After learning more about the Nguzo Saba I believe that the Nguzo Saba value systems largely contributed to the success and progression of the African American community. By having these core set of values and principles this has allowed the African American community to unite with a common set of structured goals in order to achieve harmony among the community, family, and individuals. The progression of the African American community has increased over time, and although the African American community still faces many struggles they have certainly come along way.
In the Harvey & Hill article they discuss the ways in which Nguzo Saba principles are used today in interventions with youth and families to promote resilience in at risk African American youths. The Rites of Passage program consists of three interventions: an after-school component, family enhancement and empowerment activities, and individual and family counseling. The seven principles of the Nguzo Saba are an important component of the program, and the youth learn and recite the principles in a unity circle at the after-school program.
Tyler Perry's films are a form of "Kuumba," one of the seven principles of Nguzo Saba, which means creativity. His films exhibit the African American community, their conditions, and their reality through comical situations. Creating a piece of art such as film is beneficial for arts sake because making movies makes the world a "more beautiful an beneficial" place, which is what the principle of kuumba embodies. Perry's films reflect regression for Black Americans because he highlights stereotypes that are placed upon Black Americans in todays society, and although they are intended to be comical and poke fun, these stereotype are a reality for many people and aren't always a joking matter.
I think you make a a lot of valid points Rachel, but I don't think that Tyler Perry's films should be labeled as regressive for the African American community because it contains, stereotypes. Stereotypes are everywhere and labeling a filmmaker as regressive for his target audience, because it contains stereotypes I think is an unfair label. Perry's films always go back to one or many of Nguzo Saba's principles that serve as great example to apply in the every day world.
ReplyDeleteHello Rachel I like what you are saying about the seven principles and the details of how they are a positive influence to improve the interventions. But I think Tyler Perry was trying to show African Americans in a modern way. This types of examples of their movies could also be seen as a moral so that the rest of the community knows what improvements need to be done. I doubt he was trying to offend his own culture. But then again I am not familiar with too many of his shows.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your thoughts about Tyler Perry's films. I agree that a lot of times he pokes fun at stereotypes which isn't always a joking matter, but that his films serve a purpose and incorporate Kuumba. However, I believe he uses his talent do to more than regress black americans. By looking at all the things that could go wrong and feeding into certain stereotypical views, I feel that he is using this to uplift his audience. Basically showing them how to overcome obstacles so that perhaps it could transition off screen if someone is dealing with similar things in their life.
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