The Six Triple Eight | Why Can’t Black People Have Anything Nice?

Let’s step away from the usual debates and focus on something important: the recognition of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. Recently, I posted a video about the film that tells their story, emphasizing that the focus should be on inspiring people to learn more about the unsung heroes, particularly African-American women who served in ways often overlooked by history.

The 6888th Battalion, a group of Black women who served in WWII, played a vital role in keeping morale high by sorting and delivering mail to soldiers overseas—yet they remained largely unrecognized for their service until recent years. The film about them, directed by Tyler Perry, has sparked discussions and unfortunately, some unfair criticism.

I watched a review of the film from the YouTube channel Double Toasted, and though I often enjoy their critiques, this time I felt their commentary was off the mark. The reviewer’s analysis seemed to be based on assumptions from the trailer rather than the full film. There was an implication that the movie was only about fulfilling a “diversity checkbox” or presenting a message of female superiority over men, which misses the point of the film. It’s not about undermining other groups but about shining a light on a group that has long been ignored.

I also checked out a video by the Critical Drinker, a reviewer I used to follow, but his commentary was equally dismissive. He didn’t take into account the historical significance of the 6888th Battalion and instead reduced the film to a debate over “woke culture” and identity politics. This critique felt disrespectful, especially when it ignored the real impact of these women’s contributions.

What was even more disheartening was the reaction from some critics who dismissed the importance of the film simply because it focused on Black women. We’ve seen similar reactions with films like Black Panther, where people complain about the lack of representation of other groups. The fact is, just because a movie centers on Black experiences doesn’t mean it’s exclusionary—it’s about offering visibility to communities that have often been sidelined in history.

Tyler Perry, for all the mixed reviews of his previous work, genuinely invested time and effort into this film. Unlike many of his other projects, he took the time to visit real historical locations, interview surviving members of the Battalion, and research the events thoroughly. This wasn’t just another project for him; it was a passion project that brought overdue attention to a group of women who had been forgotten by history.

For me, the film’s portrayal of the 6888th was a significant achievement. It wasn’t perfect, but it was sincere. And for those who continue to criticize it, I urge them to look beyond the surface and understand the importance of telling these stories. The 6888th Battalion’s contributions were essential during a time when mail delivery was one of the few ways to boost soldier morale, and this should be celebrated, not belittled.

Ultimately, it’s important to recognize that highlighting one group’s achievements doesn’t diminish others. Every service member, no matter their race, gender, or background, contributed to the war effort, and every story deserves to be told.

Tyler Perry may have made some missteps in his career, but with The 6888th, he took a significant step forward in creating a meaningful and respectful portrayal of a pivotal piece of history. I hope people can appreciate the film for what it is and understand its significance. If more of his work had this level of care and respect, his reputation would be very different today.

So, let’s move away from the negativity and focus on the real story: the unsung heroes who served and sacrificed. What are your thoughts on the film? Let’s keep the discussion respectful and focused on the impact of these incredible women.