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Tyler Perry ‘Pissed’ At Spike Lee’s Criticism
Published by Clay Cane on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 12:00 am.
Earlier this year, the legendary Spike Lee made some comments about Tyler Perry, referencing some of the playwright’s work as a minstrel show. Sunday night on 60 Minutes, Tyler Perry took on Lee’s criticism. Perry said:
“I would love to read that [criticism] to my fan base. All these characters of mine are bait, bait to get people talking about God, love, family, and faith. You know, that pisses me off. It really does. Because it’s so insulting. It’s attitudes like that that make Hollywood think that these people do not exist and that’s why there’s no material speaking to them, speaking to us.”
Just to be fair, Spike Lee’s quote also read:
“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.”
I think when reading in context Lee is giving social commentary on what African Americans support and why, hence, the Rosewood versus Boyz ‘N The Hood analogy. His comments weren’t directly about Tyler Perry, and Lee has certainly paid his dues in the fickle world of Hollywood. I do think Spike has a well-earned voice at the table of African Americans and film.
I don’t think it’s unfair and, I actually think it’s healthy, to critique art. We as African Americans should be allowed to be critical of our work and shouldn’t be forced to love it just because someone is Black and is making money. Hip-hop is constantly analyzed and while Perry says, “I would love to read that [criticism] to my fan base,” Lil’ Wayne, Jay-Z, or Lil’ Kim could make the same comment — it doesn’t mean they are immune to social critique.
In addition, is a character being a stereotype always socially irresponsible? Sheneneh was a stereotype, but she was brilliant. Back in April, Alfre Woodard told me, “ When people say stereotype, a stereotype to me takes on a negative connotation, but it’s built from a particular characteristic. It doesn’t have to be negative. I think of Tyler in that tradition of comedy and farce when it comes to the Madea stories. I don’t think he is bringing down the culture by any means. But, I do understand it’s the job of social observers to comment.”
Do you think Spike Lee’s comments were unfair?
Check out the video below.
SPIKE LEE NEEDS TO MIND HIS OWN BUSINESS AND SHUT HIS MOUTH. HE IS JUST JEALOUS OF TYLER PERRY BECAUSE HE IS MAKING MORE MONEY THAN HIM.
To Mr. Perry, you have to remember for every new level, there’s a new devil! Never allow someone to take you out of character. Mr. Lee is entitled to his opinion, okay move on. Don’t allow the media, people, or Mr. Lee stop you from doing what GOD has called you to do! Until GOD disagrees with your work, keep doing His will. May GOD continue to bless, keep, and enlarge your territories. May nothing in your life be lacking, missing or broken.
Tay Womble
Is this the same spike lee that made School Daze??? Spike quit player hating and gets you some new game so that you can play along. Don’t be throwing Tyler jabs because he is the heavy hitter now…You’re coming off as jealous. all these other movies, hip-hop rump shakin videos you could be attacking would serve your energy better. Tyler’s movies have a message that all persons can identify with at some point in their lives…and every time I see Madea she reminds me of my Madea.
Spike Lee shouldn’t be jealous of Tyler Perry. Spike helped open the door for Tyler. He should be proud of Tyler and want to see him doing so good. Every Tyler Perry movie I go to see the theater is packed.
Since, Tyler Perry has stack up all this money now maybe he can make a decent movie or movies. Maybe, he can get away from the clown type stuff for laughs only.
Stop saying that if someone has a critique of something that they are “hating” that’s stupid. Spike Lee has a valid point and I think Tyler took it out of context. Spike Lee is revolutionary and Tyler Perry is well, taking a formula and running with it. There’s room for variety amongst black people just like for anyone else. Great article and commentary Clay!
Hey everybody if Oprah haven’t said anything about Tyler movie being negative. Mr. Lee must to a little tad JEALOUS. You both are good directors.
JUST LOVE YOUR WORK!!!!! I WAS SUPPOSE TO BE A SECURITY PERSON FOR YOU. HOWEVER, SOMEONE PULLED THE PLUG ON ME. BUT THAT’S OK . BECAUSE GOD HAS IT ALL UNDER CONTROL. A TRUE FAN .
That is so sad spike lee. it is hard enough for the black without u adding fuel to the fire. give him your blessing an work with him, not stabbing him in the back. It’s enough money out here for everybody. so stop your haten, the Lord Blessed him as he did you, Tyler Perry keep on doing your thing, your way, we love it an you.So God keep on blessing him he has done no wrong we his fans LOVE HIM.
That is so sad spike lee. it is hard enough for the black men without u adding fuel to the fire. give him your blessing an work with him, not stabbing him in the back. It’s enough money out here for everybody. so stop your haten, the Lord Blessed him as he did you, Tyler Perry! keep on doing your thing, your way, We love it, an you.So God ! keep on blessing him, he has done no wrong we his fans LOVE HIM.
Spike Lee is entitle to his opinion. I love Tyler Perry work and I will continue to see his movies, his plays and his television shows.
TYLER PERRY, THE LORD GOD WILL FIGHT FOR U, SO U JUST KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK , WE YOUR FANS LOVE WHAT U DO. SORRY FOR SPIKE NOT BEING A TEAM PLAYER, IT IS ALREADY BAD FOR THE BLACK MEN, WE DO NOT NEED IT FROM OUR OWN RACE,HATTEN ON ONE ANOTHER. WATCH IT SPIKE THE LORD IS WATCHING YOU SO BE SUPPORTIVE OF HIM, DON;T TEAR YHE MAN DOWN, HE;S REACHING OUT TO A LOT OF PEOPLE OF ALL RACES. GOD BLESS YOU TYLER.
All,
I agree with Spike Lee from a responsible person’s perspective. Yes Tyler Perry is very talented, and yes he deserves credit for being a genius and very successful.
However that does not change the fact that he is capitalizing on negative stereo types of African Americans.
In fact, the fact that his films are successful and he has made a lot of money because of his films does not take away his responsibility to produce films that do not denigrate African Americans and blacks in general.
If the measure of a persons works and success is solely based on the amount of money they have or earn, then I would suppose we should also pay homage to all of the pimps and drug pushers in our neighborhoods.
All money is not good money and we have to hold one another accountable.
-Simon
SPIKE LEE GET A LIFE…. AT LEAST TYLER PERRY TOOK SOME OF THAT AMOS AND ANDY MONEY, AND HELPED OUR CHILDREN ENJOY THEMSELVES IN FLORIDA!
WE LOVE YOU TYLER!!!! KEEP DOING YOU!!!!!
I think Spike is talking more about the tv shows of Tyler than his movies.His 2 shows are the worst. With the influence he has to get that crap on tv, why not have a show at shows the black family in a positive image. not the”coonery and buffoonery” of House of Panye and Meet the Browns…
For the HATERS, “Meets the Browns” and ” House of Payne” are not crappy shows. If you were watching the shows you would see that Tyler is teaching the values and lessons people of all races need to learn. I have watched just about all of the latest episodes and so have my children and issues like internet dating do’s and don’t, child abuse, adoption issues, and so on are the issues that we as a society need to be learning about, because we as a people are not fully aware of the severity of these issues. There are children who don’t have parents or guardians who are fit to teach these issue or who don’t want to teach issues to the children, but they can talk about them everyday and what they are not doing. Tyler is helping allot of people who don’t have a knowledge of these issues and it is sad to see that there are people out there that want to take that away. We need people like Tyler Perry who are not afraid to use there talent to give back to the communities and the world. With Tyler shining a light on what some people are afraid to say and do we can also laugh and I mean laugh hard. This world needs to come together and try to save our people instead of always criticizing and looking for the bad in each other and what they are doing and try to see whats good.
If you are sitting on your butt and not trying to change for the good or trying to bring some happiness in another persons life well you are defined as a lazy hater and you would find something wrong with someone who GOD has BLESSED.
I love you and what you do Tyler. What’s understood don’t have to be explain. Spike do something that we can enjoy it’s been a long time. Call Tyler to see if he can help you the man is doing well and no one can stop him. Be Blessed
Remember what kind of movies Spike made when he was starting out. Hummm…gotta make you think.
Will we ever learn to stop crucifying one another? Tyler’s plays/movies/shows do what they are supposed to do and come out of his own unique talent and vision. As I remember Spike’s stuff – especially his early stuff – it came from that same place — his own life experience; his own unique talent and vision. The media has enough ammunition against us — let’s just learn to celebrate one another’s successes and support one another through our failures and shortcomings. Let’s be careful not to allow negative words to pass our lips about others – especially our own brothers and sisters. Spike and Tyler – kiss and make up – and then celebrate the wonderful talent that God gave each of you! Not one better than the other – just different. Don’t let this ridiculous conversation take away the power of your gift.