The Precious Debate: More Diverse Films Needed

For the past two weekends, I’ve had interesting conversations about “Precious.” Most of the conversations have been quite positive, but tend to demonize anyone (anyone meaning African Americans) who criticize it. Realistically, not many things escape criticism, especially a director in his sophomore effort.

Now, one article I read by Armond White seemed to have some valid points, if you are open to hear criticism. My concern in the debate really centers around that every black film has to reflect all black people (even film critic Mr. White is guilty of this). For instance, all white people are not judged by Anne Hathaway’s recovering addict character in “Rachel Getting Married”, and “Precious” doesn’t represent all black people in Harlem in the 80s.

Maybe if we support more black films such as Medicine for Melancholy and Mississippi Damned (without Oprah or Tyler Perry telling you to see it), more diverse black films can get funded and honest dialogues which exclude a film’s onus to reflect the entire black community can actually start.