Stomp the Yard

[SummerChild]

LoisLane, I guess I don't follow you. Of course they are encouraging others not to go and see it. The surest way to communicate one's point is to hit the other person in the pocket.

Also, if the grounds for the boycott are juxtaposition of gang violence (I don't recall what the grounds were) you have to ask yourself juxtaposition of *what* with gang violence. That is where the trademarked symbols, the Fraternity's goodwill (i.e., rep) that is associated with the symbols, etc. comes in isn't it?

Perhaps I have missed your point. Not sure.
SC

Originally Posted by LoisLane

You all have made some interesting points.
I too agree that as owners Alpha Phi Alpha has every right to enforce the use of their trademark as they see fit, and if that was their position, I could respect that.
However in the call to boycott letter that Darryl Matthews issued the first thing he stated was that it was on the grounds of juxtaposition of gang violence as though the movie is misaligned with the vision, goals, and objectives of the fraternity. If Rob Hardy's letter is accurate, it’s hard for me to imagine that someone could come to that conclusion without having seen the movie. If they had seen it and came to that conclusion, fine. They are encouraging others not to see it, but they haven’t seen it either. It leads me to believe that it’s ALL ABOUT MONEY, but isn't it always?

[LoisLane]

Originally Posted by SummerChild

LoisLane, I guess I don't follow you. Of course they are encouraging others not to go and see it. The surest way to communicate one's point is to hit the other person in the pocket.

Also, if the grounds for the boycott are juxtaposition of gang violence (I don't recall what the grounds were) you have to ask yourself juxtaposition of *what* with gang violence. That is where the trademarked symbols, the Fraternity's goodwill (i.e., rep) that is associated with the symbols, etc. comes in isn't it?

Perhaps I have missed your point. Not sure.
SC

Quote "Please know that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. does not endorse the film Stomp the Yard. The Fraternity prefers not to be associated with a movie that juxtaposes gang activity with that of black Greek life."
SC
My argument poses this question--How do you as a national organization, rally support from the community based on POTENTIALLY unfounded claims? You have a responsibility to do your homework. This movie could exhibit a very positive, uplifting and accurate representation of Greek life. According to the letter Rob Hardy wrote, the producer's attempted to screen the movie for the members of the national body, why would they refuse to see it? The whole juxtaposition statement feels like a diversion to mask the fraternity's monetary intentions and ambitions. It makes me question why the fraternity felt the need to be misleading in order to garner support. If the fraternity came out and made a statement saying we want to milk Sony and the producers of this film for cash, would you still boycott this film? I wouldn't, but at least I could respect their honesty.
At the end of the day, if Sony does deliver the cash to the fraternity, everybody will get another memo instructing the Greek community and adjacent to support the film!

[lovelyivy84]

The premise of the film is that fraternities are RECRUITING some dude because he can dance and they want him to win the upcoming stepshow.

ACCURACY already went flying out the window, so it is no surprise to me that A Phi A wants nothing to do with this film.

[firecracker08]

Originally Posted by lovelyivy84

The premise of the film is that fraternities are RECRUITING some dude because he can dance and they want him to win the upcoming stepshow.

ACCURACY already went flying out the window, so it is no surprise to me that A Phi A wants nothing to do with this film.

Well put Soror! On those grounds, I completely agree and will not go see this film.

[Phi_sweetie]

So, your all probably going to think this is the stupidiest question ever, but cut me some slack, I'm Canadian, what exactly IS BGLO's and "Stepping"????

[7thSonofOsiris]

Originally Posted by Phi_sweetie

So, your all probably going to think this is the stupidiest question ever, but cut me some slack, I'm Canadian, what exactly IS BGLO's and "Stepping"????

Phi_S,

We won't hold it against you. Only non-asked questions are stupid questions, and before we let you go out there and see these dumb ass movies: Stomp Hard, and this other dance movie, and think that they represent us, I will re-direct you to some BGLO names. What you will learn once you have made this journey is, that there a few things that is of a common bond in regards to these organizations. When you have figured out what commonality there is, then you'll be ready Grasshopper. Lastly, understand that all of the below listed organizations are phenomenal, especially that FIRST one. Look up the following when time allows:

ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY INCORPORATED

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated

Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Incorporated

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated

Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated

Much obliged Grasshopper...

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by Phi_sweetie

So, your all probably going to think this is the stupidiest question ever, but cut me some slack, I'm Canadian, what exactly IS BGLO's and "Stepping"????

Not a dumb question but one that's been asked a lot on this board. So see the "search" function.

[MeezDiscreet]

does anyone else think it is majorly WACK that the "college" the characters are attending is called "Truth University?"

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by Phi_sweetie

So, your all probably going to think this is the stupidiest question ever, but cut me some slack, I'm Canadian, what exactly IS BGLO's and "Stepping"????

Black
Greek
Lettered
Organizations

Stepping is essentially an African American rythmic dance form many BGLOs and others perform.

[unspokenone25]

Originally Posted by LoisLane

Quote "Please know that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. does not endorse the film Stomp the Yard. The Fraternity prefers not to be associated with a movie that juxtaposes gang activity with that of black Greek life."
SC
My argument poses this question--How do you as a national organization, rally support from the community based on POTENTIALLY unfounded claims? You have a responsibility to do your homework. This movie could exhibit a very positive, uplifting and accurate representation of Greek life. According to the letter Rob Hardy wrote, the producer's attempted to screen the movie for the members of the national body, why would they refuse to see it? The whole juxtaposition statement feels like a diversion to mask the fraternity's monetary intentions and ambitions. It makes me question why the fraternity felt the need to be misleading in order to garner support. If the fraternity came out and made a statement saying we want to milk Sony and the producers of this film for cash, would you still boycott this film? I wouldn't, but at least I could respect their honesty.
At the end of the day, if Sony does deliver the cash to the fraternity, everybody will get another memo instructing the Greek community and adjacent to support the film!

Hey LoisLane...how about you stay in your lane? Just a suggestion.

[PhDiva]

The premise of the film is that fraternities are RECRUITING some dude because he can dance and they want him to win the upcoming stepshow.

ACCURACY already went flying out the window, so it is no surprise to me that A Phi A wants nothing to do with this film.

Good point, LovelyIvy84. Additionally, all one has to do is to look at the trailer for the film and see how the main character comes out of a "gang culture" into fraternity life. Real or imagined, many people have a similar perception of Black Greek Life - like fraternities and sororities are legalized gangs. I would guess that no BGLO wants a film utilizing their symbols to be associated with anything that could potentially reinforce this negative perception.

Now, maybe I'm just getting old and conservative, but where is the balance? Drumline and Stomp The Yard even School Daze focused on the more "entertaining" aspects of Black college life but can we see somebody going to class, studying, or even graduating from college? I call this the "BET effect" - ever since BET went to Viacom, all of the educational and informative shows have been replaced with a Black man self-destructing (DMX: Soul of a Man), dysfunctional Black couples (The Christies), more of the same tired music videos being repeated over and over again and re-runs of The Wayans' Brothers. Where is the substance? Where are the inspiring stories and news about what's happening in our communities...I wonder if films like Stomp the Yard will further contribute to the stereotype that all Black folks are good for is tap dancing, cooning and showin' all our teefs. I know entertaining sells but we need some balance.

PhDiva

[LoisLane]

Unspoken, that was cute and kinda funny. LoisLane...stay in your lane! But no one is answering the million dollar question. If the fraternity had come out and said we want a pay day, would you you still boycott this film? This lawsuit just ensures that the next time black filmmakers go to a studio with a script that involves BGLO's or similar story lines that the door will be shut in their face. And I'm not okay with that.

I saw a prelim screening of the movie. Do I believe that this film is the authority on BGLO's? NO, NO AND NO! Do I believe that this film disrupts or negatively impacts the image of BGLO's? NO! The fraternity (APA) has great power and resources. I just don't believe this film is the enemy.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by LoisLane

This lawsuit just ensures that the next time black filmmakers go to a studio with a script that involves BGLO's or similar story lines that the door will be shut in their face.

No.

But what do I know, I don't have a psychic friend like you apparently do.

Originally Posted by LoisLane

I just don't believe this film is the enemy.

Damn! Just when we were about to put this film on the FBI list of terrorists.

[DSTCHAOS]

Originally Posted by PhDiva

Good point, LovelyIvy84. Additionally, all one has to do is to look at the trailer for the film and see how the main character comes out of a "gang culture" into fraternity life. Real or imagined, many people have a similar perception of Black Greek Life - like fraternities and sororities are legalized gangs. I would guess that no BGLO wants a film utilizing their symbols to be associated with anything that could potentially reinforce this negative perception.

A lot of BGLO members used to be in gangs. Some still are. That's life.

I don't see how this film would reinforce an image of Greeks as legalized gangs or sway potential members. I think political parties are legalized gangs but that hasn't stopped folks from affiliating.

[PinkPop]

Originally Posted by PhDiva

Now, maybe I'm just getting old and conservative, but where is the balance? Drumline and Stomp The Yard even School Daze focused on the more "entertaining" aspects of Black college life but can we see somebody going to class, studying, or even graduating from college?
PhDiva

Akeelah and the Bee, domestic gross = $18,848,430
Drumline, domestic gross = $56,399,184

So basically filmmakers can make movies all day long about blacks going to class, studying and graduating but it's not their fault people aren't going out to see them. Instead of blaming filmmakers for the lack of depth in movies one should really be blaming their peers for not supporting the movies that do dig a little deeper.

And on that note, I'm a firm believer that movies should entertain and not be responsible for educating people. It's fiction, a chance to escape reality for a few hours. If you look at the top grossing movies of all time, not one of them mirror real-life... Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Shrek, Finding Nemo, etc... People clearly want to see movies that are far removed from real-life so I never understood why many people feel black movies are supposed to be some kind of education tool.