I would have more sympathy for this whole ‘plantations’ battle if it didn’t seem like a complete distraction from the fact that whatever the name (Cotton Mather referred to Rhode Island as “the fag end of the universe”) we are headed straight down the economic crapper. So I’m beginning to wonder if this isn’t actually a conspiracy by The Man to manipulate the system to his own advantage while we are busy arguing about words!
I may be talking like this because Comedy Central just ran one of the best movies ever, ‘Undercover Brother’ with Eddie Griffin (review NYT). And why wasn’t this movie huge when it came out? It sends up every spy/ninja/blaxploitation convention — the dopey weapons and gadgetry (afro sheen and mayonnaise; afro picks and golf tees) and takes a wicked blast at cultural signifiers you may not have even been aware of. Complete disclosure — I am white — and apparently, a walking stereotype. Corduroy? Taco Bell? Who knew? Music is used to great effect, although nothing can prepare you for the excruciating banality of ‘Ebony and Ivory’ done karaoke style.
This is an equal opportunity assault on all of us and surprisingly sweet and silly. (And the wardrobe should have gotten an Oscar.) The cast is brilliant; Dave Chapelle as conspiracy brother (who is very sensitive to white man’s words), Neil Patrick Harris as the white affirmative action intern, James Brown as himself. I am totally in love with Eddie Griffin whose career should be huge by now. I blame The Man because I am pretty sure The Woman would like more.