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He Says ‘Honoring’ Those Who ‘Made Me Who I Am’
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In response to Spike Lee's recent criticism of his work, Tyler Perry has issued a statement defending his films and their place in African American culture.
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Perry says that he is "honoring" the older generations of black artists who have influenced him, and that his films are meant to be entertaining rather than didactic.
Image Credit - Google images
Image Credit - Google images
He also argues that African American audiences have been underserved by Hollywood,
And that his films are providing a much-needed outlet for their stories and perspectives.
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Perry's statement comes after Lee denounced Perry's work as "coonery and buffoonery" in an interview with Vibe magazine.
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Lee has been a long-time critic of Perry's work, arguing that it perpetuates negative stereotypes of black people.
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In his statement, Perry says that he has "the utmost respect" for Lee, but disagrees with+ his assessment of his work.
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He argues that Lee is "entitled to his opinion," but that he himself is "entitled to make the kind of entertainment that I want to make."
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Perry also takes issue with the idea that his films are not "serious" or "important," arguing
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That they are meant to be entertaining and provide a much-needed outlet for African American stories.
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