The Boondocks and Black Women

Its not a secret, I'm a huge fan of the Boondocks! I been following this series since I first discovered the radical little afro'd black boy, Huey, in the St. Louis Post Dispatch comic section. I was fascinated with McGruder's views on politics, black culture and his ability to get under peoples skin! I still in a way, model my delivery of my views after his. Although some may have differing opinions about what he says and how he says it, one thing can't be denied, this man is brilliant!

I was enjoying his clever puns and ratchetness (yes, we all have some ratchet in us. he is included) throughout his "Ma Dukes" episode when a friend brought up a rumor surrounding him. "You know they say he don't like black women." I paused the episode and pondered the statement. As a fan and a black woman, I needed to do some research!

After a few quick searches, some things popped up surrounding his love life and preference for women. Its speculated that he has a strong liking for Asian and White women. There was even a post (mind you this came out shortly after the Ma Dukes episode...so take it with a few grains of salt) about a mistress of his that claims he expressed how unattractive and undatable he found black women.

Ebony Brown, Season 3

I had to sit back and take a moment to reflect. I even took a few minutes to think back to episodes in which black women appeared. I asked myself, what kind of black women, if any, frequent the show the most? I could only come up with a few episodes. The first is,"Lovely Ebony Brown". This is a later episode in which Granddad finds and loses the perfect girl for him (mainly because of his own insecurities). Something to note is her appearance, she was of a lighter complexion and straight hair with more European features than African.

A second episode in which a black woman is center is, "Guess Hoe's coming to Dinner?". Again, Granddad thinks he finds the perfect woman only to find out she is a hoe...literally. She was A Pimp Named Slick Back's property (by the way, this episode is fu%^*ng hilarious!). Cristal (like the champagne) was also of a lighter complexion with long blonde hair.

Cristal, Season 1

After going through a few more episodes in my mind, irony set in. Huey and Riley Freeman, the main characters of the show are both voiced by Regina King, a black woman, and yet representation of black woman are extremely scarce within the series.

Regina King

I had to sit back and ponder this irony within the Boondocks. I did some additional research and came across the MoKellyReport (go follow it/read if you don't already! He is not a game!) who in so many words stated that although this man is a phenomenal writer, critical and creative thinker, he still has work that needs to be done within himself. I agreed.

I am still a HUGE fan of the Boondocks and Aaron McGruder's work. He inspired me through his series to continue to call out a patriarchal white supremacist system in which we live, just as he has/did. But even though he can call it out, doesn't mean he is immune to it, and as far as I know, he never claimed to be.

It is impossible for one show, leader, organization, etc. etc. about black people to get it right. It will take a variety of different approaches to truly capture the complexity of black male AND female life. I fervently applaud The Boondocks and use it's shortcomings as more inspiration to help create a space for black women. I only hope that someone, someday will point out my shortcomings and utilize it in the same way.

Peace, Love and Progress.