Key Takeaways:
• On its 20th anniversary, comedy-crime movie ‘White Chicks' sparks a controversy about racism.
• Actor Marlon Wayans shares the comment on social media initiating a debate among fans.
• Fans defend the film, stating it is a satirical comedy, not a piece of racist cinema.
‘White Chicks': Comedy Movie Triggers Race Debate
Hollywood has seen its fair share of controversial movements, some bold and groundbreaking, others labeled as racist or triggering for various reasons. ‘White Chicks', the infamous 2004 comedy, is a prime example. On its 20th anniversary, the movie has sparked a heated debate about racism in cinema, attracting a considerable amount of attention.
Led by the renowned director Keenen Ivory Wayans, ‘White Chicks' debuted as a comical crime movie in 2004. The plot focuses on two African American FBI agents, played by Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans, who disguise themselves as white women to thwart a kidnapping plan.
Controversy Hits 20th Anniversary Celebration
On June 23, 2024, as fans marked the 20th anniversary of the movie, a controversial comment came to light. The film was dubbed as the “most racist movie” out of Hollywood by a commentator. Marlon Wayans, one of the lead actors, took to his social media handle to repost the comment with a caption – “Do y'all agree?!”, igniting a real debate among fans.
The reaction was varied but strong, with some agreeing with the comment and others defending the film. What was particularly revealing was how fans referenced other controversial films, like Dragonball: Evolution, to argue against the racist tag for ‘White Chicks'.
Fans Defend ‘White Chicks' in the Debate
A considerable number of fans rallied behind ‘White Chicks', arguing that it was a satirical comedy and not a piece of racist cinema. They cited movies like the original ‘The Birth of a Nation' from 1915 as genuinely racist works. Others highlighted how the movie was a humorous display of the Wayans' talents rather than a racist broadcast.
Fans also trolled the original commentator for supposedly lacking a sense of humor. Many tweets in the comment section defended the comedy, emphasizing its humor over controversial elements. Others offered that the movie was more of a satirical take on early 2000s wealthy girl aesthetics than a display of racism.
Understanding the Art: Fans' Message to Critics
The fans' defense of ‘White Chicks' reveals a crucial point about movies and their interpretation. They argue that it is essential to understand the context and comedic intent of films, instead of hastily branding them as racist or controversial. Especially when other works, such as ‘Dragonball: Evolution', remain critically panned and deemed controversial, the argument upholds the movie's satirical perspective.
Today, ‘White Chicks' retains its popularity as a cult classic despite initial critical views. Streaming platforms like Netflix host the film for newer audiences to judge for themselves. It continues to be seen as a satirical comedy, reminding viewers that films can be more than just their apparent controversial elements.
Do you want to judge for yourself? Catch ‘White Chicks' on Netflix now.
