Feature

Tyler Perry to Spike Lee – “Who You Callin’ a Coon?”

Monday Oct 26, 2009 – By Sky Obercam

Once upon a time (i.e. this past spring), Spike Lee put Tyler Perry on blast:

“Each artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors but I still think there is a lot of stuff out today that is “coonery” and buffoonery. I know it’s making a lot of money and breaking records, but we can do better. … I am a huge basketball fan, and when I watch the games on TNT, I see these two ads for these two shows (Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns” and “House of Payne”) and I am scratching my head. … We got a Black president and we going back to Mantan Moreland and Sleep ‘n’ Eat?”

The Bamboozler goes on to say:

“We’ve had this discussion back and forth. When John Singleton [made "Boyz in the Hood"], people came out to see it. But when he did “Rosewood,” nobody showed up. So a lot of this is on us! You vote with your pocketbook, your wallet. You vote with your time sitting in front of the idiot box, and [Tyler Perry] has a huge audience. We shouldn’t think that Tyler Perry is going to make the same film that I am going to make, or that John Singleton or my cousin Malcolm Lee [would make]. As African Americans, we’re not one monolithic group so there is room for all of that. But at the same time, for me, the imaging is troubling and it harkens back to “Amos n’ Andy.””

Last night, TP responded to Lee on “60 Minutes” by saying:

Sadly, this is just one more internal debate amongst African Americans being hashed out on a national platform and it’s almost impossible not to take sides given our history in this country. Alas, what’s done is done, and the battle wages on.

Spike’s commitment to uplifting the Black community throughout his accomplished career is unquestionable. Upon reflecting on his catalogue of work, it’s also pretty evident that he’s a proponent for progress in general as he strives to present stories that deal with a myriad of themes from coming-of-age (Crooklyn) and homosexuality (She Hate Me). Within each film, he manages to capture the intricacies of every day life, but always with the African American audience in mind.

Nevertheless, it’s clear that Tyler aims to uplift our community as well, covering subject matters that affect many Black Americans with humor and hope. We’ve all witnessed the evolution of his Spike Lee’s film career over the past 2 decades. Perhaps in another 15 years or so, Perry’s body of work will show that he is, in fact, not in the business of ‘holding us back.’ Some of his recent films have been absent of the alleged “coonery” of which Lee speaks. “Why Did I Get Married” is a prime example free of minstrel-like imagery.

Many are inclined to focus on the debate between these two dynamic gentlemen, but a large portion of the contention belongs to the big film studios. If they didn’t back and distribute Perry’s films (or any films accused of perpetuating stereotypes) this debate would not exist.

Sure, many cringe when they see Madea pull a gat out from under them large droopy tits or the eye popping of that Mantanish fat fellow from “Meet the ~~Blacks~~ Browns,” but many of us find that stuff pretty hilarious too. Is it possible that both Perry and Lee only differ in the manner in which they present similar ideals or is this a case of “progress vs. regress”? To echo Lee’s initial statement, every artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors. But like the saying goes, “with great power, comes great responsibility.”

Clutchettes and gents, what say you? — Buffonery, or not buffonery: that is the question.

Worth Watching: Tyler Perry Fires Back at Spike Lee – Foxxology Report says:

October 26, 2009 at 8:42 am

[...] Spotted @ Clutch: Is it possible that both Perry and Lee only differ in the manner in which they present similar ideals or is this a case of “progress vs. regress”? To echo Lee’s initial statement, every artist should be allowed to pursue their artistic endeavors. But like the saying goes, “with great power, comes great opportunity.” (Read More) [...]

↑ Reply

Debra M. says:

October 26, 2009 at 2:30 pm

Both Spike and Tyler have presented images of Black people and life that make for uncomfortableness. I like the work they both are doing and I believe they will do what all artists do — grow over time. I don’t think Tyler’s work is coonery, although the accused buffoonery does exist and it’s funny. There are a lot of shows I watch the feature buffoonery, to me it’s just people showing off the crazy side of humanity. Now, if Black people are not allowed to be people just like other people, then what are we saying? To me this debate is part of a sensitivity that goes with being Black. It points up our growing pains.

Rachelle says:

October 26, 2009 at 2:45 pm

I’m not a HUGE Tyler Perry fan myself…but I think Spike’s comments are a bit unnessary. Even if he does have a point. The Black experience is NOT monolithic and so therefore the black art will have many varying voices. Black people are humans…just like everybody else.
That being said…I think it’s important that Black artists support each other. As corny as some of his movies are, Tyler Perry has given many black actors and producers jobs. Not to mention, he has a black-owned production studio.

DJ_CagedBird says:

October 26, 2009 at 3:10 pm

I saw this last night and I was hurt by Spike Lee’s comment. I am a huge supporter of both of these “autors” and seeing one attack the other was not pleasant. I do understand what he meant by what he said, however, a discussion with Tyler Perry would have been best. Support over destruction!
Spike should have talked to him, or even tried to mentor Tyler in his directing journey. Why the harsh, demeaning, snobish language? Spike Lee has an audience and a motive, why attack another director about his audience and his motive? This was also a very destructive article on 60 minutes. This served as wrecking ball to the “house” that is black hollywood.

keke says:

October 26, 2009 at 3:25 pm

I don’t really enjoy the charges of coonery and minstrel show. I just think those terms do not promote conversation and debate.

I am not a TP fan. I did watch Why Did I Get Married and it was better than his other movies but I probably will never watch it again. I have many issues with the characters of TP movies, particularly the fact that they seem so one dimensional. He hammers the point home, he kills his ants with sledgehammers. he tends to work on the angel vs. demons spectrum where the good characters are so good they are angels and the bad characters are so bad you wish they would die a slow painful death. He characters lack complexity for me.

This leads me to his characterization of women that I tend to have issues with. Many times the women who are professionals tend to be uptight, selfish, greedy, attitudes. the women who are housewives or prostitutes, addicts tend to have hearts of gold. It’s so cut and dry and it lacks the complexity of human nature. Ppl are good and bad, with quality character traits and flaws. No one is perfect. I do applaud Perry for not waiting on hollywood and doing his own thing and hiring black actors but I still am not a fan and I choose not to support his work.

I don’t think that Lee’s work is perfect either. He has definitely reinforced some negative stereotypes of black women in his movie career as well.

I don’t mind the debate being played out. It is ok for black ppl to disagree in public, it has nothing to do with bringing down the race. I just think that Lee could have come with a better argument cause the coonery claim is highly offensive and just silly.

Glennisha Morgan says:

October 26, 2009 at 3:27 pm

I truly believe that this whole thing is very unnecessary. I personally think that you cannot compare these two filmmakers. Comparing these two is like comparing Nas and Jay-Z. They’re both two totally different filmmakers. I think Spike Lee is definitely out of place and he’s sitting on a high horse. I am so sick of some Black people thinking that they are better than other Black people. I am also beyond tired of Black people worrying about what White people think of us or how they view us. The Black community and the world needs both Tyler Perry and Spike Lee. Instead of arguing over who is better and who makes “coonery” the two could unite and host a film making camp for underprivileged Black youth.

ceecee says:

October 26, 2009 at 3:39 pm

@ keke, TP doesn’t just have a thing against women, he has a class complex. With the exception of Why Did I Get Married, the antagonists are almost always the educated people – male or female.

He needs to stop boohooing about if people critique him unfairly or not, man up and keep handling your business.

Harlem Chic says:

October 26, 2009 at 3:50 pm

It really shouldn’t have to be either or. I really understand what Spike is saying but there are so many threads to the Black Experience and he should know better than to come off about Tyler’s work that way. It’s hurtful when your own kind takes a cheap shot at you; but it’s to be expected. Tyler didn’t go to film school (Lee did), Tyler is a commercial success (Lee is a critical success…but Tyler is making serious bank and I think it gives Spike Lee a serious case of the salty beans.

Spike has to understand and respect that not all audiences want a history lesson on black sophistication. Some of us do want to laugh to keep from crying and we have to respect that that’s a desired part of the human experience.

Trudy Tate says:

October 26, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Spike Lee’s films do not portray women in a positive light. They are often screeching, Sapphire-like wenches who only function as sex objects or nags. And who has Spike really helped in Hollywood? Is there a Spike Lee soundstage putting black actors to work that I don’t know about? Tyler Perry has one and he employs actors – like the heavyset black man – who otherwise won’t get work. Spike is jealous and just wants to be THE black director. But his time has passed.

Tiffy says:

October 26, 2009 at 5:03 pm

All honesty I don’t feel that Spike Lee is completely wrong however I do watch Tyler Perry movies because they do have positive messages too, characters like Mr. Brown and Madea do exist in the black community to some extent. The big problem with Tyler Perry Movies to me is that people outside of the black community look at these characters and think that’s how black people are which is not the case and through the work of other directors like Spike Lee you see other sides of black people and those other views should be just as supported as Tyler Perry’s views. However when it comes down to it the both a very good directors with very different styles and should appreciate each others differences and should support one another because there aren’t many black directors that are super successful out there.

Loquacious_ says:

October 26, 2009 at 5:36 pm

I see Spike’s point of view; however, I wish he would have simply called Tyler and said it directly to him. I mean, its Spike Lee. Are you telling me Spike couldn’t have gotten Tyler’s number from someone and just called him up?

I think it is safe to say Spike Lee is about empowering and uplifting the black American community. That shouldn’t stop on a movie set. Spike should have took his disappointment directly to Tyler and they discussed it amongst themselves. Perry can learn from Spike and vice versa but no one is going to want to learn from a person that is talking $%&^ about you to a national audience. Empower and uplift Spike, empower and uplift.

Rasul Sha'ir says:

October 26, 2009 at 5:45 pm

I have not seen a Tyler Perry movie to date (and don’t plan on it anytime soon) but I am completely in support of Tyle Perry as an an artist and an entrepreneurial thinker. The African American community has forever complained about how we need to support “black businesses” yet when one comes up in a field where we have been absent and have been unable to sway little if any influence (movie producing in Hollywood), many in the African American community show no love – which they have a right to. Which brings to light the issue of – because you’re black and I’m black am I suppose to support you? Even if its something which I don’t like and reflects nothing about who I am or what I enjoy (the culture reflected and lifestyle in TP’s moveies and shows)? African American life in 1949,’59, ‘69, or ‘79 is not the same as African American life in 2009. Racism isn’t gone (don’t get it twisted) but we need to create a much more sophisticated conversation about African American life and address the nuances and dynamics of being “black” in this country in the 21st century.

anonygrl says:

October 26, 2009 at 8:59 pm

i think tyler’s perry nonresponse to spike lee says a lot:

It’s attitudes like that that make Hollywood think that these people do not exist and that’s why there’s no material speaking to them.

you mean mammy? madea is everything white america wants to believe about american blackfolk–that we’re ghetto, uncivilized, and that even our sweet little old grandmas are waiting to shoot you! but then she’ll cook you some chitlins and take you to church while preaching abstinence to your 13 yr old child who gets pregnant. we’ve worked SO HARD to have these degrading images (mammy, minstrel shows) to NOT represent us, only for one of “our own” to keep it going and call it, “art based on people we all have in our family. bs. the madea character represents neither of my grandmothers–they may have been sassy from time to time (like all old people) but they weren’t like that.

[The characters are] disarming, charming, make-you-laugh bait so I can slap Madea in something and talk about God, love, faith, forgiveness, family, any of those things.”

the characters are disarming, charming, make-you-laugh, “bait”…sounds like coonery to me. black characters with no substance, there for nothing but comic relief and to ease the fears of white folks–nothing more, nothing less. also: while i am a christian, it’s unnerving that tyler perry assumes that every black christian is the same with the same beliefs. we’re not all southern baptist, some of us are liberal christians who like “white churches.” but hey, being a monolith is easier, right? and i’m not even going to start on how his ideas of “love, fath, forgiveness, and family” means the women submitting to the man and popping out a kid or stop being evil and doing things like HAVING A CAREER (lord, noooo!) or *making more money than him*

/end rage :)

Kim Ciszek-Kane says:

October 26, 2009 at 9:37 pm

Oh my goodness, I didn’t watch the 60 Minutes interview, but I do not like Tyler Perry movies…. Period! Spike is right, its so stereotypical it makes me want to puke…… Yes, he pulled himself up and out of the his situation of being homeless at one-time, blah, blah, blah, but I get a feeling of ‘insecurity’ in watching and reading on Mr. Perry! His movies are pure foolishness to me and that is my opinion…….

October 26, 2009 at 10:02 pm

******** correction********

insincerity

Cece says:

October 27, 2009 at 12:43 am

@DJ_CagedBird

It’s to early to call tyler perry an auteur because he has not proved himself creatively yet. As a director he does not do anything interesting with the camera. As a writers his characters are still really one dimensional. That being said I think he is an excellent business man. I admire that he is not waiting on hollywood to help get his films made. I also appraciate that fact that he is giving roles to black actresses. Directors that are considered auteurs are Hitchcock, Scorsese, and Spike Lee.

Charlene says:

October 27, 2009 at 12:38 pm

October 27, 2009 at 12:39 pm

Spike should really get over himself, I enjoy his work but it they haven’t been the most uplifting works of genius! Clockers, really???!!! There was a good post on Spatterblog about Spike Lee’s sillyness and i agree..!!! Get over yourself Spike…

October 27, 2009 at 2:52 pm

@ceecee,

yes, you are right. i agree

sloane says:

October 27, 2009 at 3:13 pm

@djcagedbird- it’s auteur.

i agree with spike. i’ve watched quite a few of tyler perry’s movie’s and it brings to mind chiltin circuit storylines and overacting. i think his movies are overly moralistic and prostelytize christianity way too much to be thought of as complex and thought provoking. and i feel he makes a mockery of women in that ridiculous,loud, and ignorant madea get up. i refuse to put “diary of a mad black woman” in the same league as “malcolm x”. he knows what kind of work he creates and he knows that it is in no way as profound as spike’s.

October 27, 2009 at 3:15 pm

@anonygirl-yes! you described my thoughts completely.

October 27, 2009 at 3:24 pm

@glennisha- it’s not about some black people thinking they are better then others, it’s about black people not tolerating other blacks who exploit stereotypes like madea (mammy) and sanaa lathan’s character in the family that preys (jezebel) for his own personal glory and bank account. he’s trying to tell him that if you’re going to direct movies do something that doesn’t reinforce negative stereotypes and bring more complex character studies of black people to the table. stop relying on the same old bullshit to make you money.

designsdelight says:

October 27, 2009 at 5:04 pm

I disagree with those who think Spike Lee is jealous, he told everyone how he feels.

I have some strange comments like Spike Lee has not made opportunities for anyone in Hollywood, I do not know if people know what it was like in the 1980s virtually there were no black films except the cops ones like Beverly Hills and Danny Glover but they were not black produced.

If we look at the influence of Holy wood on the Black comunity we have to examine the mistakes which we made in the 1970s with the blaxploitation error.

That is when the whole black underbelly really took root.

If someone can criticise gangster rap then they have every right to criticise exploitation films.

The problem is that people these days believe that everything black produced is beyond critism. Bill Cosby despite what he did for black television was told he was the upper class and he should shut up.

ericka says:

October 27, 2009 at 5:39 pm

I can never understand why we think his work is coonery( i know people just like his characters..are they coons? um..no)..and i am usually pretty good at spotting out coonery, but i NEVER knew so many people were irritated by his work. I think that tyler perry is an artist, a writer and a storyteller who tells a certain type of story..that comes from his heart, and his passion in a certain way..SO BE IT. I think spike lee is an INCREDIBLE producer/director, and artist who tells a certain type of story..that comes from his heart, and his passions in a certain type of way…SO BE IT, why on earth do we all have to tell the same stories in the same ways..i say let tyler perry be..lets talk more about helping the indie filmmakers who want to suggest positive roles in their films that some of you are looking for..debating who is right or wrong on this issue is pointless..art is art..some people find a blank canvas art while others find it ridiculous..Why do our have to always be compared to each other in this way..geez…So BE IT!!!

Juliana says:

October 27, 2009 at 6:06 pm

Let’s call it a draw and give both men a Coon Award. Neither of them do Black women any favors…

Kimber Q. says:

October 27, 2009 at 11:21 pm

The coonery is that this is out in the public. Why can’t this just be private. I mean neither of them are doing anything to spectacular for the black community anyway

jean says:

October 28, 2009 at 12:01 pm

Why is Spike Lee so jealous of this man? Spike helped to open the door for Tyler Perry. Spike should be proud of Tyler like a son and glad that Tyler has become so successful and is making so much money. Every Tyler Perry movie I go to see, the theater is packed. Spike stop hating like crabs in a barrel.

diannawest says:

October 28, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Spike lee needs a life a project or just plain ole attention like really? Im not sure about the whole interview but who asked his opinion on Tyler perry?What is he the only one allowed to make movies that uplift black people? The only buffoonery I see is him running off at the mouth about another man black or white doing his thing making money and trying to shed some positivity where he can. lets not forget this man (perry) was homeless not just poor, living on the street assed out homeless and hes come miles from that applause should be giving not hate, and lets be honest without meet the browns or the other show what black shows are in constant rotation that are positive. and lastly let us stop putting the pressure on every other famous black person to set examples for the black community if white folks look at fictional characters to tell them that’s who we are then let that be their ignorance because there’s a whole lot of white trash that they should be ashamed of on tv and in real life.

Gia says:

October 28, 2009 at 7:27 pm

I cannot believe how some people are demonizing Spike in defense of Perry. Are people aware of all the films and documentaries he’s made? His counter-culture messages? Spike Lee is a man on a mission – Tyler Perry is on a different level. He DOES have some offensive characters in his movies and tv shows. Don’t people see that? Spike Lee is not a god but he doesn’t deserved to be shat on like he’s some small time sucka or something.

October 28, 2009 at 9:06 pm

Spike Lee has made an effort to hire black crew members, teamsters, and bring stories that might not have gotten told to the screen. I think spike has proven himself as a filmaker, just look at the shots in 25th hour. I also don’t think he is jealous of the money perry is making because he knows that his films are not as commerical. If people do not think that perry’s characters are coon at least aknowledge that they are one dimentional. For example he creates theses almost mustache twirling villians. The heroes are always perfect saints. In real life things are not this black and white there is a grey area that perry refuses to aknowledge. Not only are these characters one dimensional but then he uses them again and again in all his movies.

melissa says:

October 29, 2009 at 12:07 pm

there is no mutually exclusive way to be Black and our imagery in art should reflect that! It is more than excusable for us to have several perspectives it is necessary. Spike Lee’s comments were dismissive and aggressive but evocative of the feelings of a large sector of the African American Community and Tyler Perry’s response was underwhelming and defensive. I encourage the debate. However, I believe that thus far it has been unintelligible and needs to be far more reflective of our intellect as a people. Come on Spike spouting words like Coonery and buffonery are like saying “yo Mama” articulate why or what portions of the characters evoke that feeling for you…substantiate your argument…Amos n Andy were successful Black actors when there were few- to disregard them and their contribution is disrespectful. Contextualize your argument in the strides we have made to date. And Tyler grow up and articulate yourself in words other than bruised ego and hurt feelings! Yes, your work is targeted toward an audience that may appreciate the implausibility of some of it and the caricatures that it brings forth but why have you chosen to go this specific route in contrast to a more life like/ round portrayal of the community. There is merit in presenting both sides…lets be real it would be irresponsible to sell the world on the fantasy that there are no one dimensional Black people in the world. I have met a host of one dimensional people from assorted races. My only concern is that the debate is aptly and correctly framed to address the issues at hand!

chelobello says:

October 29, 2009 at 12:28 pm

Why should these two MEN do black women any favors? Whether or not I like TP (thumps down) or Spike (thumbs up) they are both artists, which mean their films are a representation of their home life, education, religious views, past relationships, and everything else that makes up the fiber of the soul.
We are drawn to art that mirrors our own views about life. Artists are not responsible for reflecting the image you want them to display. As an artist, your only responsibility is to be true to YOURSELF! So if Tyler Perry wants to make ten more movies with a gun-slinging Media then so be it; it’s his damn show. If you still have a problem with the way black women are portrayed seek out artists/producers/writers who reflect your beliefs. Don’t wait for the positive black woman on the television screen; live it in your own skin.

lee says:

October 29, 2009 at 12:49 pm

you know… it really pisses me off that we can’t allow each other to live and breathe without criticizing how deep the other person inhales. why shouldn’t people like madea have airtime? i’ll be honest with you, i know plenty of real world people that act just like that. does that mean they are a disgrace to the black race? hell no! why the hell are black people so afraid of what white america thinks of us? they have no problem being goofy or making movies with one dimensional characters (um hello… soap operas!) the minute a black man does it he has to be on some coonery and buffoonery? this is exacly why black folks will never get ahead. we have too much of a problem accepting every aspect of who we are. i also do not like tyler perry movies… but i don’t like soap operas either.

October 29, 2009 at 1:02 pm

and don’t even get me started on those movies on lifetime. they are extremely one dimensional.

Jody says:

October 29, 2009 at 1:34 pm

I’m not a Tyler Perry fan and I do find a lot of his stuff coonish especially Meet the Browns and he shouls aspire higher. That said Spike is I think a bit jealous and a self-righteous jerk. Mr Racecard himself. A lot of movies are crappy, having a good idea and making a good movie are not the same thing. I saw Girl Six, that was crap. Jim Carey and Jerry Lewis got rich playing fools, so Tyler is not different. Don’t like it, don’t watch. Actually they should work together and hire someone to write it because neither of them can.

October 29, 2009 at 1:36 pm

I agree with Melissa, Spike’s name-calling is juvenile.

designdiva says:

October 29, 2009 at 2:33 pm

I happen to like Tyler Perry movies. I liked some of Spike Lee’s movies, but he really needs to check himself. IMO, if we women want movies with “positive black women” why are we waiting for MEN to make these movies? I haven’t seen hardly any movies with positive female roles…..

LD says:

October 30, 2009 at 1:48 pm

I don’t love Spike’s depictions of women. Out of the two…I prefer Tyler’s movies…but neither of them have ever captured my experience.

Simone says:

October 30, 2009 at 7:32 pm

Wow, it’s so amazing that so many women here are defending Tyler Perry, a man who mocks Black women and portrays us in the worst possible stereotypes.

Q says:

October 31, 2009 at 12:42 am

I’ve sat in 2 Tyler Perry movies and frankly, while I’m glad he’s made a lot of money, I won’t be wasting any more of mine to see them. I like a movie that is a more cerebral and doesn’t throw every stereotype about blacks that ever existed at me. While I may not like every Spike Lee movie out there, what a difference a background in film making makes.

Ms Thang says:

October 31, 2009 at 1:06 am

I think that Spike Lee is WAY out of line with those comments. He had the nerve to say that Tyler Perry’s movies were going back to the days of Amos and Andy but what about the movies he made Girl6. and She’s Gotta Have It? These movies weren’t exactly UPLIFTING for the black community either. “Judge not, Spike, Lest you be judged.”

Angela says:

November 1, 2009 at 7:54 am

Um…I am honestly baffled by the coon comments made by most anti-TP black movie viewers. I have yet to hear a mass of whites chortling over the so-called coon/mammy/sapphire images allegedly seen in TP’s films as indicative of black America. Shouldn’t we be angrier that whites ARE viewing the hip-hop culture as indactive of black America? In fact, if you watch the ending credits of his plays, there are white fans of his work who just say they love Madea and the messages portrayed in the plays–so where is the “setting back of blacks”?

This whole TP debate smacks of black people still viewing themselves through the lenses of what whites think of them. I watch TP’s plays and films and while I don’t think he’s Alfred Hitchcock or Ernst Lubitsch, they are funny, enjoyable, and message-filled.

And I can’t stand the whole “coon” and “mammy” thing being thrown around–I bet 90% of those constantly lobbying this at TP have never seen an extensive number of old hollywood films and studied how each and every black actor and actress was portrayed (not all “mammy’s” were the same–Hattie McDaniels was sassy and talks back to her white employers, Louise Beavers was soft-spoken and gentle, etc etc).

FAYMOUS FYA says:

November 2, 2009 at 3:51 pm

I THINK SPIKE LEE IS RIDUCULOUS. IN MANY COUNTRIES IN THE MOTHERLAND GOS IS A WOMAN. MANY TRIBES HAVE THE MEN DRESS AS A BIG FAT LADY TO SCARE AWAY EVIL SPIITS. TYLER PERRY IS SHOWING THE MATRIARCHY OF THE BLACK NATION OUR BLACK MADONNA AND HOW VER REAL AND TANGIBLE SHE IS

Rhonda says:

November 3, 2009 at 3:57 pm

What Spike is suggesting is ridiculous. Has he ever watched some of the sit-coms now on t.v.? Example: The Office. Tyler Perry is not portraying people that do not exist and I would hardly call it coonery and buffoonery. Spike, do your thing and encourage Tyler and others to do their thing.

tdenine says:

November 9, 2009 at 6:08 pm

I am with Spike, to an extent.
I don’t think his negative comments towards Perry were necessary because he’s not helping the problem. If Spike REALLY wanted to help, he would approach Perry man to man and explain to him, as a veteran in this industry, as a big brother in directing and producing, why he dis-likes Perry’s style. He could give him a candid critique of his work, and possibly work with him to make him better at what he does, or at least respectfully let Perry know how he (Spike) would cut out the buffoonery but still get Perry’s points across that deal with hope, and the benefits of God’s love.