Tyler Perry’s Madea Minstrel Show

Critical Pariah

The exploitation of historically exaggerated black caricatures is a fundamental feature of Tyler Perry’s work. The Madea films thrive on an ugly mix of minstrelsy and moralism.

Published Dec. 13 2013 5:45AM EST

articles/2013/12/13/tyler-perry-s-madea-minstrel-show/131212-madea-show-tease2_buhrqj — Lionsgate

Tyler Perry represents the essence of the unanswerable chicken-and-egg question: can something be good because it’s popular or does its popularity demand that it be good in the first place?

articles/2013/12/13/tyler-perry-s-madea-minstrel-show/131212-madea-show-tease2_wftuvg

In a matter of just a few years, Perry has written, directed, and acted his way to stratospheric success on par...

Rawiya Kameir

Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.

Tyler Perry’s Madea Minstrel Show

The exploitation of historically exaggerated black caricatures is a fundamental feature of Tyler Perry’s work. The Madea films thrive on an ugly mix of minstrelsy and moralism.

We think “subscriber” would look good on you. Join now to unlock access.

Don't miss this subscriber exclusive article.

Monthly Plan

$1 Trial

Yearly Plan

$35 Year One

Ad Free Plan

$100 per year

Rawiya Kameir