Carmen’s most anticipated movie of the year: Stomp the Yard
by Carmen Van Kerckhove
Long-time readers of Racialicious will know that I’m a total sucker for those cheesy-ass dance movies, where someone gets served
So that’s why I cannot wait for this gem! Chris Brown and Ne-Yo? If only they could have thrown that little magical dancing machine Omarion in there too, this would be the perfect movie.
Carmen Van Kerckhove is co-founder and president of
S wrote:
Oh, Carmen, I am right with you on this one!
I love dance (hip hop), step, and marching band (hip hop) movies! I and I must admit, I am tired of the “black boy only gets into college thru athletic scholarship” movies. And I like Megan Goode too. I hope one day she can get a lead role without always playing somebody’s tight girlfriend (she IS tight – too bad I can’t buy a figure like hers at Walmart LOL!)
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 9:13 am ¶
Carmen Van Kerckhove wrote:
S – glad I’m not alone here!
Yeah I used to kind of roll my eyes at Megan Goode. But then I saw her in ‘Brick’ and I was totally taken by surprise. She was actually really good in that. You should check it out if you haven’t seen it.
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 9:28 am ¶
S wrote:
I’ll have to check it out. I haven’t heard of it before. However, I hope it’s not one of those “I need to escape the ghetto” “I want to be a (rapper, singer, athlete)” “Pookie got my money, I’ma kill him” “The only way to make money as a young black woman is to strip or be a video hoe” type movies. I’m on strike from those kind of movies!
Ok. So, I know I sound out of touch, but which one is Ne Yo and which one is Chris Brown?
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 9:45 am ¶
Tariq Nelson wrote:
Carmen,
Do you practice these moves in the mirror?
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 10:02 am ¶
Tiffany in Houston wrote:
As a member of the second oldest and largest (membership wise) black sorority in the US (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc), I would encourage you to NOT support this movie. The producers of this film are using trademarked symbols and insignia of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, which is the OLDEST (100 years old this year) black fraternity in the US, without the fraternity’s permission and communication has been sent out to the other 8 Black Greek fraternal organizations to not support this movie. They are planning legal action.
Furthermore, as a black Greek, I’ve seen the trailers and this seems to be another film that culturally appropriates a proud tradition that orginated amongst college educated black kids decades ago and makes a mockery of it. Hence, it gets called ‘cheesy’.
They won’t get my 7 bucks. If you really want to see the real deal, go to a college step show and support those kids.
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 11:50 am ¶
bertie wrote:
Hey Tiff–I heard about the controversy, too. Is it just the use of the symbols or the content of the films that black greeks object to?
I just realized that Megan Goode is in almost all of these type of movie–Roll Bounce, You Got Served and now this. She needs a better agent, and she needs to play an adult in at least one film.
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 5:45 pm ¶
obw wrote:
oh my gosh I just saw the trailer for this this morning! I’ve a soft spot for these movies in my heart as well. Is it the ridiculous script? Or the amazing dancing? I have to go for c) all of the above..
have a great vacation Carmen!
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 8:09 pm ¶
Rob wrote:
Didn’t they make this movie already called “You Got Served?”
Posted 22 Dec 2006 at 10:48 pm ¶
Animelee/Andrew wrote:
Doesn’t that guy play Detective Fin’s son, Ken, in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?
Posted 23 Dec 2006 at 2:48 am ¶
Meg wrote:
i’m sure this is a dumb question to americans, but what’s a black greek and why so possessive over a fraternity?
Posted 23 Dec 2006 at 5:27 am ¶
Mrs. J wrote:
Meg (and anyone else who wonders), “black greek” refers to a member of an African American fraternity or sorority. These frats and sororities have a very different history than those of mainstream frat dudes and focus heavily on service. The chapters are part of national organizations with specific bylaws, etc. and many members stay active well after graduating from college. Black greek life is a cornerstone of the black middle-class experience (not that all college-educated, middle-class blacks are greek). There is a book called “The Divine Nine” that explains this further.
I’ve never been a fan of the “Bring it On/Save the Last Dance” type of films, despite the fact that I was a high school cheerleader *cringing at the memory* But I’m right there with you on this one, Carmen. Race you to the Lowes!
I’m a proud grad of an HBCU and this trailer sends chills down my spine – I am SO there this January.
And that’s because, aside from “Drumline”, there hasn’t been a film depicting black college life since Spike Lee’s classic “School Daze”, which was nearly 20 years ago. Hollywood is fine to make films about black men shooting eachother up and whatnot, but films about brothers being positive are an extremely rare breed. These men do exist and America needs to see them.
So to address Tiffany’s comment, I cannot boycott “Stomp the Yard” (especially when the producers, Will Packer and Rob Hardy are Alphas themselves and it’s unclear exactly how the dispute started in the first place.) I think some black greeks become so caught up in symbolism – and, dare I say it, seperatism – that they forget that part of their reason for being affiliated is for the betterment of African Americans in general. I have nothing against greeks (my dad has been an active Omega since ‘52), but this is something I’ve witnessed far too many times.
For people who have had the true “black greek experience”, sure the movie may seem corny. Even though I basically enjoyed The Devil Wears Prada, I also had issues with authenticity – mostly because I’ve worked at a couple of national fashion magazines. It’s all relative to one’s experience. In the end it’s just entertainment, and therefore, fiction.
But if this movie inspires even a few black male high school students to go to college or apply to an HBCU, I think it will have done its job. Let’s hope they do their best at representing black greek life and HBCU’s accurately. And that it’s actually as entertaining as it looks on the trailer. But most importantly, let’s look at the bigger picture (no pun intended. Really.)
Posted 24 Dec 2006 at 1:01 am ¶
MizuWari wrote:
Carmen:
We’re ALL suckers for some sort of movie genre that nobody else can feel like you yourself can. Even though I’m more or less the target demographic for this sort of ditty, I have zilch interest in it or its ilk…but I won’t knock it if it makes other people happy.
So you go do you and enjoy this joint to the fullest. I’ll forgive you for supporting its faults and flaws if you’ll forgive my rants at all those people who knocked “Deja Vu” and didn’t catapult it to its rightful $100 mil place in the ballpark. You see, I am a bona-fide sucker for mystical or sci-fi powered time-travel type flicks…and yes, that means even supporting the horrible Hollywooden remake of thee sublime Korean romantical time-travel joint “Il Mare,” otherwise known as “The Lake House.”
Posted 24 Dec 2006 at 5:25 pm ¶
S wrote:
Tiffany-
I would love to see a live step show. However, I must suck at internet searches because I can never find info on the net about them. Please inform.
Posted 27 Dec 2006 at 8:13 am ¶
Koko wrote:
Sorry to be a typical teen but……………….
CHRIS BROWN AND NE-YO, PULEEZ, I WATCHING THAT, NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!
Posted 28 Dec 2006 at 12:05 pm ¶
Just Wondering wrote:
It’s all relative to one’s experience. In the end it’s just entertainment, and therefore, fiction.
Hmmm … kind of like Apocalypto?
Posted 29 Dec 2006 at 6:04 pm ¶
Mrs. J wrote:
That’s not how I meant it at all.
Posted 30 Dec 2006 at 2:55 am ¶
Just Wondering wrote:
Mrs. J, why didn’t you mean it like that?
I was not questioning your point of view. I agree with you 100 percent.
My comment was aimed at the readers here who believed Apocalypto was shameful and racist because it wasn’t 100 percent historically accurate.
Posted 30 Dec 2006 at 11:59 am ¶
UnbelievaQ wrote:
Mrs. J,
I respect your opinions about the movies potiential influence over young black men’s decision to got to college. kudos for the thought. the problem is that when that kid gets to college and is expecting to see these ficticious (sp?) organizations, and even worse the false idea of being recruited by ANY of the Devine 9, for any reason..let alone to win a step show, they may turn right around and go home.
i also want to address the symbolism remark…our symbols, our history, our traditions, aren’t taken lightly and should never be used without our expressed written permission. Period.
I am a proud member of Omega Psi Phi, and i won’t be supporting this movie. on principle. Until the movie industry can get it right…until they can use our letters, which would mean they’d be representing us according to our organizations approval…the true effects of the NPHC on society and on black people will not be properly displayed on the big screen, there should not be attempted. it will ultimately be….wrong!
Posted 30 Dec 2006 at 3:59 pm ¶
Mrs. J wrote:
I see. I’m going to have to backtrack and read more about the controversy around Apocolypto (instead of just cringing at Mel Gibson on the movie poster and deliberately avoiding it altogether!) It gets kinda tough picking and choosing the battles sometimes…
Posted 30 Dec 2006 at 4:00 pm ¶
Mrs. J wrote:
Just Wondering– that last part was in regards to what movies to get offended by, not choosing battles on this blog!
Posted 30 Dec 2006 at 4:03 pm ¶
Anonymous wrote:
“These frats and sororities have a very different history than those of mainstream frat dudes and focus heavily on service.”
That’s a load of crap. The Divine 9 are just as social as IFC and Pan-Hel groups, and those groups are just as service-minded as NPHC groups. Don’t mask your organization as a Service Fraternity/Sorority when you are a Social. I respect your letters and your purpose, but groups that “focus heavily on service” do not devote a lot of time to step shows, parties and paraphenalia. NPHC groups do a lot of good service, yes, but you are Social-oriented, not Service-oriented.
If you are looking for a service Fraternity or Sorority, please check out Alpha Phi Omega, Gamma Sigma Sigma or Omega Phi Alpha. If you want to have more social with your volunteering, then check out any of the IFC, NPCH, or Pan-Hel groups.
Posted 30 Dec 2006 at 4:57 pm ¶
Anonymous wrote:
^^i promise you that the poster above is one of those Alpha Phi Omega’s or Gamma Sigma Sigma’s that love to bash NPHC greeks for what they do and dont do, but they break their necks to imitate us…..(line names and numbers, hand signs, strolling, STEPPING).
APO and GSS, lets be real, most of you (not all, but most) got rejected from a NPHC org, so you figured you’d get some letters and do all the NPHC social stuff anyway. Dont give me that service crap.
Posted 02 Jan 2007 at 2:50 am ¶
Princess Tayisha wrote:
This comment has been deleted by the moderator. Please do not create multiple identities/personalities for yourself. If you have something to say, pick one identity and stick with it please.
Posted 02 Jan 2007 at 1:53 pm ¶
FA1999_08 wrote:
When I first saw the trailer over the holiday, I was kind of excited to see another movie depicting Black college life. As a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., (the first Black Greek sorority founded in 1908) I have to say that glamorizing stepping and Black Greek life to the masses and young movie-goers is both good and bad.
Now I haven’t seen the movie but I think that the promotion of our organizations (in general) is good for membership and the thriving of the Black Greek system, IF done correctly. Yet with the previews I was like, “Are those Alphas?” I didn’t know about the boycotting and law suits by fellow Greeks concerning this film. And whether they knew it or not during script writing and production (and I’m sure they did), the film is treading on a sensitive issue to many African Americans.
Black Greek organizations were founded on deep and serious principles to help a race that was overlooked, short-changed, and not supported. Just to throw it out there as fact, many Black Greek organizations were very involved in Civil Rights demonstrations in the 1960’s amongst other things to progress equality and the condition of Black Americans. Even earlier, Black sororities led the way for Black women in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, since white women did not accept black women in the general cause for women’s equality. It goes beyond community service.
The IFC and Pan-Hel are very much different in this respect. There is a significance to Black Greek life that is special and I feel like THIS is important to understand for anyone interested in Black Greek life. Do the research. Now, if this is promoted in Stomp The Yard, I cannot object to anything because THIS ladies and gentlemen is what it was (and should still be) all about.
Stepping is just an activity that promotes sister/brotherhood, student involvement on campuses, and funds to chapters. It is appealing and yes, many find this something they are interested in even when they are thinking about joining. This alone should NOT be the commitment or purpose of why Black Greeks do what they do. It is HARD work to be in these organizations, it isn’t all about parties and fun, that’s for sure!
I hope this movie turns out to be decent. I think I may see it just out of curiosity and nosiness but I’m not sure.
Posted 03 Jan 2007 at 5:58 pm ¶
The Real wrote:
How are you going to start a forum on race and then say you support another film that fits the stereotype of the Black community. As hollywood shows, they depict the Black community as either athletes, criminals, or happy dancing negroes. Stomp the Yard is an insult to the HBCU experience and if folks really think this movie has some ground on real stepping or Black Greek life, they need to get a clue. I’ve never seen folks stepping or dancing on any “yard” at any HBCU I’ve been to. Yes, there are step competitions and probates but not as ridiculous as what this movie depicts. I think if these producers were really serious about creating a movie that depicted Black Youth, or Black greek life, there is plenty of positive and entertaining HBCU history that they could have focused on. This movie is so far from reality that anyone who actually believes that this is what a real step show or fraternity life is all about is living in fantasy island. Do yourself a favor, visit an HBCU during class time and not at an on campus party to see what real Black Greek Life is all about. Hopefully you will see that Community Service, Dedication to your community, Brotherhood, and much more is the reality of these organizations. From Gamma Phi, Alpha Kappa Nu, and other organizations that were the first Black Greek Organizations, the Black community has a proud history of creating organizations to service their growth. Also, BGLO’s were not created to only service the Black Middle class or the elite. Please don’t believe the hype and support people who are really making movies and programs that show the reality of the community.
Posted 03 Jan 2007 at 9:27 pm ¶
KG wrote:
Just FYI, other than “Drumline,” there was “Higher Learning” about the black experience on a white campus and to a limited extent, “the best man.”
Posted 05 Jan 2007 at 10:50 am ¶
Kinona wrote:
I have a real problem with greeks complaining about a movie that haven’t seen yet? All you all are going by the previews on the tv but not the actual movie. I had the pleasure of seeing an advance screening of it last night and I can attest that this movie delivers a POWERFUL message not only to african american youths, but to anyone who has a dream of making something out of themselves and reaching it.
Most movies made in Hollywood are FICTION, which means everything you see may not be real. This movie is not an AUTOBIOGRAPHY of a real fraternity and stepping, but a FICTIONAL movie. SO all this, “”This movie is so far from reality that anyone who actually believes that this is what a real step show or fraternity life is all about is living in fantasy island”"” needs to cease.
Have you all picked up the current issue of Jet Magazine? The cast of STOMP THE YARD is on the cover and the article is very enlightning as to the whole plot of this movie. This movie is not just about Black frats stepping but a message to all individuals with a dream.
Before you go blasting a movie, make sure you have seen it first.
Posted 07 Jan 2007 at 1:53 am ¶
A Non-stomper wrote:
I can understand the wanting to boycott the film. True it has a very hollywood and has a misleading point of view of NPHC orgs somewhat. Although remember it is hollywood. The truth is lost when it comes to making money. People (who are not NPHC or minority greek) have no real clue of greek organizations. To them its just another urban teen movie. Yet in some Universities in Florida, NPHC and MGC (multicultural greek councils) are getting together and going to see the movie in big numbers. This push is to show the viewing public that, Greek presence can be positive and come together in greek unity. I’m a Proud brother of Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity Incorporated. The First Latin based fraternity in the United States. We have very good relations with NPHC greeks. Although the Latino greek movement is not as old and known as the devine Nine. They also work to extend in the effort to bring a positive influence and image for minority greeks in the community. Although my fraternity does not Step or stroll out of respect to NPHC, we do have our own unified way of performing called Saluting.
I saw the trailer and laughed at the false images of people dancing and they call it stepping. Yet instead of the boycott I feel you can turn this potential negetive portrayal into a positive one. If we are there as greeks repping our orgs, it can knock off the negative stereotype, perhaps even involve the local media about your org in the process. It is easy to boycott the movie, yet these movie companies will not be effected if there is a boycott. It is known Hollywood movie companies also make money off “Flop movies”. Sort of like an experiment. Lack of profits just shows the production company that fraternity movies do not work.
Before hollywood made fraternity movies depicting white people, with an easy pledge process “rush” and they drank beer and raped and had sex with promiscious girls. Now the movie companies have seen hip hop/ urban movies can profit. No “stomping the yard” is yet another hybrid and experiment. Either way they will not lose any real money, perhaps the lack of interest will shun any future productions involving fraternities!
I know most of us think as greeks that we get offended at false depictions in the movies. Yet non greeks would careless let alone lack the information and truth on NPHC orgs to know better. We need to educate those who lack the knowledge, break away from the stereotype, and find a better way to reach non greeks and perhaps potential future members!but we must take the first step in doing this the right way and turning a negative into a positive!
Posted 08 Jan 2007 at 5:23 pm ¶
ZetaLady wrote:
..Food For Thought…As usual, people go to the extreme….too many chronic complainers..Oh Let’s Boycott….complain complain all the time but do absolutley nothing..Iif it affects you that bad and disrupts your life, then go into the industry and depict it from your point of view….I guarentee you there will be somebody who will say “oh, that is not how greek life is supposed to be depicted…With all do respect A-Phi-A, should have been consulted with respect to utilizing letters. But following a resolve, you still hear moaning and groaning…..spare me….I have seen Greek life from a multifaceted perspective, and as a Financial and Active greek member, on the graduate level, My opinion is that the film should be enjoyed and not taken to heart for those who can understand it. 90% of films are based on some level of reality but from one persons perspective…learn to respect others’ perceptions, that doesn’t mean you have to claim that pereption for your self
Posted 08 Jan 2007 at 9:24 pm ¶
kim wrote:
Mizu Wari:
did i miss something regarding Deja Vu? was it here at racialicious?
that was the first denzel movie that i loved, loved, loved. he has (finally) become my man (as always, the late bloomer).
Posted 08 Jan 2007 at 10:42 pm ¶
News_Flash wrote:
This is on the Alpha Phi Alpha Website.
December 20, 2006
To Whom It May Concern:
Previously, I disseminated a written notice of the Fraternity’s objection to references to the Fraternity in the film “Stomp the Yard.” The Fraternity made its concerns known to Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Screen Gems, Inc. and Rainforest Pictures. After several weeks of meaningful and productive discussions with the executive leadership of Sony and Screen Gems, the film has been revised to the satisfaction of the Fraternity. Sony and Screen Gems have also agreed to make a donation to the MLK Memorial Foundation.
The Fraternity raised its objections to the Film without regard to financial remuneration, but to protect its history and its legacy. The removal of all references, in the film, to the Fraternity is based in part on the fraternity’s leadership insisting that we observe our written policies and internal protocols’ regarding the commercial use of our symbols and marks.
Sony’s decision to make a donation to the Washington DC MLK, Jr. Memorial Foundation Project, Inc., is very much appreciated, and helps to secure, in history, the legacy of our brother, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and helps to celebrate his selfless contributions to the fabric of America and the world. The construction of this memorial on the national mall is the only one dedicated to an African-American.
Darryl R. Matthews, Sr.
General President
Posted 09 Jan 2007 at 10:15 pm ¶
Bruzillo the Bruh wrote:
Man who cares its just a movie. Another typical African-American kid from the inner city goes to college, learns real life lessons and his mind is expanded and blah blah blah. Hello its like Freedom writers is a rip off of 1995’s dangerous minds! Mainstream America use to care about the black man’s struggle now its just another genre stereotypical clashe movie.
Just add some cute popular R&B artist and slap on baby faced Megan Good, who is probably in her mid 20’s now. Just to sell a quick buck. Sure it promotes Black Greeks, but I highly doubt it will do a good job at it. Taking traditional step movements and turn it into you got served dance routines. “What step show you been to where the teams go face to face on stage and a bruh comes flying out the stage on a head spin? I mean seriously?
Only Reason Im going is cause I have free tickets and my LTA friend is in the movie as an extra.
Also Did you know “Truth University” the real one is an Anglo- Christian Theology school in upper Florida! They have no orgs there. To me there’s too much racism and seperationism. A HBUC is great yet in reality white people do exist as this historically black univeristies and orgs. Howard Has Pike a white fraternity on their campus, but that is not displayed in the film even a little hint. As a black man I feel this image while great for follow brothers and sisters, it deters fellow Latino, White and Asian friends from wanting to attend and join. Maybe Im not from Georgia, Alabama, Lousiana and etc, but in Florida there’s a big population of minority greeks other then D9. I just dont see the reality. I only see one same old point of view of the same story in a young black man’s struggle for higher education, which to me sems one sided, but then again its just a movie! Just meant to sell box office. Sorry leave the real black films up to Spike Lee. At least “School Daze” was closer to it then stomp the yard. No one has ever used that phrase that i know of either!
Posted 10 Jan 2007 at 1:55 pm ¶
A GDI, and proud wrote:
Black greeks get clubby and secretive and then complain when they feel they aren’t represented fairly. Yawn. I’ve always found the system rather divisive when AA’s could use more unity, especially today. We need to learn to be brothers and sisters without the assistance of cloth letters on a shirt, and learn how to serve and assist, period. A movie that shows AA youth in an insitution of higher learning vs other institutions we typically see portrayed is a positive thing. If you want your club represented in a positive light, reflect your organizations priciples towards *everyone*, yourself , each day. Thats the only thing you can control – if even that much.
Hard work being in a Greek organization? ha. Its hard work being a righteous person of color in our society,, regardless of what three letters you walk behind.
Posted 10 Jan 2007 at 1:59 pm ¶
Bruzillo the Bruh wrote:
Understood, Also there is nothing wrong with being a GDI, to each his/her own. Yet I understand the positive aspect of going to an all black university, yet I feel it will come of like every other film of its genre. We have seen it all before, but to not even show one white, latin or Asian student would seem like a Black Eutophia. Even in Africa there are anglos, asian and hispanics enrolled. It comes off to me as just a little unrealistic. At least give me a crazy white boy Que dawg. haha Actually HBUC, like Howard Univ are giving scholarships to non-African American students to try to promote and reach for more diversity amoung its students! Its true.
Im just getting tired of the same old thing. At least in Drum Line it had a white boy with no rhytm, but he eventually got the hang of it, that I can believe.
Posted 10 Jan 2007 at 5:47 pm ¶
Dine wrote:
As a proud and financial member who was initiated as an Undergraduate in 1991, of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (The oldest sorority founded by Black Women on the campus of Howard University in 1908), I am somewhat on the fence regarding this topic but can relate to both arguments.
The older members feel that alot of young members do not live up to the principles of service that the organizations were founded on and just see it as a way to popularity and stepping. Furthermore, many young people seem to want to join with the anticipation of stepping.
The younger members feel that if we can garner more interest in the organizations even via stepping, then so be it. Many youth have no first-hand knowledge of what these organizations are about and if we can pique their interest through stepping we can rope them in.
Since they have removed the trademarks of A phi A from the film to the fraternity’s satisfaction, I may support the film.
Posted 12 Jan 2007 at 10:54 am ¶
KEVIN DOUGLAS wrote:
This comment has been deleted by the moderator.
Posted 12 Jan 2007 at 7:31 pm ¶
Candi wrote:
I just want to say that i saw the movie today…. and i loved it. I have always wanted to attend a HBCU and i will be after my completion of community college. I know about the greek life because i was an active member of The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority inc, youth programs since i was a very little girl. I feel, personally, that this movie is not a mockery of any fraternity or sorority. Instead i feel like it is inspiration to the youth of tomorrow. As i left the movie theatre tonight I witnessed many young boys and girls with glows in thier eyes, talking about college and what they wanted to be when they grew up. YES! there are many other aspects to fraternities and sororities than just stepping, but when you look at it, the step shows are what draws the people to them. I cannot tell you how many times I have been invited to shows. I feel this movie was made to highlight one of the OLDEST traditions in black greek life, to show of what it has become in today’s modern world. If you view the movie there is a point where the lead actor is schooled by the president of the made up fraternity in the movie on the integrity and the respect that they have for one another, the brotherhood, and there is also a point in the movie that Columbous goes into the heritage house to learn about the history of frats and sororities… I feel that before people judge solely on feeling and anger, that they view the movie themselves….
Posted 12 Jan 2007 at 11:46 pm ¶
KEVIN DOUGLAS wrote:
I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN MAN. WHEN ARE WE EVER GONNA START SUPPORTING ONE ANOTHER. DO WHITES BOYCOTT MOVIES LIKE NATIONAL LAMPOONS ANIMAL HOUSE, REVENGE OF THE NERDS OR OTHER SILLY MOVIES ABOUT WHITE COLLEGE KIDS GETTIN DRUNK , PARTYING AND HAVING SEX. NO THEY DON’T BECAUSE IT IS MERELY ENTERTAINMENT AND TASTELESS AT THAT. IN NO WAY DOES THIS COME ACROSS AS THAT TYPE OF MOVIE AND YET WE ARE BOYCOTTING OUR OWN BROTHERS AND SISTERS ABOUT AN INSIGNIA THAT YOU ALL WOULDN’T EVEN BE ABLE TO WEAR WITHOUT THE WHITE MANS PERMISSION TO EVEN ALLOW IT ON THEIR CAMPUS.A GREEK SYMBOL IS NOT AND NEVER WILL BE SYMBOLIC OF OUR STRUGGLE AS A PEOPLE. JUST BE PROUD TO BE BLACK AND HAVE A MOVIE SPONSORING YOUR FRATERNITY. MUCH LOVE TO THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ALPHA BROTHERS THAT WROTE AND PRODUCED THIS FILM. I WAS THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINED LAST NIGHT AS I WATCHED THE FILM ABOUT A BURDENED YOUNG MANS GROWING PAINS AND LIFES LEARNING LESSONS. MY EMAIL ADRESSS IS DASSANTE92@YAHOO.COM IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING TO OFFER BASED ON MY COMMENTS.
Posted 13 Jan 2007 at 2:32 pm ¶
HBCUkidz wrote:
I saw the movie. I hope that the young people get inspired to do more than they planned to do before they sat down to see the movie. I wish that it could have just given a glimpse to the origins of the African Step Tradition. There is a South African musical touring the U.S. called UMOJA website is http://www.umojatour.com. If it comes to your city it is a MUST see. Seeing the orgins of stepping and feeling the heart and soul that goes into these steps could have added another element and perhaps shed some light into the resulting African American Greek Step Show. But that is not Hollywood’s role I guess.
Posted 13 Jan 2007 at 5:27 pm ¶
AricaKane wrote:
I just came back from the movie theater, took my kids to see this movie and had we made the earlier matinee, I would’ve turned around and paid another $6 to see it again. This movie was awesome and so much more than You Got Served and a step above Drumline.
I read about the controversy with the Alphas not wanting to be depicted in this movie. Not all the Alphas, but the powers that be. It’s been resolved now. When the Alphas asked to be removed, they just removed all Greeks period but with the colors, you know who’s supposed to be who. I think that was ridiculous b/c in no way did they disrespect any of the Greeks but made sure to make the point that college isn’t all about getting girls by pledging or pledging period, but it’s about the legacy, knowing the history of the fraternity or sorority that you are pledging for, the history of the college and the scores of influential Americans that were apart of these frats/sororities. It was about brotherhood and finding something to believe in, and not giving up. Finding your way in college, in this world. *MESSAGE!!* Unlike You Got Served, this actually had a point and a very good plot. Then you have all the fine men and pretty ladies in here so that didn’t hurt either! :O)
I’m a big fan of choreography so just “any ol dancing” won’t do it for me, but this was more than that. It was…explosive, for lack of a better word. I’m going to see it again and will be buying it for my home collection. I would definitely recommend this movie.
Posted 14 Jan 2007 at 10:17 pm ¶
1AKA24 wrote:
I just saw the movie and though it wasn’t the best movie I’ve EVER seen, it was pretty entertaining.
There were times I felt the screen writing was weak, and the Greek happenings at times unrealistic, but the eye-candy was a plus! It was enjoyable to say the least and hey, I’m glad I supported a Black film!
I’m a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., and I feel like at times we [Greeks] get too sensitive about issues concerning our organizations and the public.
Mind you, I freaked out when after taking my 16 year old sister to the movie, she took photos (of which I discovered a week later) in some of my nalia! And throwing up the pinkie! I could’ve died! It’s a respect issue and I couldn’t help but feel insulted. Anyway…good movie!
Posted 23 Jan 2007 at 12:54 pm ¶
Melody wrote:
I cannot BELIEVE the pompousness of the black greeks who wrote in about boycotting this movie. No, I have not seen the movie yet but I believe that when African Americans get an enormous opportunity like this one to stick their chests out about their unique accomplishments and culture, we should jump on it. I marched in the baddest band in the land, The Prairie View A&M Marching Storm, and I cringed a little during “Drumline” because it wasn’t totally accurate but I love that it was created it gives Blacks the good publicity and love we deserve from creating such greatness.
Posted 26 Jan 2007 at 5:21 pm ¶