Do You Watch Tyler Perry Productions?

May. 14. 2022

Dear Issa Rae,

Do you watch Tyler Perry productions? As a fellow creator in film/television, what is your honest opinion of producer, writer, and director, sometimes star, Tyler Perry? Because I quite literally am not a fan.

I have grown to really resent Mr. Perry because of how his films/ series made me feel about myself and the perception of those who look like me. Subjectively speaking I think his work perpetuates negative stereotypes about people of color, specifically black women. But also as someone who has developed a passion for film/television, I can’t understand how someone as successful and experienced as him continues to create low quality, poorly written content such as his. Objectively speaking, Tyler Perry has managed to accomplish success of large magnitude and use that to carve his own place in Hollywood and his own stage, quite literally. He is responsible for giving opportunities to many actors, especially actors of color who would not find opportunity elsewhere. And while I hate to admit it, I have to acknowledge that even though I personally could do without his content, there is an audience that really appreciates and engages with his work. I have to respect that that is who he is doing it for. If nobody watched Tyler Perry, he would be the success he is now. Despite what anyone else may think or criticize, you can't argue with an audience. Because as film creators who else are we doing it for, if not for them, our audience.

I don't have much to say regarding this topic, but I just felt it necessary to recognize Tyler Perry for what he stands for and pay respect where respect is deserved. I still don't like him and gag at everything he creates, but that's art, I don't have to like it, because someone else will. I think that why I had to dedicate the excerpt to Mr. Perry, his stance on his own work reminds me why we all should be doing it and reassures me that no matter what critiques, or award shows may say, or even naysayers online, what I have to offer will be received by someone. Whether it's appreciated by a large mass of people or not can’t be determined but the point is to get it out there and continue to do what works and has an impact.