I enjoyed watching Kenya Barris’ show Black-ish and found out a few months ago about his new production #BlackAF. The show can be laugh-out-loud funny most of the time and shows a somewhat dysfunctional wealthy black family that I find refreshing.
In the fifth episode, Kenya attempts to get to the bottom of the debate as to why black creators are either comfortable or uncomfortable sharing their critiques. He pays a visit to Tyler Perry, whose work is often at the epicenter of debate, to get his opinion.
During the pandemic, I’ve become more and more like Mr. Tyler Perry. At this point in my life, the truth for me is there’s freedom in being true to yourself and not caring about what other people think. It’s important to trust a select few to share opinions with. It’s good to have a few close people you can confide in; people who you know have your best interest at heart.
Some people aren’t going to like you. There is nothing you can do about it. I can count on one hand the number of people’s opinions in my life that actually affect me in any significant way. I’ve been called all kinds of names over the years because of my strong opinions. I think it’s funny when I read comments calling me a dead beat dad or a misogynist. They really have no idea who I really am if they use those words to describe me. Am I going to waste my mental energy on total strangers that don’t even matter in the end?
Why waste time trying to get everyone to like you? It’s impossible.
Listen to Tyler drop some words of wisdom in this scene. Check out the show on Netflix if you can.
Thought-Provoking Articles:
“Lockdown forever” – Tom Slater in spiked says enough is enough: “Western societies once put a pretty high bar on when civil liberties should be suspended, but today the precautionary principle rules.”
The Ugly Side of New York’s Outdoor Dining Renaissance - When sidewalk cafes collide with the city’s inadequate response to homelessness.
“The Dystopian Age of the Mask” – Thomas Crew in The Critic finds mask-mania was anticipated nearly a century ago
The Logic Of Bell Curve Leftism - A twist not many of us saw coming.
The Share of Never-Married Americans Has Reached a New High - What could have contributed to the sharp rise of unmarried adults among less-advantaged Americans in recent decades, especially since 2000?
Something Interesting
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Clayton Craddock is an independent thinker, father of two beautiful children in New York City. He is the drummer of the hit broadway musical Ain't Too Proud. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University's School of Business and is a 25 year veteran of the fast-paced New York City music scene. He has played drums in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including "Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical and Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill. Also, Clayton has worked on: Footloose, Motown, The Color Purple, Rent, Little Shop of Horrors, Evita, Cats, and Avenue Q.