Homey Don't Play Dat

So, anyone remember this guy, cause I do. And his cousin can be seen in the documentary, Rize, our chosen film for this week's module. (Yes, you will be hunted down as promised, Ben!) The entire first half I felt like I was watching an SNL sketch or one of those tongue-in-cheek Christopher Guest mockumentaries like Best in Show or A Mighty Wind. Alas, Parker Posey made no appearance, so I'm forced to concluded that "clowning" is alive and well and that Rize is the genuine thing.

If I were choosing, I would probably discuss this film using race discourse/ethnic studies or from a postcolonial point-of-view. However, my role this week is to apply a feminist "lens" to this documentary, so I'll try my best.

From a feminist critical perspective one of the elements I found most compelling was the differences in self-expression between the female and male krumpers. The female roles were much more sexualized. This was particularly obvious when the women started stripping off extra clothing and pouring water on themselves during the competition between the clowners and the krumpers. This is definitely something students could discuss in the classroom. They might compare the one male participant who stripped off his shirt and the claims krumping welcomes all people regardless of appearance. (Though not all races.)

I also found the "stripper dance" segment particularly disturbing. It seemed ludicrous to me that the young girl claimed she was unfamiliar with it's origins. Furthermore, I do not agree with the boy who defended young girls (6 or 7 yrs) dancing like that. This would also make an interesting topic for debate for students.