Blog Post 1: Tyler Perry's: The Haves And Have Nots

Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and Haves Not” is an explosive television drama that gives many soap operas such as “All My Children” and “The Young and the Restless” a run for their money. Creator Tyler Perry takes you inside the world of the rich and powerful Cryer family and their hired help in Savannah, Georgia. 

From the outside, the Cryer’s (The Haves) are the face of success and wealth, however dysfunction from within the family threatens to destroy their privilege. Jim Cryer, the father, leads a double life that causes much destruction. Mother – Katheryn Cryer, may seem like a loving wife and mother, but go to wits end to protect her family’s name. Son and daughter, Wyatt and Amanda Cryer each hold a range of problems from drug usage to suicidal attempts.

The economically disadvantaged (have nots), the Young’s, deal with a host of issues. Mother Hanna Young is coincidentally the head maid at the Cryer home and soon realizes the troubles ahead when wicked daughter Candace becomes close friends with Amanda. Quickly, we see that Candace is the center of the controversy in the Cryer and Young households. We are also introduced to Benny Young, who plays a major role. 

Based on the show title alone, audience members can see that there is a clear distinction between the working class and high class society on the show. Immediately, my mind goes to the idea of ethnocentrism from Chapter 4 (Brummett, 2012). Throughout the show, the Haves are continually judging the haves not through their lenses based on their success. Tyler Perry did a phenomenal job in writing, directing, and creating this show. You will see artifacts such as a red dodge viper that show class divisions. 

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9DG_sMOklE

References:

Brummet, B. (2011). Rhetoric in popular culture. (Third Ed). Los Angeles, CA: SAGE

Publications, Inc

 http://www.oprah.com/own-the-haves-and-the-have-nots/the-haves-and-the-have-nots.html