'Tropical Thunder': Is it a Minstrel Show? Or Is It Simply Funny?

I've received dozens of emails from friends who are concerned about the new Ben Stiller movie, 'Tropical Thunder'. In my latest installment of "Ask an Articulate Black Guy", I try to help them determine if the movie is actually funny, or if something is not quite right...

The movie is a satirical spoof on Hollywood's perverted love affair with war movies - and with itself. The person at the heart of the controversy is Robert Downey Jr. (no surprise there!!!). The character played by Downey Jr. is that of a megalomaniac white actor taking on a role originally written for a black actor, and rather than re-write the part, he employs method acting and becomes a black guy. THAT is the satire... the film centers on a group of pompous actors making the most expensive Vietnam war movie ever made.

Entertainment Weekly noted Ben Stiller as saying... "he was 'trying to push it as far as you can within reality,' with the intent of satirising over-the-top actors, not African-Americans."

The movie is a spoof not on blacks, but on the movie industry in general - especially pompous actors. I've included a link to the trailer above - it's actually pretty funny!

So, for all of you out there wondering if its okay to go see the movie because you do not want to appear either racist or to be contributing to the exploitation of black actors - you are hereby given permission to go view the film guilt-free.

After all, its a comedy, folks!

DISCLAIMER: Yes, the effort at satire is risky, especially with the P.C. police out looking for anything remotely touching the race issue. However, I am giving Stiller and Downey Jr. the benefit of the doubt - unless the movie falls flat on its face, in which case I hope they burn in hell for all eternity for their transgressions...

Finally, Please note: No black actors where harmed in the making of this blog post.