One thing about high budgeted mass media outlets such as films is that the production companies are very careful about their investments due to the fact that the film projects are extremely costly compared to other outlets. It is not like a TV show, which they can air the pilot and study the reaction, and thus getting projections of the show's future. Unless they are major blockbusters with millions of dollars as a budget, many film productions are more of gambles, which is why the production companies and sponsors are less likely to put themselves in risks.
Although many would like to believe that America is in the post racial era, the majority of consumers are still caucasian based, and this trend will stay the same for a very long time. Because of this reason, many films have followed the procedures of past successful projects, which may include being racially sensitive towards Caucasians' perspectives rather than others.
Negative and offensive portrayal of the African American community arose to the attention as many civil rights leaders fought and pushed for social equality. Directors such as Spike Lee are well-known for his jabs at the society and heavily accentuating the racial representation of the African American Community, and perhaps even accentuate them.
I believe that the authors were more referring to the African American characters that play support roles. Hughey mentions the popular action film 'the Matrix'. In the film, Lawrence Fishburne plays Morphius, a vital support character that aids the main character, Neo (played by Keanu Reeves) reach his destiny as the hero of the storyline. While Lawrence Fishburne's character is important to the storyline, his purpose is to help Keanu Reeves character come to the realization of being a hero and saving the world. Morphius would be the perfect example of what a 'Magical Negro' in films would be.
I believe that people's mentality against racial roles in the society have evolved for the better. However, I cannot shake the feeling that somewhere in the society's consciousness, there are still some deep-rooted racial images stuck in the minds that prevent us from seeing people completely separated from the concept of race.
Woo, I think you made a great point that big Hollywood Blockbusters films whole point and intention is to make millions to billions of dollars. First of all they spend tons (millions) of money making these films and want a surplus return of their investment. Therefore, the bottom line is that they cater to the Caucasian view. Because as we learned "white privilege" is prevalent, real and controls most of the media and economy. So catering to Caucasians is just a good business move.
ReplyDeleteThen I look at it this way. In a movie such as "The Matrix" there has to be a wise older person to guide and make the lead character realize her/his potential and destiny. "The Matrix" would not even be a film without the Morpheus character. So would the solution be to cast the role of Morpheus to a white person? Then another argument will ensue that the part of Morpheus should be a woman opening up the gender inequality debate.
On the other hand some may argue Neo's character to be played by a black man. Then should Morpheus' character be played by a white person? Or should it be left to a black person? If the role of Morpheus is left to be portrayed by a black person does the "magical negro" term still apply?
I bring up these thoughts to highlight that the term "magical negro" is a complicated concept and has many arms and legs. Casting black actors in and out of these "magical negro" roles is more complicated than casting. It stems from society and will take much more fixing than simple role casting.