As a Catholic, I appreciate the way that “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” explores themes of perseverance and community, and how it portrays the challenges faced by marginalized communities. However, I also have some concerns about the series that I believe should be addressed.
One issue that I would like to highlight is the way that the series portrays materialism and success. While the Wu-Tang Clan’s rise to fame is certainly an inspiring story of determination and hard work, the series often presents material wealth and success as the ultimate goal. As Catholics, we believe that true success is not measured in material wealth or status, but in our relationship with God and our commitment to serving others. This is why Matthew 6:19-21 says:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Additionally, by focusing on material success, the series may unintentionally reinforce harmful cultural values that prioritize individual achievement over the common good.
Another issue that stands out to me is the use of violent language and imagery in some of the lyrics and performances by the Wu-Tang Clan. While I understand that hip-hop has a long history of using provocative language and imagery, as a Catholic I believe that we should strive to use language that builds up and dignifies others rather than tearing them down. Furthermore, some of the language and imagery used in the series can be seen as perpetuating harmful stereotypes and contributing to a culture of violence and disrespect towards women.
Additionally, while the series does depict the struggles faced by young people growing up in poverty and marginalized communities, it does not always offer solutions beyond individual determination and perseverance. As Catholics, we believe in the importance of both individual and collective action in promoting social justice and addressing systemic issues. It is not enough to simply overcome individual obstacles; we must also work to change the systems that create those obstacles in the first place.
Furthermore, the series sometimes portrays immoral behavior as acceptable or even heroic, such as when the characters engage in drug dealing. As Catholics, we are called to live lives of virtue and to seek God’s will in all things. This means rejecting behaviors that are contrary to God’s law and promoting the dignity and well-being of all people.
From a Catholic perspective, another criticism of “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” could be its use of nudity and sex. While it is understandable that the series aims to portray the gritty and often brutal reality of life in the inner city, it does so at the expense of moral values and the dignity of the human person.
The series often uses nudity and sexual content to shock and titillate viewers, rather than to advance the plot or deepen character development. This is problematic from a Catholic perspective because it objectifies the human person, reducing them to mere sexual objects rather than respecting their inherent dignity as children of God. It also runs counter to the Church’s teachings on the sanctity of human sexuality and the importance of chastity and modesty.
Moreover, the series does not always provide a moral framework for its sexual content, often depicting extramarital affairs and casual sexual encounters without any consequences or remorse. This sends a dangerous message to viewers that these behaviors are acceptable or even desirable, without considering the emotional and spiritual harm that they can cause.
As Catholics, we are called to promote a culture of life and respect for the human person, which includes the responsible and respectful use of our sexuality. We are called to live lives of chastity, purity, and modesty, and to respect the dignity of every human person. The use of nudity and sexual content in “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” undermines these values and could be seen as promoting harmful attitudes and behaviors.
The series could also be criticized for its portrayal of religion. While the series does acknowledge the importance of spirituality and faith in the lives of the characters, it often depicts the Five Percent Nation in a positive light. For those not familiar with this religion, the Five Percent Nation, also known as the Nation of Gods and Earths, is a cultural and religious movement that originated in the United States in the 1960s. It was founded by Clarence 13X, a former member of the Nation of Islam, who believed that black people are the original people of the Earth and possess divine knowledge and power.
While the 5% Nation emphasizes self-knowledge, empowerment, and the pursuit of wisdom and understanding, there are some aspects of its teachings that are inconsistent with Catholic beliefs.
One of the main teachings of the 5% Nation is the belief that black people are the original people of the earth and possess divine knowledge and power. This belief is in conflict with Catholic teachings, which hold that all human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and have equal dignity and worth. Catholicism also emphasizes the universality of the Church and the importance of spreading the Gospel to all people, regardless of race or ethnicity.
The Five Percent Nation also claims that the white man is the devil. This belief is based on the idea that white people are responsible for the oppression and enslavement of black people throughout history and that they lack the spiritual and moral qualities necessary to be considered fully human. Consequently, the promotion of the Five Percent Nation in this series ironically runs the risk of perpetuating racism rather than eliminating it. Moreover, the series depicts many instances in which Caucasians helped the Wu-Tang Clan and achieve their success. This phenomenon, in a very concrete way, contradicts the doctrine of the Five Percent Nation on this point. Thus, there seems to be an internal inconsistency in the message that is delivered by the series.
In conclusion, while “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” is a complex and thought-provoking series that raises important questions about social justice, community, and the dangers of materialism and worldly success, it also has some problematic elements that should be critically examined from a Catholic perspective. Due to some of the concerns described above, I cannot recommend the series in good conscience. However, I can appreciate some elements in it.
One response to “A Catholic Review of Wu-Tang: An American Saga”
They also mix other beliefs into their main one. For example, Cappadonna is using a name from my old neighborhood after Fr. Vincent Capodanno known as “The Grunt Padre” where they actually opened a cause for canonization for Father Capodanno.