More on Precious-But This Time It's A Debate-Columnist Stanley Crouch Vs NYU Film Professor Sheril D. Antonio

More on this debate, last night's Oscars and Precious' Monique in a few......

Okay, it's a week later but again, better late than never! After viewing the above exchange, I was a bit surprised at Mr. Crouch's stance on the Precious film. Crouch has been a vigilant critic of the minstrel elements endemic in current (and commercial) hip hop culture and yet he is somewhat conciliatory as it relates to this particular cinematic effort. The only thing I can surmise (and this might also be construed as a capitulation on my part) is that the film and by extension Ms. Sidibe's acting prowess (and Monique's, of course) might be better appreciated if this type African-American depiction didn't exist in a vacuum when compared to other current Black works. The majority culture (aka "White") possesses a "full plate" when it comes to artistic diversity. Black multi-faceted cultural displays exist but are not readily accepted, promoted or exposed. In other words, Precious (as a film and archetypal film) sets a standard and utterly exists alone for Black cultural representation. Without an appropriate counter balance, Precious promulgates a dangerous message of minority failure. But I've said this before....again, am I wrong? More comments from our readers....