RACIST

I think many people miss the point with this movie. Almost every person judges others, as much as people don't want to admit they do we do, it's inherent to our culture. That's why first impressions are so important. The entire premise of the movie is that both of them are taken out of their respective elements and are able to function in each others worlds despite their differences. Most people given the choice of an obese person and a fit person, or an ugly person or beautiful person would make the obvious choice (those being the only differences). Stereotypes exist, preconceived notions exist, and will always be important. What matters is how you let these effect your life and if you live by them.

The wife's sister was not a good person, as is evident by the fact she's a gold digger and drunk. She had her preconceived notions about black women, and obviously was not going to change. In the end of the movie, where Charlene warns him not to go to the club it's because he's a white guy and what they will do to him. The point of the entire movie is how people can get along despite seemingly insurmountable odds, and the differences between white culture and black culture in America is the most obvious seeing as it is in the front. If the movie had been about a Mexican immigrant and a Native American on a reservation it would make little sense. When you think of a tax lawyer, you think of older white men.

i dont think you relise what racism is. you are assuming that they are hiding her because shes black. unlike the rest of us you only see colour. if i was to say the Queen Latifah was an annoying cow (i love her really) you would call me a racist because you assume everybodys out to get blacks and that all WASP's think they are better than everybody else and are racist. when infact the majority of white people couldnt give a damn if you're white, black, indian or blue (gotta luv the blue man group). it is people like you who are keeping racism around as a barrier because you are scared.

Light travels faster than sound. thats why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

I agree that there are differences between stereo types and racist and prejudice..but I think the biggest issue is not being any of those. I think that alot of it stems from fear..well fear what we don't know.You do see stereo types of black people on t.v. or in movies and sometimes they are not portrayed in a very good way. But sometimes (and I'msaying this on a neutral level) you do see a black person live up to the stereo types that are set in the movies. I am a 26 year old white female who has grown up in a predominantly black neighborhood and not once have I ever had a bad experience with any of them. It's like Shirley McClaine once said "Fear makes enemies out of people who should be our friends."I think people need to open there eyes and see what's really in fron of them not what they hear or see elsewhere..life was meant for everyone to discover and enjoy but we can't do that when we put fears in front of all. I dunno..maybe I'm wrong...

~Butterfly


"Make today your best for there may not be a tomorrow"

[deleted]

Have you never seen "In Living Color"???
Have you never seen a Wayans Movie?
Grow up.

Just by bringing the subject up and making a point of it, you show your own Racist bigotries.

She was dressed nice in a casual way sort of like going to Applebees and Bennigans. But not COUNTRY CLUB nice.

The film wasn't racist. These are common everyday miscinceptions and stereotypes that people unwittingly use to judge others. The move just played on the thoughts that float throught the minds of Americans.

Life-the most fatal disease. :P

Why is this film racist?

First, because the idea of Queen Latifah and Steve Martin being together is presented as being ridiculous, yet his blond, white wife is presented as ideal. She must get together with his partner instead, who is Jewish, and so it is okay for them to be together.

Second, because Levy's obsession with Queen Latifah is presented as one big joke--he is attracted to her exoticness without knowing who she really is, and she goes for him.

Third, because the only black male presented as a major character in the film is a criminal.

Fourth, because every racist joke--from having Latifah dress up as a mammy to her being called Aunt Jemimah--is balanced only by that tired "Oh, white people are so uptight" bit.

Fifth, because plot points come from stereotypes, ie, Steve Martin can't dance, which is actually really unfunny unless you believe that they are true.

Sixth, because Steve Martin is basically castrated when it comes to flirting or sexiness and it is only Queen Latifah with her raunchy black attitude who can fix him.

On the surface, it might seem like a film making fun of stereotypes and racism, but it has no real insight into race relations in America--it just rehashes a bunch of predictable jokes we've all heard before. It might be funny if you really think that all black people are thugs or that it's hilarious that old white people are so racist, but honestly, don't bother doing a satire if you're not going to make any insightful comments about society or offer a viewpoint that we see in REALITY, not just on film.