Movies

The movie Coming to America is about an African prince who travels to America to find his wife. He was to marry a woman in his country by arrangement. However, the prince (Akeem, played by Eddie Murphy) is uncomfortable with having his wife chosen for him. He wants to find out what love feels like on his own terms.

Along the way, Akeem and his assistant, Semmi (Arsenio Hall), encounter the New York experience, complete with New York attitude. There are several stereotypes mentioned in the movie that I noticed. The robber trying to loot the McDonalds clone, McDowalls, is a black man, played by Samuel L. Jackson. Some people believe that was a slap to minorities who are often portrayed in movies and television programs as thugs, gang members and other malcontents. While it was commendable that Murphys Akeem daftly subdue the would-be criminal (using a mop handle and quietly sneaking up on him), it would have posed problems had the White employee (played by Louie Anderson) played the hero.

Another subtle the stereotype the movie used was when Akeem and Semmi looked for the worst apartment in Jamaica, Queens. I understand their motive for doing this not draw attention to them regarding their wealth. However, it underscores how a community may feel having a certain group of people living in certain sections of the city. It represents a certain socio-economic class that might reek of staying where they are and not moving out.

While neither prince is accustomed to their new surroundings, semi wants to at least make the place presentable. Akeem does not and because he is the boss and his word goes. It could be said of the stereotype of minorities not getting a fair shake in the world. Akeem chose to live in a poor section of the city, but many people do not have the luxury of choosing a nicer place to live

Speaking of nicer places, the fact that Akeem goes to America to find love is demeaning to women. In the opening scenes, Akeem makes his soon-to-be bride perform some foolish tasks, such as hop on one foot and make noises as she leaves the room. That was his reason for leaving for the states he does not want a subservient woman to become his wife.

While true that some cultures allow this tradition to continue, there are problems for impressionable kids who see this action as acceptable. Women are their own bosses and have as many thoughts, hopes, dreams and pride as men do. To have them looking like robots for the male-dominated society to toss them aside is wrong. Women are empowered to make their way in life as anyone else.

Another problem is the country itself. Many western people believe what they see on television is true. That is, there are millions of starving children throughout the continent who are severely malnourished and are dying at alarming rates. Even television commercials depict slum-like conditions for these people.

One teacher who came from Africa said the images shown on television are not
accurate. While some people are going daily without basic necessities (clean water, food, clothing, etc.) there are other areas of the country that are rich in tradition, heritage and money. The author said the movie does show the regality of the palace and the fact that some places are beautiful and carry plenty of weight on their own.

So far, we have looked at African-Americans and woman as categories of people who are depicted negatively in the film. Black men are also in this group as it relates to crime (already mentioned via the attempted robbery at the restaurant).

There is another stereotype played out by an African-American.
The woman Akeem woos (Lisa, played by Shari Headley) is already seeing another man, Darryl (played by Eriq LaSalle). Darryl is an egotist who only thinks of himself. During a church scene in which the offering plate is being passed around, Darryl waves off the plate and contributes nothing. The fact that he is cheap and took credit for the large donation (that was later donated by Akeem) speaks volumes for both men. Akeem is a confident man who wants to help others while Darryl is self-centered and only wants to help himself.

Later in the movie, when Akeem is introduced to Lisas parents, Darryl wants to get back into the picture. He is rejected by Lisas father, who learns of Akeems true identity. The father thinks that Akeem is better for his daughter because he is rich and would not have to work for a living (unlike him and Lisas ex-boyfriend, who worked as a spokesperson for hair-care products).

Money is the root of this problem, and that is something that runs across all socio-economic lines. It does not matter what color, race, sexual orientation comes into play, because as Akeem finds at the end is a bride who loves him for whom he is and not because of his social status back home.

At first, Lisa balks at going back with Akeem, but decided she loves him for who he is (kind, generous, etc). He been had to stand up to his father, the king, played by James Earl Jones, who said the arrange marriage needs to happen because that is their law. It was not until Akeems mother, who convinces her husband (and the king) to let Akeem choose whom we wants to marry for himself.
Pointing out the negative stereotypes in this movie proved to be easy. Also, keep in mind that the movie more than two decades old and some of the issues raised in this picture are not applicable to today (crimes are committed by all groups, for example). Not many people would take a leap of faith by leaving a life of plenty for one of wants and needs. In this case, Akeem wanted to find love and learned more about him. Akeem giving an elderly woman a pair of expensive earrings on the New York Subway is one example of generosity, and something that most likely would never, ever happen in reality.

The movie will make viewers think before raising more questions about the film. Overall, there is a lot to be learned.