Though as of this writing I have not seen the movie, it has come to my attention that one of the "Sheros" of our Zion and the Mother of the Civil Rights Movement was spoken of negatively in the movie. I am a believer that some persons are off limits with this type of talk. I feel we as African Methodist should make our dissatisfaction known. We have our AME Today Family in a position to get the word out. Are we going to sit by and allow them to put down Sis. Parks (still an active member of the AME Church)? What will the next target be?

-- Anonymous, September 16, 2002

Answers

Rev. Wilson:

I suggest you see the movie first before you condemn it. After you see the movie, then make a decision if the statement made was derogatory to Ms. Parks. Peace!

-- Anonymous, September 16, 2002

I saw the movie this weekend and I did not take it to be offensive. In fact, it was educational to those who did not know it was Rosa Parks who started the movement. Take the suggestion offered, go take your church, they will get some good laughs. There are several great moral lessons to be learned in the movie.

-- Anonymous, September 16, 2002

I plan to see this movie this weekenend and provide my own review. QED

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

Watch for Cedric the Entertainer on the Talk Show circuit. He used the clip this morning (not particularly offensive) on Fox News.

-- Anonymous, September 17, 2002

IF we listen to everything said about Rosa Parks by Rosa Parks we will find that she has made the same statement only in a less colorful way. But we first have to look at things as a whole and not take the bits and pieces that sparks our interest and just running amuck with them. First you listen, then you think and then you can respond.

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002

I saw the movie Monday. I did not take offense of the comments about Sister Rosa Parks nor the comments about Dr King. In context, the character played by Cedric the Entertainer, who made the comments was repudiated by several other characters. The jumped all over him for most of the comments. The language was more disturbing than the "Parks comment"

-- Anonymous, September 19, 2002

Well, for starters, in responce to Rev. G.W. I also am A.M.E Methodist. I was raised as such. I have yet to view this film, however, I do plan to see it this weekend. I am more than certain that what ever comments or statements that were made, were more than likely Unoffensive. It doesn't take much these days to offend someone and I strongly believe that this movie is being targeted, for no reason other than publicity. Everyone knows that there are many topics discussed in a "Barber Shop". Just as there are in a Beauty Parlor......Let a successfull Black Film be just that!

-- Anonymous, September 20, 2002

The comment made in the movie Babershop was not in offense in any way it was a simple joke. that most people got laughs from. It you do get offende by it i suggest you get some harder nerves.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2002

Rev. Wilson your comments were in poor taste. This was a film. Rosa Parks is a woman who deserves respect but she is not a sacred symbol. Rev. King is a man who deserves respect for the commitment of life to helping others but he is not a sacred symbol. Let African American film makers have range and freedom to express their art. Quit trying to call for boycotts over nothing. As long as young black men die in the streets, our children lack adequate education. Black infant mortatily is at 3rd world levels, I will think that black preachers who get upset and want to boycott or throw away lines in a motion picture, a comedy, a piece of fiction are just plain stupid.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2002

I am so happy Rev. Wilson posted the question and shared his concern on the bulletin board. Thank you Rev. Wilson. It was not too very long ago that Blacks were only portrayed as slaves, servants or running through the jungles in movies. It was not too long ago that the N word was used in the movies. It was not too long ago that Blacks were the butt of stereotypical jokes. But one person began to sound the alarm and say "No More!" and things began to change. I do think we must be vigilante and aware of how we are being portrayed on film and television and also talk about how we would like to be portrayed. It is also important that we encourage our young people to become film makers. I remember when my daughter went to college she wondered if it would be alright with God if she majored in Television. I said yes! God needs Christians in all professions. That was 7 years ago and today she is beginning work on a documentary about our denomination. I did not feel Rev. Wilson was asking us to boycott, I felt he wanted us to see the film and if there were derogatory things said for us to set the record straight. We need to remember the civil rights movement happened in the late 50's and 60's. There are several generations who don't even know who Rosa Parks is. I hope we will take this opportunity to continue to lift up the work of Rosa Parks in our churches particularly with our young people. For if it were not for Rosa Parks we would still be in the balcony watching movies and going through the "for colored only door" Thank you Rev. Wilson for caring enough to be concerned about Rosa Parks. God bless!!

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2002

I have seen the movie and was not at all offended by the comments made. You have to take them in the context of the situation. The point was that the Barber Shop used to be the only place a black man could go and be heard with no consequences. I think people need to lighten up a bit.

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002

I seen Barbershop the opening weekend and what i saw was wholesome entertainment. the comment made by Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer's character)was not offensive. Actually he was right there was plenty of people who was thrown in jail because they didn't want to get out of their seat. Rosa's ordeal came around because of her location. Southern town, she's black and at the time it was a little heated with racism but where was racism not a problem. It was just plain ole' fun. The way they spoke freely is the same we speak freely in beauty parlors, babershops, and laudromats. These are the places where we feel comfortable expressing our opinion. It's just a movie homeboy. FICTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002

HAHA! i seen that shit last weekend that was great! "All Rosa Parks did was sit her ass down cuz she was tired!" hahaha its frickin tight

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002

I personally do not agree with Rev.Gregory Wilson. How can he speak negatively about a movie that he has not seen. In order for him to make a educated opinion about the movie he should view it. There are so many lessons indirectly taught in Babershop that I'm sure if the Rev. took time to watch he would clearly see. In our society people are so quick to speak of negativity. Rosa Parks did play a very evident part in our society but let us not foget the others who were less fortunate than herself. Let us not forget those who came before and after who werent as fortunate to be as established as Rosa Parks. Please people e have much more things to focus on than a movie that is meant for ur entertainment. Take away the postive and expel the negative.

-- Anonymous, September 23, 2002

I saw the movie Barbershop and I was not offended by the statement regarding Rosa Parks. What is offensive is the young man that responded using the vulgarity on a Christian Website. What is also offensive is in the Rosa Parks movie displaying a sexual scene of Mrs. Parks and her deceased husband Raymond. I look at the picture of the Shero Rosa Parks as she is today.

-- Anonymous, September 24, 2002

Thank you all for the positive comments (with minor exceptions) with regards to the subject at hand. I have attempted to respond to each of you individually. In some cases we have not agreed and that is good. My response to this is simply this: We do not always have to agree but I must respect you and you must respect me. It is my prayer that I might post other postings that will generate not only conversation but empower us to continue to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. God bless you until next time.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002

I went to see this movie when it first came out. When I heard the comments about Rosa Parks, Dr. King, and Jesse Jackson. I was shock at first because I never heard anyone talk about them in that manner on t.v. But in no way was I offened by the comments in the movie. Critics always say that black folks can not make a good creditable movie. So we finally have a good movie out here, that shows reality and everyone wants to jump all over it, like it should be shameful. If everyone becomes true to themselves, they will admit to the comments that are said in the privacy of our own environments. I personally felt that what he said about Rosa Parks was true in a way. She was tired after along day of work and just did not give up her seat. There were people before her that refused their seat, as a means of a protest and no one has acknowledged them. When Rosa Parks did it everyone just got fed up with the treatment black folks received. While everyone is criticizing BARBERSHOP, how many criticized THE MONSTER'S BALL starring Halle Berry. Now this movie depicted a black woman, who did not care for the black men in her life, her son and her husband. She meets Billy Bob Thornton, a white man and loves him like her life depends on it. In the sex scene, she says "Make me feel good." If people want to criticize something, criticize something that makes black people look real bad.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002

I saw Barbershop in Memphis and the movie fulfilled my objective - sheer entertainment. Seeking an objective standard to measure "good taste" in comedy is tantamount to determing who is more attractive, Lena Horne or Dorothy Dandridge, Angela Bassett or Vanessa Williams. The point being both discussions are completly subjective. Since I do not allow Tenseltown to teach me anything, I accept the "art" for what it's worth. Now the anonymous poster who raised the issue about Halle Berry's character portryal in Monster's Ball makes a interesting critique. If I recall that movie was also subject to artistic criticism within the black community. Long after Ms. Berry received her Oscar for her role, my wife and I finally got around to seeing the movie. I was in full agreement with her selection for an Oscar considering the role she played. But then again my wife felt like I had a slightly different reason for insisting we view the movie. Now I wonder why she would have thought such a thing :-) QED

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002

You all should check out the MSNBC page. Here is part of the article:

"CHICAGO, Sept. 24 — Jesse Jackson says he’s pleased the producers of “Barbershop” have apologized for the film’s barbs about Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and others, but still wants the jokes cut from future DVD and video editions of the hit movie. The producers, Bob Teitel and George Tillman, said Monday that they had apologized to Jackson on behalf of everyone involved with the film."

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2002

I saw the movie and thought it was GREAT!!! Not long ago, people were saying black film writers, directors, actors etc.... never get a fair shake when it comes to movie opportunities and movie turnouts.... now this movie comes along , which portrays young black man at home with his wife and baby on the way, a legacy and a struggle about money, history and in the end a young man realizing his place in his community and its #1, (not doing good for a Black movie), but #1 and the "so called Black leaders", take two lines out of context and blow it all out of porportion. So, now we as a people look dumb again.. in front of the world.. not too mention the "White Man".. its like black people are never satisfied with anything...... Frankly its a Nigga mentality...... The Truths

Its been documented that Dr. King although noble in his efforts to rally people together.... DID have extramarital affairs..... now anyone else in America would be considered a HO.... just because its Martin Luther, what we should act like its okay???....

No it wasn't...1. Because he was married. 2. Because he was a married Preacher/Minister, and you could keep going with this one... Just because he's labled as the man who started the "Civil Rights Movement", people should only know his good points, but not the total man?

As far as Rosa Parks..... like she said she never wanted to start anything...4 other women before Rosa Parks did the same thing, but none of them were the secretary to Dr. Martin Luther King' church..... SO needless to say... Black people then put them up on a pedestal and placed them as heroes and heroines.... but they aren't... they were just regular old people who were tired of situations being the way they were. They had faults, ups and downs like everyone. We point out faults in each other, our families, friends etc... Let's move forward and stop nitpicking...... about a movie... If you want to protest something.... protest a music video where the girls are half naked.... protest a person who was beaten by the police, teen pregnancy, gang violence among minorities, why high profile paid athletes don't do more for the Black Community as a whole??

-- Anonymous, September 26, 2002

I saw the movie yesterday, and it was great. Babershop did not only showed freedom but it taught many lessons for our young people. Rosa Parks, MLK, and the other great leaders of the Civil Rights Movement are well respected and appreciated for their courageous and loving act. Two lines in a movies will not make people loose respect for them or forget what they did for the black community. These two lines were just a form of entertainment.

-- Anonymous, September 29, 2002

What was said by Cedric was not offensive....people go into deep bout the movie....we all know the whole and really story about rose parks.....there wasn't anything said bout the rodney king and OJ parts was there... people just critize little parts in a movie that makes the movie .....but in the movie this Character is an 70 yr. old man who is a little on the crazy side...and this character was just very opinionated. People get mad when some ones opinion is not the same as there....so don't take this movie out of context.....and i hope everyone goes and see the movie......but u have to see it before u end up bad mouthing it......

-- Anonymous, September 30, 2002

This movie was funny so funny that i saw it 2 times! Now those two lines of words was just entertament for the people to just start a war on this one subject.I got nothing aganiszt anybody but it just seems dumb just to get mad at that comment about some that we admire alot. I think you should really focus on the real issue here.ok. love & peace.

-- Anonymous, October 01, 2002

I think this is getting out of hand, the 1st ammendment protects this freedom of speech. Besides Cedric was portraying a character, some people actually feel that way as he did in the movie. I don't agree with it but it is fiction y'all. And if people in real life feel that way it is their right. If all of my brothers and sisters really loved me as a black man they wouldn't be killing off my family and committing crimes all the time adding to my humiliation because I am black myself. I don't think it is fair but stereotypes are partially based on reality. If I was white I would look twice when I saw a black person in my store too.

I know you guys don't want to admit this but that is how I feel and the only way the perception of black people is going to change in our country is if black people change. It hasn't happened, just look at Randy Moss and Allen Iverson who are considered role models for our young males. They are both disrespectful pot smoking thugs.

-- Anonymous, October 02, 2002

i feel that the comments made about the civil rights leaders were very inappropreiate, we need to remember that that time period was not a joke and its not too far behind in the 1970's blacks were still fighting for civil rights. what are you teaching the younger generations by making these so called comical remarks? It teaches children that it was no big deal and that it is a joke

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

After reading the statements made in this post. I doubt if I will see this movie until it becomes free on TV.

While it is true it may only be seen as a simple line of one character in an otherwise great movie; and while it may also be true that it is artistic expression, freedom of speech and a look at real life, the bottom line is money. So my question then becomes, What is the cost?

Surely all of the above could have been achieved without sacrificing principals and ideals. Is making a good black movie, which is a box office hit worth poking fun at sacred icons or the slandering of names?

The famous "Amos and Andy" was all of the above. It was a show which entertained many including myself. But the cost was too great and this show is no more. So no matter what course others may take I for one will choose to abstain.

-- Anonymous, October 03, 2002

i believe what CEDRIC"THE ENTERTAINER" WAS RIGHT ALL ROSA DID WAS SIT DOWN ON THE BUS AND DID NOT MOVE BECAUSE SHE WAS TIRED. DONT GET ME WRONG IT WAS DISRESPECTFUL BUT IT WAS TRUE. SHE WAS NOT THE ONLY ONE 2 STAND UP 2 THE WHITE MAN, SHE GOT CREDIT FOR IT BECAUSE SHE WAS A SECRETARY FOR THE NAACP. BUT THIS ALL MY OPION IF YOU DONT LIKE IT YPU CAN LEAVE ME A NOTE ON MY EMAIL ADDRESS.

-- Anonymous, October 09, 2002

IM SURPRISED THAT A MINISTER OF THE CHURCH WOULD LISTEN TO "HEAR-SAY" AND CONDEMN A FAMOUS "BLACK" ACTOR/DIRECTOR/MUSIC ARTIST ABOUT SOMETHING HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT. SO ANSWER ME THIS REV.WILSON, IF A COUPLE OF YOUR FOLLOWERS CAME UP TO YOU TELLING YOU ABOUT ONE OF YOUR MINISTERS BEING AN ALCOHOLIC, WOULD YOU STAND IN FRONT OF YOUR CONGREGATION AND TALK ALOUD ABOUT IT BEFORE YOU TALKED TO THE MINISTER HIMSELF??? WHO WILL YOUR NEXT TARGET BE...REV?!

-- Anonymous, October 12, 2002

when did rosa parks die. and when was she born

-- Anonymous, November 24, 2002

I feel that there is too much emphasis being put on something that is intended to be a joke by a comedian. I was taught that there is not one human being that is better than another. I am disabled, and I don't take offense to comedians making jokes about disabilities. We need to focus our energy on the trouble that is going on with our young blacks. If you feel that this is a major issue, I'm sorry to inform you, but there are greater concerns today--black crimes, drug users/dealers, teenage dropouts, blacks graduating high school and can't read. These are major concerns.

-- Anonymous, November 26, 2002

I personally believe it was a harmless joke. Many people honestly feel the same as he does and just never said it. We have to appreciate what Rosa Parks has accomplished and be thankful. You have to remember it was only a joke.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2003

After all that Rosa Parks "Mother of Civil Rights Movement"has done for African Americans it was rude to make a joke about her. We should be proud of her and what she did for us. She had the courage to stand up for herself and we should be thankful. We would probably still be sitting in the back of the bus if she had'nt done what she did.

-- Anonymous, January 17, 2003

I think alot of people are also missing the fact that in the movie Cedric also "complimented" Ms. Parks in the movie for what she had accomplished while, stating his opinion!!!

-- Anonymous, February 21, 2003

Bob Ray Sanders, a columnist and Vice President of the Star Telegram, Fort Worth Texas, documented a case of another black woman who refused to leave her seat when a "young white girl" sat beside her. In this case, the woman was removed, insulted and arrested. She demanded a trial which concluded with the charges dimissed at the request of the prosecutor. This happened before Rosa Parks and not meant to make light of her contributions. They are both heroes.

BE Blessed

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, February 22, 2003

If rosa parks did die then she wouldn't have been in barbershop. When she sat down on the bus & wouldnt move or get up for a white man dosn't mean she is predjudice. It just means that everybody is equal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, March 18, 2003

I think it's pretty sad in a day when we have no prominent leaders in our communities that the ones who are still hanging around like Jesse Jackson, variou revrends, are picking out lines in movies by our generation, to crusade about. Give me a break why dont you socalled reverends stop worring about movies and preach perfection. Boycott Coca cola, BET, MTV, the whole record industry, Time Warner, every other media conglomerate for their exploitation of "our people" CRABS IN A BUCKET CRABS IN A BUCKET !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, October 06, 2003