These African Men Just Called Out Hollywood’s Stereotypes – And the Result Is Hilarious

July 4, 2015 / Mama Hope

Editor’s Note: The following cross-posted video uses the term “stupid” to express something bad. While we strongly appreciate the sentiments in this video, we also recognize that “stupid” is an ableist term that has hurt many people. We don’t support the use of such language, apologize in advance for any harm caused, and look forward to the eradication of such language from our collective conscious.
With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

“We’re talking to you, shirtless Matthew McConaughey.”

Do you recognize any of the movies that show up in this video – or the stereotypes they show about African men? If you’ve only seen them in the movies, then you haven’t seen African men like this before.

These guys had us cracking up, and we’re sure glad they’re speaking up for themselves about who they are. This is the kind of positivity that’s missing from Hollywood’s image of African men, Mama Hope is making a difference by making it known. Help spread the word!

With Love,
The Editors at Everyday Feminism

Click for the Transcript

Group: To the Western World…

Gabriel: I am an African man.

Derrick: I am an African man.

Benard: I am an African man.

Brian: I am an African man.

Gabriel: But, do you know who we are?

Brian: If you’ve only seen us in Hollywood movies…

Derrick: …this is what you might think of us.

Group: Machine guns.

Brian: We shoot our machine guns from trucks.

Derrick: We shoot our machine guns from boats. When we run out of bullets, we shoot rocket launchers.

Gabriel: We are obsessed with violence.

Man: Yeah. Yeah.

Brian: We hate smiling. Smiling is stupid.

Gabriel: We are fantastic role models.

Benard: We only speak in one liners. And when we speak, we sound evil.

Actor 1: What did you say?

Actor 2: Do you believe in God?

Actor 4: Don’t lie to me.

Gabriel: Staying calm is stupid.

Actor 5: Where is the diamond?

Actor 6: Liar!

Actor 4: Where is the diamond?

Actor 6: I know your name!

Actor 4: What is left!

Derrick: However…

Brian: There is nothing more dangerous than a brave Western protagonist.

Derrick: We’re talking to you, shirtless Matthew McConaughey.

Matthew: Are you okay?

Group: One thing’s for sure, a day without war is a day not worth living.

Derrick: You don’t really think of us that way. Do you?

Gabriel: We are likable and friendly guys.

Benard: We are even on Facebook. We are more than a stereotype.

Gabriel: Let’s change the perception.

Derrick: Don’t you have a Matthew McConaughey poster in your room?

Gabriel: No. Who told you that? Nonsense!

All: [laughing]

Gabriel: Enough with you.

Benard: Nonsense.

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Mama Hope is a non-profit organization focused on building self-sufficient communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mama Hope partners with Community Based Organizations and invests in high impact, cost effective projects, that meet their fundamental needs for food, water, education and health care. Mama Hope has completed 34 projects in 4 countries, and impacted more than 150,000 lives in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ghana. To learn more please visit our website at http://www.mamahope.org.