The Boondocks

Im not sure whether to call it offensive or educational either way its hard to turn off. The Boondocks started as a comic strip written and drawn by Aaron McGruder. The comic strip features Huey Freeman - A 10-year-old boy with strident political awareness, and who sees himself as a revolutionary. Riley Freeman - The opposite of his older brother, praises the "thug life, and admires the rappers and thugs he sees on television. Other characters includes Rileys and Hueys grandfather, Robert Freeman. Thomas and Sara Dubois - An interracial couple in the neighborhood. Jazmine Dubois - Thomas and Sara's biracial, 10-year-old daughter.

If youve never sat down and watched an episode of the Boondocks it usually goes like this; Excessive use of the N-word, unflattering portrayal of African Americans people, political controversy, and the relentless bashing of entertainers. Im not that upset at the political controversy because we need to hear the stories of Bushs involvement with 9/11, Reagans treacherous ways and the fact that Condoleezza need a man. Im not even upset at the entertainer bashing because NOBODY is off limits when it comes to comedy. What seems to upset me most about this cartoon in the negative portrayal of African Americans. For instance the 1st episode of the 3rd season implicated that African Americans are only Dick Riding Obama because he is black, It even had a song entitled Dick Riding Obama. I guess its not possible to agree with his propaganda and his intelligence without it being called Dick Riding Season 3 is not the only time McGruder has crossed the line. Other controversial shows includes the depiction of BET as an evil media empire plotting the destruction of black people (okay that might be true). Another episode I recall is when Grandpa Freeman allowed Katrina victims to stay at his house and the Katrina victims were portrayed as lazy, sloppy, greedy, selfish, all while waiting on a Fema check. Although I wasnt a Katrina victim I felt as did not take into consideration that Katrina victims watched that show and felt discredited.

McGruder, admits he is purposely provocative -- he wants people to talk about the strip and show and watch and find them funny. But he also wants people to talk about issues they wouldn't otherwise confront and go beyond racial issues. Yea its a cartoon and its funny but the entertainment purposes overshadows the discussion it intends to provoke. I understand theres comedy and nobody is immune to comedic attacks, but to purposely portray a race (your own race at that) so viciously shouldnt be called comedy, more like treason. African Americans have a long way to go as far as respect and boondocks might give us a laugh or two but its harming more than hurting all while setting African Americans further back. Some of Mcgruders biggest critics have wondered whether his primary intent is to entertain instead of provoke real dialogue, and whether he is just capitalizing on hot-button issues.



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