping!

Spike Lee has made some incredible movies for all of us to view in theaters, on television and even purchase. My problem with Mr. Lee comes in when the only time he really speaks it is always negativity toward another African-American’s work and productions. If he does not like what is being shown on the television fine, do not watch it. If we want things to change, then we must be willing to start with ourselves. Putting down Tyler Perry’s movies and plays is only adding fuel to the fire from Mr. Lee. When we see new plays, new movies, we want a variety, everything does not have to be politically correct, it does not always have to be about black or white and it does not always have to be serious. I personally think he is jealous that his work is not being viewed in the same light.

Personally, I think Spike needs to sit down and be quiet! While I have to admit, I do think Tyler’s moves/sitcoms are minstrel. I also have to ask myself, what’s wrong with that. ALL of his entertainment venues have a message. So people, when looking at the movie/sitcom, let’s not focus on the buffoonery, andlet’s focus on the message. He’s just delivering a message to you in a comedy, whether it’s Madea, the grandmother, mother, aunt, or cousin in the family that’s crazy and don’t take no mess, whether it’s Mr. Brown, the person in your family that dress crazy as hell or Cora, your cousin, aunt, or someone in the family that’s always praying or thanking God, or Curtis, the person in your family who ALWAYS make you laugh. Basically, He as brought aspects of peoples lives that we can relate to into homes across the world using comedy. Again, a lot of families, NOT only black, can identify with one of his characters in his movies and or sitcoms….the abusive husband, cracked out family member, incarceration, Madea (Grandmother, Grandma, Big Mama, Nana, G-mama, etc…), crazy dressing family member, or very religious member. I did not even mention the subjects he touch in his sitcoms….one of his most recent shows touched on HIV.

No offense at all, but Tyler is doing his thing and God Bless him for that. At least he bring the spirituality in what he do. He make stuff for Christians who can be entertain in what he does.

Okay, this is what’s wrong with this world now, everyone is so caught up in other people’s lives and business that they are quick to point the finger and judge. My motto is , is YOU have nothing positive to say, always negative, DON’T say ANYTHING!!!!!!!!

I have respect for Spike Lee, he paved the way for black movie directors, etc……… but I agree with another coment stated, Would Spike would have made this same comment if Tyler Perry was NOT so successful, would it even matter. I am NOT offended in NO way by Tyler’s movies or sitcoms, some of it is based on his LIFE experience and alot of us can relate to it.
GOD has blessed this man, so Tyler feels that this is his way to honor God, to make movies, sitcoms, etc……. giving the world all different situations that we all can relate to, whether it’s good, bad, etc…….. but at the END and the MORAL of the STORY is a POSITIVE MESSAGE NOT A NEGATIVE ONE.
Now, I’m sorry, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I think Spike was rude, we should be up lifting and happy for ALL BLACK directors, NOT BASHING THEM, I honestly detect al little envy on Mr. Spikes part. Just like when Jesse Jackson had said something negative about OBAMA because of jealousy, people when will it end!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i believe Spike on everything…those two shows Perry has on TV are truly corny and i find nothing entertaining about them at all. The movies he puts out are pretty decent, i can’t complain to much about any of them, but i don’ think i can handle any more madea movies….they are all just starting to be the same to me…i’m still trying to figure out how “House of Payne” remains on the air, then they allowed him to have a 2nd show that is about as bad…but that just me personally….at least it’s good to see a Black man come up in the entertainment world…