Analyzing 'They Cloned Tyrone': A Sci-Fi Satire on Identity and Society
In the thought-provoking film "They Cloned Tyrone," director Juel Taylor explores how products consumed by the Black community can influence and manipulate them.
"They Cloned Tyrone" is an intriguing film that blends elements of science fiction, comedy, and mystery uniquely.
The storyline revolves around identities, conspiracy theories, and the concept of cloning, all while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone.
Set in a modern world with a distinct 70s vibe, the movie cleverly plays with the viewer's expectations of the visual cues, such as the fashion and hairstyles, creating a seventies atmosphere, even though the events take place in the present day.
The cast's performances are noteworthy, with Jamie Foxx stealing the show with his trademark humour and comedic timing. John Boyega is exceptional as he continues establishing himself as a versatile actor, and Teyonnah Parris delivers an excellent performance that leaves an impact.
A significant surprise in the film is Kiefer Sutherland's portrayal as the antagonist.
The movie thoughtfully executed an exploration of how the black community is influenced and manipulated by the products it consumes and deems as emblematic of its culture. It thoughtfully questions the impact of items such as food, hair products, music, strip clubs, and even churches on the black population's identity and raises thought-provoking questions about the influence of consumerism on the black community.
Drawing parallels with my recent readings like "The Other Black Girl”, "Hood Feminism", or All the white friends I Couldn’t Keep” the film resonates with contemporary discussions surrounding race, identity and systemic inequalities. I will attempt to show how this film playfully blurs the lines between fiction and reality and should prompt audiences to reconsider their lifestyles.
PLOT SPOILER ALERT
In a suburban community, Fontaine, a drug dealer, confronts a customer owing him money.
In the midst, he encounters Yo-Yo a prostitute, but as he leaves, he is shot by Isaac, a rival dealer.
The next day, Fontaine has no memory of the incident but recalls a wounded man taken by a black SUV parked near a trap house.Fontaine, Yo-Yo, and Slick, a pimp, investigate a trap house and uncover a lab conducting disturbing experiments on Black people.
They find out they are clones and escape through a strip club.
Nixon and Chester oppose Fontaine, Yo-Yo, and Slick. revealing scientists experimenting on Black communities for peace and trigger word affects everyone except Yo-Yo.
The next day, Fontaine learns his mother was just a voice on a recorder. Yo-Yo gets kidnapped by Nixon.
Fontaine fakes his death to save her with Slick and Isaac. They free the experimented Black people and Yo-Yo reunites with Slick.
Wounded Fontaine discovers the older version of him is a mastermind behind a plan to convert Black individuals into White individuals through mind control and selective breeding across generations. Motivated by young brother's death, he creates clones. Older’s Fontaine argues that assimilation is a preferable solution for the country rather than annihilation.
Fontaine uses Nixon's trigger word on Chester and has him shoot the original Fontaine. Clones are unleashed from the church and the trio heads to Memphis to expose the other labs.
Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Tyrone lives a life identical to Fontaine's. While with friends, he sees Fontaine on TV, revealing Fontaine is a clone of Tyrone.
Unveiling Food Inequity in Marginalized Communities through “Hood Feminism”
In her groundbreaking book "Hood Feminism," Mikki Kendall tackles an array of critical social issues, including the subject of food desert, food diversity and the absence of grocery stores in marginalized residents.
Kendall underscores the fact that food deserts, predominantly found in low-income communities, perpetuate cycles of poverty and lead to increased health disparities.
Many urban black communities in the United States face the challenge of living in what is known as a "food desert," where there is limited access to affordable and nutritious food.
This lack of diversity in food options exacerbates existing health disparities and contributes to higher rates of diet-related diseases, such as diabetes and obesity, within these communities.
One of the main factors contributing to food deserts is the absence of grocery stores that offer a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food options.
In low-income neighbourhoods, fast food prevails, boasting easy accessibility, extensive advertising and a perception of affordability.
A parallel can be drawn from the movie "They Cloned Tyrone," where chicken concealed a white powder-inducing laughter upon consumption.
This mirrors the real-world scenario where fast food, despite its detrimental health effects and addictive nature, remains a viable choice, mainly due to its budget-friendly appeal.
Many individuals opt for quick and economical fast food over pricier grocery options.
Exploring Subliminal Control through Black Women's Hair Care in “The Other Black Girl"
The Black hair care industry poses a threat to the Black community because it upholds Eurocentric beauty ideals, causing harm through multiple channels.
In the highly captivating novel "The Other Black Girl," Hazel possesses an extraordinary ability to infiltrate Nella's thoughts, as well as the minds of various other Black women, employing an ingenious strategy of mind control that cunningly manipulates their ethical values and individual beliefs with hair care products.
The notion that Black women's hair care can be employed as a brainwashing tool is not outlandish or narrative as in real life, some Black hair-care products are harmful. Studies by James-Todd et al. found endocrine disruptors in products used daily by Black women.
“Approximately 50% of products marketed to Black women contain such chemicals, compared to just 7% for white women,” said James-Todd. Phthalates linked to obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, preterm birth, preeclampsia, diabetes in pregnant women.
In “They cloned Tyrone” Yo-Yo unravels that the drug also lurks within a hair-conditioning product called Clean 2 Perm Cream.
While this instance draws laughter, its significance is palpable. It signifies a Black woman's liberation from the shackles of white supremacy, as she embraces her natural hair.
But Yo-Yo deftly employs this concept against her adversaries, showcasing how the tools of manipulation can be turned around. As her wig becomes her shield against the influence of mind control.
"Challenging Assumptions: Exploring Alternative Perspectives on Christianity in 'What if Christianity is for White People?' by Andre Henry"
In his book "All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep," Andre Henry poses provocative questions that delve into the complex history of Christianity in America and its impact on Black people.
Casting doubt on the origins and purpose of Christianity, Henry asks, "What if Christianity is for white people? What if they made up this religion to serve their interests?" These thought-provoking inquiries forcefully confront the legacy of slavery and discrimination endured by Black individuals throughout history.
By questioning the foundations of Christianity, Henry invites readers to critically examine the ways in which religion has been used to uphold and perpetuate systems of oppression.
This inquiry sheds light on a complex intersection between history, faith and the manipulation of power.
The presence of the lab facility under a church in "They Cloned Tyrone" symbolizes the continued control and manipulation exerted through religious institutions.
This juxtaposition suggests that even today, seemingly trustworthy spaces of worship can conceal hidden motives that perpetuate the marginalization of Black communities.
In a world where media and consumerism shape our lives more than ever, "They Cloned Tyrone" urges us to scrutinize the narratives we absorb and the choices we make. By playfully blurring the line between fiction and reality, the movie prompts us to consider the broader impact of the products we embrace, from food to music and everything in between.
Are you ready to be entertained and enlightened? Join the characters on this cinematic adventure that doesn't just tickle your funny bone and intrigue your mind, but also pushes you to rethink your lifestyle. Let "They Cloned Tyrone" challenge your perceptions and inspire you to carve a path that's truly your own. It's not just a movie—it's a mirror reflecting the complexities of our world, waiting for you to engage and take action.
So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let the journey begin. Your perspective might never be the same again.
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