Getting a bit deep I know – but the above phrases are apparently common notions in the world of movie and literature when it comes to the use of African American characters. I first came across the phrase “magical negro” when doing a bit of googling on the character Michonne from Walking Dead. I love the character – unfortunately though I was saddened to hear that her character has being criticized for an up to date usage of the “magical negro” stereotype. So what does that mean exactly? Well, according to a couple sources (wikipedia largely and The Daily Beast), it is an archetypal character unique to American literature. The character is usually a member of a minority group (largely African-American) that possesses sage or magical abilities that help support the White Protaganist. The “Magical Negro” generally has little character development, back story and is usually from an economically disadvantaged segment of society. Often times they will appear to be working in such professions as janitor, maintenance worker etc and so on. The character is also typified by a minority member who selflessly helps white people and is considered by some as archetypal racial throwback to such concepts as the Sambo and the Noble Savage. TV Tropes.org and Wikipedia users have created lists of well known characters they deem as falling into this category, including Morpheus (The Matrix), Oda Mae Brown (Ghost) and even Jennifer Hudson’s character in the Sex and the City movie as other examples of this archetype. The writer Toure put this concept really in perspective for me:
While some may think it complimentary to be considered “magical,” it is infantilizing and offensive because it suggests black excellence is so shocking it can only come from a source that is supernatural.
Read more: http://ideas.time.com/2012/09/26/the-magical-negro-falls-to-earth/#ixzz2Q0a5T4QS
Now, why is the use of this archetype negative? It seems to be that the character simply exists to support the main character and will never advance beyond that supporting role. Honestly, this is kind of true so far when it comes to the television portrayal of Michonne. In the comic series, Michonne’s character is much more developed and appears to have been used for Andrea’s back story instead, an attorney, and for parts of Maggie’s story in the television show. Both of these characters, if I might add, are white.
Furthermore, the series itself to me really made a huge error in not implementing an African-American character (or even female characters in general), like Michonne, as one of the group leaders. The series takes place in the state of Georgia and at one point near Atlanta in which the current population is at least 50% African American. Wouldn’t it make sense that that African Americans would have a stronger presence in the stories? Off and on throughout this last season (I did not start watching the series until this winter), I kept asking myself, why are the “leaders” all white?
Okay so I get what the critics are saying but I am not sure how to reconcile this when it comes to potential black characters I might create in role play or even in s a short story. Does this mean that every black character, in a supprorting role, created by a white writer has the potential to more easily cross the line into the territory of this archetype? How does one avoid creating a Magical Negro character in general? These are questions I keep asking myself after reviewing this concept and really don’t seem to have an answer.
Another criticism of the use of black characters by white writers, is the notion of Romantic Racism. This occurs when a writer of a dominant group project their fears and beliefs onto an oppressed group. How this could translate into literature is the idea that poverty, strife and oppression leads an individual to a more enlightened way of thinking i.e. being poor, black and oppressed makes them a better person. I view it as projecting our own “white guilt” onto a character and relieving our intellectual distress when it comes to the history of African-Americans and the obstacles they still face in our society today.
This leads me to think about a discussion I had with someone close to me about the intent of Quentin Tarentino, which eventually led to the demise of the relationship, LOL. For those of you not familiar with Tarentino, he is the driving force/director/writer or whatever behind such film phenoms as Jackie Brown, Pulp Fiction and Django Unchained. Because of his films, I have seen and heard such humorous comments directed towards him as “The only white man allowed to be black.” I argue, though, Tarentino tries too hard with his use of black characters – that his of language and, god forbid, featuring blaxploitation stars such as Pam Grier, is a form of Romantic Racism. My now ex friend felt the opposite. Now, like “Foxy Brown” and other blaxploitation films in the past, one could argue that Tarentino IS helping advance the cause of black performers. But is he going about it the right way?
I am sure you are asking now what in the world does all this intellectual mumbo jumbo have to do with Second Life???? Well my role play of course! Will my creation of a black character make me guilty of the above two concepts? How do I avoid unknowingly creating characters that might possess the above traits? Also do I have the right to create a character based off of a culture I will never be truly a member of in real life? I don’t have the answer for this for the time being so I guess I need to channel my inner Michonne and figure out the right path. 
Anyway, I think Michonne (or the actress who plays her) is beautiful. So these pictures are my homage to her and the series that has captivated my attention for the past few months. Okay that’s all I got. So take care my friends and have a great second life!
Body
Hair: -dDx- Discord Design Teagan – Browns
Skin: The Shops! (THE SKIN SHOP) ‘Chocolata’ (30)
Outfit
{dollle*} 033 Fur-Lined Sleeveless Jacket – Brown
jane.intrinsic.tank.rd raspberry
top fromCrochet Applique Dress – delicate blue
TonkTastic – Cargo Pants
Shoes
**DECO – MESH Harness Boots (soil)**
Accessories
Centipede Backpack 2
*FN* F*cking Ninjas Stealth’s Katana
Poses
F*cking Ninjas
Location
Misty Mountains
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