[JR21135]

There has been some controversy over the movie ‘Barber Shop’ starring Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer. The controversy stems from some comments made by Cedric’s character about those we commonly think of as African-American role models, such as Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Jesse Jackson. To other African Americans who have seen this movie: Do you believe these people should be off limits for this type of ridicule, or are some of us being too sensitive, and is all the commotion ‘much ado about nothing’?

User Detail :  

Name : JR21135, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 32, City : Franklin, State : VA, Country : United States, Occupation : Systems Analyst, Education level : 4 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Aaron]

I think more than the subjects being off limits, it shows us that in the barber shop (black or white) any subject, no matter how sacred, can be talked about. I go to my barber every week, not just for the haircut, but to hear what is being talked about. I think that scene in the movie was saying more than anything that no subject is off limits here, you can talk about whatever and have your say on anything if you want. But in my barber shop, you better be able to back it up or they will talk you out of there!

User Detail :  

Name : Aaron, Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Baptist, Age : 31, City : Palo Alto, State : CA, Country : United States, Occupation : Customer Service Rep, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[K.C.L.]

I think people are being just a little too sensitive. What was being shown in that scene was the kind of discussion that goes on in a barber shop. I have heard a few people (African Americans) say that about Rosa Parks before, but not about Martin. But if you remember, in the movie everyone else in the shop was condemning him for saying those things. Another reason I think there has been too much negative attention is that this is one of the most succesful black films in a while. I think on issues about black people, we like to point to one negative aspect and miss the greatness of the larger picture. It opened at No. 1. Not a lot of mainstream movies can say that.

User Detail :  

Name : K.C.L., Gender : F, Race : Black/African American, Age : 20, City : Berea, State : KY, Country : United States, Occupation : Student, 

[D-Finney]

I’m not sure. On one hand I think that we should be grateful for what they have done, but also I think we should have some sense of humor. I am leaning more toward the first, though.

User Detail :  

Name : D-Finney, Gender : F, Race : Black/African American, Age : 27, City : St. Louis, State : MO, Country : United States, Education level : 2 Years of College, Social class : Middle class, 

[Isiah L.]

I believe that what was said on the movie screen was taken out of context. White people can say whatever they want to say about blacks but as soon as our own people make light of a event such as Rosa Parks sitting in the front of the bus every thing is blown way out of proportion. It was only a joke for a movie but ‘the white devil’ along with Jessie Jackson would want you to believe that they are traitors or disgraceful.

User Detail :  

Name : Isiah L., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Age : 18, City : Chicago, State : IL, Country : United States, Education level : High School Diploma, Social class : Middle class, 

[Trey S.]

Those comments were inappropriate and disrespectful. The movie could have held its own without them. Some things must be kept sacred in a world where few things are sacred anymore.

User Detail :  

Name : Trey S., Gender : M, Sexual Orientation : Straight, Race : Black/African American, Religion : Christian, Age : 22, City : Valdosta, State : GA, Country : United States, Occupation : Education, Education level : 4 Years of College, 

[Author]

Posts