Stomp the Yard

[PinkPop]

Has anybody actually seen the movie? I think if there are images of A Phi A then they should be removed.

IMO, it's just a movie. A work of fiction and while I understand it may associate Black Fraternities and Sororities with stepping, black people aren't so simple that we can't differentiate fiction from real life... and believe it or not, there are some people who can go see a movie just for entertainment purposes without trying to connect what they've seen to real life

This is a small movie that will make $15M top at the box office, half the people going to see it are probably already in BGLO's so we already know the deal and any youngins who see this movie who then go to college and think it's all about stepping will get a dose of reality day one when they go out for said frat/sorority.

So if the boycott is because of trademark infringement, I hope the filmmakers remove all trademarks and then we can all ban together and support black filmmakers in an industry that really doesn't want them.

Just think, if people had boycotted Animal House the world may have never gotten to know Jim Belushi or John Landis who both went on to contribute greatly to the cinematic world. Since most of us have never seen the movie we don't know what this movie has to offer...

[PhDiva]

IMO, it's just a movie. A work of fiction and while I understand it may associate Black Fraternities and Sororities with stepping, black people aren't so simple that we can't differentiate fiction from real life... and believe it or not, there are some people who can go see a movie just for entertainment purposes without trying to connect what they've seen to real life

But with mounting legal costs due to incidents of hazing, I'm not surprised that the BGLO's are taking whatever steps necessary to protect the image and reputation of their organizations. Plus, the issue here is about intentional fallacy - what the creators intend is often different than how the general public perceives it. If people take away from the movie that BGLO's are a form of sancitioned "gang", then this will have a negative impact on the actual organizations. The letter from the Alphas' president was clear about their disapproval linking the organization to a movie about and/or dealing with gang culture. This point alone deserves consideration from the movie producers, not to mentio the trademark infringements.

[PinkPop]

Originally Posted by PhDiva

But with mounting legal costs due to incidents of hazing, I'm not surprised that the BGLO's are taking whatever steps necessary to protect the image and reputation of their organizations. Plus, the issue here is about intentional fallacy - what the creators intend is often different than how the general public perceives it. If people take away from the movie that BGLO's are a form of sancitioned "gang", then this will have a negative impact on the actual organizations. The letter from the Alphas' president was clear about their disapproval linking the organization to a movie about and/or dealing with gang culture. This point alone deserves consideration from the movie producers, not to mentio the trademark infringements.

Oh I agree 100%. All references to AphiA should be removed and the filmmakers should not in anyway infringe on any trademarks.

But I think BGLO's are ultimately responsible for their image. There is some truth behind hazing but I don't feel they should take it out on this little movie. As far as Alpha Kappa Alpha goes, we are a service organization that has changed the world through our existence and our 99 years of dedicated service to mankind can not be undone by one little low budget movie. Our efforts speak for themselves.

I'd have to see the movie first to give my true opinion but if it's anything like drumline, I don't think it will affect BGLO's negatively... if it does.. I think it's a sad testement on society that filmgoers can't go see a movie and leave what happens in the movie in the theater and just view this as the simplistic movie that it probably is.

But in the end, I think this is about trademark infringement and I agree without a doubt that should be dealt with.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by PinkPop

Just think, if people had boycotted Animal House the world may have never gotten to know Jim Belushi or John Landis who both went on to contribute greatly to the cinematic world.

Interesting analogy and conclusion.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Interesting analogy and conclusion.

You read my mind.

[PinkPop]

Originally Posted by ladygreek

Interesting analogy and conclusion.

I don't know what you meant by this statement but as a avid film goer I know that Animal House began the careers of Belushi and Landis, both who went on to make classic movies that millions of people have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy for years to come including Blues Brothers, Thriller, Coming to America, An America Werewolf in Paris, etc... may not be your kind of movies but I for one appreciate their cinematic contributions.

[ladygreek]

Originally Posted by PinkPop

I don't know what you meant by this statement but as a avid film goer I know that Animal House began the careers of Belushi and Landis, both who went on to make classic movies that millions of people have enjoyed and will continue to enjoy for years to come including Blues Brothers, Thriller, Coming to America, An America Werewolf in Paris, etc... may not be your kind of movies but I for one appreciate their cinematic contributions.

My taste in movies is a little more discerning about what are considered classics. But then it could just be a generation gap.