Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy - 10.13.2007.1

Keep an eye out on the horizon for a new movie that will be coming out probably next year. The movie is called Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy.

This is not a comedy show, like The Kings of Comedy or Mr. Eddie Murphy’s RAW. This is a documentary. Now before you say well that’s too boring and I won’t see it, listen to who is involved.

Beside the fact that it is being co-produced by Mr. Robert Townsend, who is no slouch in his own right, it contains interviews with some of the top Black comedians around today. That includes D.L. Hughley, the Wayans brothers, Paul Mooney, Tommy Davison, Reynaldo Ray, Marla Gibbs, Eddie Griffin and Katt Williams.

But this documentary, like Black comedy, will also include political commentary and thoughts from the world of hip-hop from noted individuals like Dr. Cornel West, Stanley Crouch and Russell Simmons.

At just 90 minutes some of the best go from their comedy routines to the roots of what is happening in the Black community and how they transform these topical and emotional events into humor. From Don Imus, to OJ Simpson, to Jena 6 and more.

If this doesn’t sound like something you want to keep an eye out for, what else is there for you to look forward to? How often are you able to not only see where the comedy comes from but how and why it affects us all. How comedy interacts with all the facets of life in America, especially for those of us who often have no other voice to carry in the media and public.

With the people associated so far, one thing is certain. There will be quality and depth and intelligence. Insight and debate will ensue. Critical questions will be posed. And isn’t that one of the things that we expect from movies?

Black Enterprise vs Eddie Griffin - 9.6.2007.2

Some just can't see the forest for all the trees.

Many pundits and the major news media often like to comment that the black community does little to curb the use of some derogatory terms such as the N-word. If you were to only gather your knowledge from these sources then you would probably believe they are correct. Of course, this is as far from the truth as Pluto is near the sun.

For almost 2 decades there has been a steady and committed voice presented in the black community against the use of the N-word and other terms or forms of entertainment that diminish black culture. Miss C. Dolores Tucker was one of the first to take charge in this matter.

“Ms. C. Dolores Tucker started a movement that rings as true today as when she started it in the 1990’s. Gansta rap “is a crime that we are promoting these kind of messages. The whole gangster rap industry is drug-driven, race-driven, and greed-driven.”

She was hardly the only person making commentary. Others such as Mr. Chuck Creekmur have discussed this often on his website long before the events of Mr. Michael Richards and Don Imus. The major news media just didn't pay attention.

In another example of the willful ignorance of major news media, in particular cable news networks, is the fact of what happened to Mr. Eddie Griffin. On Friday, Mr. Griffin was performing at a Black Enterprise magazine event, where, in his routine he was using the N-word consistently. Due to that repeated use Mr. Griffin was pulled from the stage in the middle of his routine. This is not a new thing or something astounding but rather something that has been going on for some time. The black community has paid attention to the issue of disparaging terms used commonly and has acted on this issue on a regular basis.

But if anything is to be heard about this action, it will probably be in the form of the words used by Reverend Al Sharpton. That's really a shame. The reason is, Reverend Sharpton, never saw the performance. He wasn't there. Yet, he came out and made a statement about the performance, which has already been quoted and probably will be repeated if this story catches any attention. Reverend Sharpton is noted as commenting on the reaction the crowd had to the interruption of Mr. Griffin's performance, which is impossible for him to know since he didn't see the performance. Rev. Sharpton goes on to say

[He] "expressed gratitude that the nation's pre-eminent magazine for African-Americans stands behind the efforts of National Action Network in getting rid of the N-word."

How humble of him to presume his organization was responsible for the actions of Black Enterprise magazine on an issue that is sensitive and has been addressed long before his name has ever been attached to it.

That is the problem that seems to be enveloping coverage of this issue. The major news media seemed uninterested in providing coverage of organizations that routinely take a stance counter to the one promoted by music corporations and their associated music videos. It's this blind eye to the significant truth that exists that creates the opportunity for pundits to ignorantly state that nothing is being done, and to defend individuals such as Michael Richards and Don Imus. For that, I say shame on the major news media.

On a separate thought, I have to say that I like Mr. Eddie Griffin. I think he is an incredible performer. His standup comedy routine is quite good, though it does rely heavily on the use of the N-word and other negative terms. This is not a new development; his comedy routine has always contained this terminology. It's not a surprise.

I believe in the freedom of speech. I believe in the right and the opportunity for an individual to entertain the masses in a medium and the manner that they are qualified at. When Black Entertainment magazine hired Mr. Griffin for this event they knew what they were getting. Their reaction to his comedy routine is a bit surprising. If they had an issue with the words he was going to use they should've gotten someone else. It's really that simple.

It's a bit two-faced to hire someone based on what they are qualified and consistently do and then to fire them for doing exactly that. Either you're against what they do or you’re for them. Unless of course there was a prior agreement stipulating that Mr. Griffin would not use those words in his routine. Since I am not privy to the terms and conditions that Mr. Griffin was hired on I can only assume this is not the case.

I will note that I contacted Black Enterprise and I have been told that there is a press release forthcoming on this issue. I'll comment further once I have received a copy of this press release and have had a chance to receive further comment from Black Enterprise.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Planes, Ferrari's, and Soceer - 3.27.2007.1

So as there is constant news out about Mr. Eddie Griffin crashing a million+ dollar sports car, the world turns. I’m happy to mention that Mr. Griffin was unhurt in the accident, though the fact it was caught on videotape will probably hurt his ego more than anything else. The executive producer, of Redline which Mr. Eddie Griffin stars in, though is at least publicly taking it in stride since the car was an Enzo Ferrari which he owned. Of course Mr. Daniel Sadek is correct when he says, “There's people dying every day. A lot of worse things are happening in the world.” And if this accident adds any interest to those going to see the $26 million dollar film, I’m sure he will be able to afford one of the remaining 399 Ferrari’s out there. Considering its cost and stylish nature, not to mention the ability and reputation of Mr. Griffin I’m sure he will.

In other movie news there is something that I think has potential. It might even capture the attention of the few Soccer (futbol) fans out there. Discussions are ongoing for a film featuring the life of Pele. For those unfamiliar, Pele is one of the first entertainers to be known simply by one name. One of the greatest soccer stars ever, he helped create the environment that lead to the current American national soccer team. While Team USA is rough around the edges, at best, there was no real interest prior to the appearance of Pele playing here. In addition it’s said he was able to create a cease-fire in a civil war just because he was playing. Now tell me that isn’t something worthy of making a movie about. In terms of recognition and ability among athletes throughout the world, this single name ranks along with Mr. Muhammad Ali. Do I seem excited? You bet. The big question is who is in shape enough, and has enough acting talent, to play him in a movie. If any names of rappers come up, I guarantee the movie is doomed.

As a side note, I just saw Mr. Donny Osmond speaking about his new television show American Vote. I have to say the man does not look like a 50 year old grandfather. He looks like he did back in the 1970’s. Yes I’m old enough to have seen the Donny and Marie Show and remember it.

So since I mentioned rappers I should mention my deep sadness that all Britain’s must be experiencing now. The cause of this national depression emanates from the news that a tour featuring Snoop Dogg and P. Diddy (otherwise known as Calvin Broadus and Sean Combs) has been canceled. It seems that Snoop cannot get a visa to enter England. This is obviously in reaction to the ruckus that Snoop caused the last time he was there. [You can see my comments on that incident at Breaking the law entertainer-style]

Good for merry ol’ England. It’s about time someone smack a little reality and responsibility on those rappers that choose to treat laws, and people, as mere toys. Perhaps the lesson of respecting people and laws will sink in a bit. Though with Mr. Broadus this one action may not be enough. I say this because it is hardly the first time that he has been penalized for his misbehavior. Still, the funds lost from the 5 performances should have an impact on him and Mr. Combs. Perhaps Mr. Combs will be able to say something so that future trips anywhere in the world will be more civilized. Considering how motivated many rappers seem to be by money, this could be the key. Especially if other nations, and airline companies, step up and do the same thing to those that flaunt common decency. Again I say Hurrah to the Brits.

This is what I think, what do you think?