Exploitation: It's So Cool Even The Exploited Are Doing It!

A couple weeks ago I sitting at the laundromat waiting on my clothes to dry. While trying to figure out what to have for dinner, I realized that one of Tyler Perry's shows was on. At first, it was background noise along with bickering children and clinking metal in machines, but slowly it crept up into the focus of my brain and I couldn't help, but to think, are you f*ck'n serious?!?!

I watched for about 3 minutes, the most that I could handle, and was offended within the first couple seconds. Here are a few things (because there were definitely a ton!) I found to be problematic:

1. Stereotypes of Black people being rude, obnoxious and absurdly ignorant

2. Teenagers are ridden with STDs

3. Oppressive language towards women


And this show was created by a Black man?!?!?! If there's anything I tolerate less than white dominant culture exploiting P.O.C. it's P.O.C. exploiting themselves to be on par with white dominant culture. Needless to say I was irked and couldn't deal with watching any more of this show. What saddens me the most about this situation is that there were a bunch of people there, and all over the country for that matter, who watched and found nothing wrong with what was going on. Could it have been a teachable moment? Sure, but is the problem these folks who watch because it's available or is the problem the people who continuously exploit their own with stereotypes and drama for the sake of making a few bucks? I'd say it's the latter and I'm getting pretty sick of it.



It's not just Tyler Perry, although there's an open letter to be addressed to that man in the near future -stay tuned! But there are tons of P.O.C. who compromise the integrity of their people for becoming famous or gaining financial status. Turning on spanish television is no different---> tell me Telemundo, why oh why do your shows have to have stereotypical images of Latinos dancing or being loud and fiery or have machismo written all over them? It's so disrespectful. Not to mention it's a waste of influential P.O.C.

But it's nothing new! White people have been exploiting us forever and making tons of money for it, beginning with conquering and enslaving us, and instead of removing ourselves from those negative portrayals we seem to be taking over for them. Putting ourselves in roles that depict us as ignorant, dangerous, comical. What kills me the most is that people actually justify it because it's our own doing it. Like that makes it ok? Exploitation is exploitation! White dominant culture don't need any help with dehumanizing us, they're doing just fine, thank you very much!

My final verdict is that as a collective we got some serious self-hatred going on. I wish I could have an intervention with P.O.C. in media (music, t.v. etc) who give the thumbs up to extra shuckin' and jivin' and scorn at images of intellectual, empowered P.O.C. Seriously, how can we expect to grow and see ourselves as respectable people if our own are selling us out for fame and fortune?