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Saturday, December 28, 2024

Uncompromised Identity: How James Patterson Preserved the Legacy of Alex Cross

James Patterson's steadfast refusal to whitewash his iconic character, Alex Cross, is a powerful testament to integrity and the importance of cultural representation in storytelling. When Hollywood presented Patterson with a lucrative opportunity to rewrite Cross—a Black detective—as a white man, he decisively rejected the idea. This refusal wasn’t just a matter of principle; it was a stand for authenticity and a commitment to honoring the identity that has defined the character since his debut in 1993.

Alex Cross is more than a fictional detective. His identity as a Black man is central to his narrative, providing a lens through which readers can explore systemic injustices, cultural resilience, and the complexities of navigating a world that often underestimates or undervalues Black lives. To strip Cross of his Blackness would have been to strip him of his soul, reducing a deeply layered character into a hollow archetype designed to cater to outdated industry norms.

The legacy of Alex Cross is further elevated by the actors who have brought him to life on screen. Morgan Freeman, with his unmatched gravitas, first embodied Cross in Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001), delivering a performance that established the character as a cerebral, compassionate force. Tyler Perry later took up the mantle in Alex Cross (2012), offering a fresh interpretation that highlighted the character’s humanity and tenacity. Most recently, Aldis Hodge has breathed new life into Cross in the Amazon Prime series, presenting a nuanced portrayal that resonates with modern audiences while staying true to Patterson’s vision.

These portrayals demonstrate the enduring relevance and power of Alex Cross as a Black protagonist. Each actor brought their unique perspective, showcasing the many facets of a character who is not defined solely by his profession but also by his identity, his struggles, and his triumphs. Their contributions are not just performances—they are a continuation of Patterson’s commitment to authenticity and representation.

Patterson’s decision to preserve Cross’s identity speaks to the larger cultural movement demanding stories that reflect the diversity of human experiences. Representation in media is not a mere aesthetic choice; it is a necessary step toward equity and understanding. By refusing to compromise, Patterson upheld the legacy of Alex Cross as a symbol of resistance to erasure and a celebration of the richness of Black narratives.

This is about more than one character. It’s about challenging an industry that has too often marginalized or diluted Black voices. James Patterson’s choice was not just an act of creative fidelity; it was a declaration that stories rooted in truth and identity are not for sale. In doing so, he has ensured that Alex Cross remains a beacon of representation and authenticity for generations to come.

Eιɖεર Dરε


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About Me

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I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.

MY THEOLOGICAL TRAINING:

It brings to my face a unadulterated smile each and every occasion I am asked, “Elder Dre, What Theological Training do you have?”

My heart beams with joy at the opportunity to humbly give full glory to God as I reflect on on how the prophets, patriarchs and apostles of old would have respond: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, King David, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Matthew, Mark, Peter, James, John and the other disciples, not forgetting the Saviour Himself.

How would they have answered the question: “What theological training do you have?”

The words of the prophet Amos also came to mind: “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:” Amos 7:14

I surely am not impliedly decrying theological preparation, education or training: I consider it essential, but not as much as some think. For the fact is, the Almighty raises up believers according to His own standards.

Educational qualifications, wealth, fame, talent, social standing, outward appearance etc. are useful; but they are secondary in His sight. Qualities like faith, obedience, holiness, humility, honesty, absolute loyalty to one’s spouse, the ability to raise one’s family to fear God and keep His commandments etc.; these are the things the Most High values.

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Only on the Day of Judgment will it be known how truly educated, weighty and effective I have been. That is why I have to smile when the question arise.

The vanity of the question is only matched by the foolishness of my answer.

As the wise man wrote: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1: 2 or as the apostle Paul commented in 2 Corinthians 11:16-30 when rattling off a long list of impressive qualifications “... I speak as a fool.”

Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:14-15 (NLT)

I am a preacher, but most of all, I proclaim that Jesus is the Savior with various applications of that truth in my everyday life. My dear friend, if you are a Christian, you are a preacher also. Whether you have been ordained or not, hired by a church or not, or ever been recognized as a preacher or not is beside the point. All who have God living in them are called to proclaim the Savior to the world. It is a Holy calling, and a demanding one. It will pull you out of your comfort zone, challenge your commitment, and help to develop you into the person God has created you to be.

John spoke as an eyewitness to Jesus' saving power. We speak as heart-witnesses; ones who have not seen Jesus with our eyes, but have experienced Him through personal transformation. I speak, and you speak, as a representative of Christ on earth. The message that we bring is simple, yet profound; that God the Father sent God the Son into the world to save those who are lost to bring them into relationship with Him. As you tell the story, and I tell the story, some will listen and receive the grace that God has sent us into the world to proclaim.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, what a privilege to be a spokesperson for You.

Thank you for stopping by. Stay encouraged and please do come back.