Lawd, Jesus hep me; I done had enough

… of the Old Black Christian Wise Woman character. She is my aunt, my grandmother, my friends’ mother, my neighbor, my mother’s friend, my co-worker. Of course we all love her. She raised us. She loved us, watched over us and cared for us and sacrificed for us. And of course, in real life we celebrate these women (or we should, anyway) Even still…
    
… I want this broad gone!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
… from the silver screen, that is.    

(Worth noting, is her ubiquitous presence on TV; even more so than in movies)    

Seems like Hollywood has become complacent with the depiction of “over-60” black actresses in film, since they’re all portrayed the same way. She’s always praising the Lord, calling Jesus’ name, praying to Jesus and spouting out grandmotherly wisdom (with a Christian or Baptist slant). Hollywood feels comfortable with her… and we (as filmmakers and as black moviegoers) do, too.
    
Filmmakers:  Ooooooooooh Be daannnggeerroouuss. Go out on a limb. Something new, perhaps.  Just once. Just one time. Just once, for Goddsakes…
    
… I’d like to see black 50-60 year old actresses have a chance to play a woman who:
    
     is an atheist, a Buddhist, a Jew, a Satanist
     acts too young for her age
     still takes a hit uses cocaine
     cares that her tits are sagging
     is getting work done so they won’t sag
     who still works… as a plumber, or a yoga instructor
     rolls a blunt better than most
     is in love with her nephew
     has her first lesbian affair
     is not wise and possesses no real wisdom or enlightenment of any kind
     is without children
     is without grandchildren
     is starting a business
     skis
     just started blogging
     enjoys Sushi
     owns a pair of leather pants

You guys get the point. I’m done with the stereotypical image of over-60 black women in motion pictures. And it’s not about wanting filmmakers to go against the grain just for the sake of going against the grain. That’s silly. And it’s not about wanting to see a middle-aged or mature person behaving as a teenager. I just want to see another image of the over-60 black woman because their lives are worth seeing. There is value in their lives, too. And the world needs to see them, as far as I’m concerned.    
   
It’s time to broaden the spectrum. I want to see someone else. 
    
Don’t you?

Comments

[shion]

Eartha Kitt seduce Eddie Murphy in the beginning of Boomerang...remember that one? She had own lingerie and was purring and shit.

[theblackactor.com]

Yes. Yes. Yes, Shion!!! Exactly. I'd forgotten about that. Kitt was funny and very entertaining in that role! I'm glad you reminded us about her!!!

[theblackactor.com]

I'm so glad you mentioned her. That character was refreshing. She was. LOL.

[MOONLIGHTONWATER]

This iconic character is exhausting, over-exposed and based upon the assumption that she exists in most African-American households; which may be true, but is not what I (nor my circle of friends) have been personally exposed to. She is a comforting and nurturing character in the a-sexual 'mammy' or 'aunt jemimah' context and it is unfortunate that this image has persevered for so long without fair counter balance.

[theblackactor.com]

@ Moonlightwater

I agree with you word for word!

[theblackactor.com]

@ Moonlightwater

and I forgot to say...

You make a good point. That is not everybody's experience. Times have changed. Experiences have changed. People have changed.

[silky jumbo]

to be honest with you, i'd like to see those choices in a black woman ages 21-50 too.

[theblackactor.com]

@Jumbo

Truth be told, Jumbo... I agree with you.

[Kimi]

altho she was motherly at times & I think Christian, another one who was different was the grandmother on Family Matters, who always acted younger than her age, dated a lot & was enjoying her "senior citizenship" LOL.

I think part of the problem is also white writers writing AA characters, as described above by the Black Actor, is all they know & they can't get away from it.

[theblackactor.com]

@Kimi

... then that lady don't count. She can't be "motherly". LOL.

[LaJane Galt]

yep! You just described Mammy.

Now, there is one take on religious black church lady that I thought was funny. The remake of the Ladykillers w/ Irma Hall.

The scenes where she is with her church friends and the cuts to her husband's portrait killed me!

[BraystreetBoy]

I want to see some big-haired,big boob black babes
like Scary Spice or Brandy.