#7 Blacks and Talking In Movies

Poor Blacks talk in movies, and not just to each other. Oddly, they talk and/or about the people on the screen, as if a response is somehow possible. The non-Black and non-poor find this rude. I would agree. That’s why I am very selective about theaters and attendance times. A White guy in Philly capped a brother for talking in Benjamin Button – I guess it really pissed him off (here). Philly’s a tough town.

So then, what’s up? First off, Black folks have no corner on the rudeness market. Rudeness is up everywhere. Don’t believe me? Check out the study (here). White kids are rude, even when they’re not imitating Black kids. Discipline is down, acting out is up. However, when poor folks act up people really get in a snit, because if you are poor in America, you are supposed to be quiet and unobtrusive. Poor Whites got that memo, poor Black folks did not. Also, to the MSM, White ignorance is embarrassing and not news, while Black ignorance is entertaining and sells.

There are some reasons why some Black folks act completely ignorant in theaters. I call it the Apollo Theater Syndrome. Whenever poor Black people are in a theater or night-club, they think it's audience participation time, like mid-night at the Apollo. They believe they are supposed to heckle the performers. It also like church, where the reverend wants to hear some ‘amens’ and such, so he knows folks feel like they are getting their money’s worth from the Lord.

If Whites are unfamiliar with the Apollo or have not been to a Black Baptist church, then consider the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This was the local Apollo for White people. White folks, young and old, yacked throughout the whole movie (still do), even dressing like the screen characters. It was very disturbing, but easily avoidable – just stay away from mid-night movies.

So I guess that’s the answer. Avoid theaters that either do not enforce no-talking rules, or that (in the absence of enforcement) are frequented by that (any) demographic that thinks talking enhances the experience. Any other more creative solutions (that don't involve gun play)?

James C. Collier

READ MOST RECENT POSTS AT ACTING WHITE...

Technorati Tags: #7 Blacks and Talking In Movies, Rudeness, Apollo, Heckling, Acting Black, Acting White