Tyler Perry programs further stereotypes

The list of people who make me laugh or produce things that make me laugh is a long one. On this list are entertainers such as Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, Chris Rock, the writing team of Broken Lizard, Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jim Carrey and so on and so forth.

If you were wondering where Tyler Perry and his so-called "comedic" works lie on this list…they do not.

I have been painfully aware of the existence of Tyler Perry since the inception of his television series "House of Payne" in 2006. Since that time, I have had no interest in watching that show or the most recent show he produced called "Meet the Browns." Furthermore, I have yet to see why these shows are still even in existence.

The thought that is probably crossing your mind has crossed mine as well. Perhaps I have just not given these shows the fair chance they deserve.

This is not the case.

I cannot speak personally of "Meet the Browns," but as for "House of Payne," the show does not seem to be one of any redeemable value. I caught an episode recently, and the main issue dealt with was that the pubescent, teenage son Malik Payne had developed the habit of masturbating in the shower. That's it.

While I'm sure this is pertinent information for parents of pubescent boys, this is not the subject matter I wish to view in the middle of the morning on a Wednesday.

Another issue I take offense to is these shows seem only to further a negative black stereotype. These characters appear to be ignorant, overweight, driven by petty motives, are verbally or emotionally abusive toward their families and so on. While these qualities are common in people of all races, they are stereotypically associated more with African-Americans. Stereotypes are generally seen as accurate only because, for some segment of the population, these stereotypes occasionally align with reality, and Tyler Perry's works are doing nothing to counteract those racial assumptions.

I won't deny that there are probably parts of Tyler Perry's shows that are worthwhile, but I can't find them. I have noticed some character depth here and there but nothing all that noteworthy.

I can understand the appeal of a generic sitcom. With these shows, as with all sitcoms, it is easier for the viewer to relate to the characters, because that is how the characters are designed.

Despite these minor pluses, I remain steadfast in my assumption that the only exemplary attribute about Tyler Perry and his shows is that he is still considered an entertainer, and they are still on the air.