Is 'Precious' racist?

Is the acclaimed film, 'Precious,' about an obese African American teen an inspiring story—or just sensationalist "poverty porn"?

With pivotal support from executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry, "Precious"— the grim story of an illiterate, obese, abused black teen—prevailed at the box office this weekend with a record $1.8 million in limited release. Though most critics gave the "resoundingly hopeful" release two large thumbs up, dissenters say it just perpetuates negative stereotypes. Is "Precious" exploitative? (Watch a trailer for "Precious")

"Precious" is a sociological horror show: Shame on Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey for endorsing this "orgy of prurience," says Armond White in the New York Press. This "post-hip-hop freak show" demeans black American life more than it enlightens.

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