Has anyone else noticed that since Bill Cosby began his criticism of the dysfunctional aspects of African American culture, he has been gaining supporters? Juan Williams’ new book and Tyler Perry’s Madea films are recent examples. Admittedly, Perry’s movies are not great art, but they are great fun and they pack a powerful message. Most mainstream media critics hate them, but maybe that is why I love them so much.
They openly advocate Christian values: no premarital sex, children and families are the highest priority and money does not buy happiness. And surprise, even some liberal icons are joining the camp. In Madea’s Family Reunion, Maya Angelou joins Cicely Tyson, who was in a previous Madea movie, to denounce the dysfunctional aspects of current black culture and to demand the acceptance of a new, or I should say an old, set of values. Tyson’s speech at the family reunion is not to be missed!
If you have not seen them, you should.
