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Soooo
I'm currently reading Sapphire's The Kid.
Granted the material is tough... a bit graphic in nature... but I appreciate this story.
Not many (if at all) fiction writers touch on the topic of male sexual abuse. This is a tough topic, and one that is so taboo or not taken as seriously as sexual abuse against women/little girls.
I've been reading the reviews and comments people have after they read the book. There are a lot of mixed reactions with those who truly dislike the book expressing strong feelings about it (you can read up on those via Amazon). I understand if such a topic or even the way the material is written is not your cup of tea, but as I'm right in the middle of the story I say bravo to Sapphire for approaching this topic at all. And come on, it's Sapphire.... folks should know by now she doesn't sugar coat. She's RAW!
As mentioned, the story is a bit hard to digest. You have Abdul (aka J.J.), a 9 year old orphan who is unfortunately turned out...not by choice...but by brutal force. It leaves me feeling angry at the character that did this to Abdul.... first of all I should have saw it coming... the stripping away of his innocence or his initial identity. The foster mother doesn't call him Abdul, she's the one that bestows the name JJ on him; a nickname derived from his actual full name -Jamal Abdul Jones. Even after he said his name is Abdul, she still insisted on calling him JJ. She never asked what he prefers to be called. He never corrects her.
While I do feel a certain level of anger at the character that turned out JJ, I also feel anger towards JJ as I'm reading on how he is acting on and out due to his abuse. But the sad thing is.....He is such a child.. while he is too smart for his own good.. when it comes to sex and his sexuality.... his reasoning or the voice that Sapphire provides is heart wrenching and pretty deep.In general he doesn't acknowledge what he does with other boys as sex, because what has happened to him has been such a common occurrence he takes it in stride as if it's just something that happens in life to every little boy. He's desensitized and can't recognize that the sensations he feels are related to the abuse that has happened to him or that he performs on others. The interesting part is... he recognizes when he's older he should be with a female. At 13 he actually recognizes females.. but he hasn't crossed that line yet... at least not current part of the story I'm in.
Currently I'm at the part where it looks like he is about to find out about his family - Precious' family - as it is obvious that when Precious was alive she kept Abdul away from her family, I'm sure in a move to protect him. I do believe my question "Where is his sister, the daughter Precious had that was mentally challenged?"
Interesting enough... reading this book has me thinking about Tyler Perry. While I respect him as a business person and I am a fan of SOME of his work.... I wonder..... if I ever get a chance to talk/interview Perry.... I would ask him.... would he ever consider doing a story that focused on black male sexual abuse, especially drawing from his own experience? Is he ready to tell such a story? How would the public/viewing audience react if he did do a movie or a play on such a topic? Would he be able to do it without Madea?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
Tyler Perry Llega a un Acuerdo de Ocho Películas con Netflix.
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