Problematic Media Tropes

Problematic Media Tropes

Introduction

Tropes are approaches employed by artists in their work that transport audience to richer experiences in both sensory and experience aspects. They are commonly used as bridges between the ideal world and the world created by the film, novel or poetry. There exist good tropes and harmful ones, but their application is the determinant of the end effect they have on the public (Nadarajah). In the current media industry, there are specific tropes that require deterrence for the greater good of the public implication the industry sustains. For instance, the magical black character trope is number one on the abolishment list.

The Magical Black Character

Commonly referred to as the Magical Negro in artistic terms, this trope has elicited racism in the United States media industry up to date. The Magical Negro is a supporting character who aids a white protagonist (Nadarajah). The cast is viewed as a superhero, in possession of mystical powers and exceptional skills that help in shaping the character and life of the white counterpart (Nadarajah). The term came into being in 2001 by a film director Spike Lee, and a cultural critic, who was astonished by the consistent application of the same by Hollywood. Lee noted that the character as applied in the crime drama film, The Green Mile, by Frank Darabont was assumed by Michael Clarke Duncan (Burger 121-135). Featuring Tom Hanks as the correctional row officer, the white protagonist witnesses supernatural events through the black character, Clarke. Hanks featured as (Edgecomb) realizes that Clarke has a psychic ability besides that of the other death convicts. He aims at maintaining a tranquil setting as the condemned await their death. However, Hutchison (Percy) has an unsettling aspect of hate towards black inmates. Percy’s barbarism is oblivious, where he intends to squirm what the convicts hold dear and make their last days a living hell (Burger 121-135). In another comedy-drama film, The Legend of Bagger Vance of 2000 by Robert Redford faced a lot of criticism for employing an African-American stereotype, Will Smith.

Effect of the Magical Black Character on Culture

The magical Negro is a reflection of a racist society. It employs a feeling of subjects to Black characters where, despite their willful powers in a film, they are never perceived as heroes (Nadarajah). They are anticipated to sacrifice their lives or what they hold dear for the higher course- saving the White protagonist.  According to Nadarajah, Hollywood racism has become poignant currently. For instance, George Lucas’ latest film Red Tails failed to be recognized due to the failure of a white protagonist as a significant character. The film starred Cuba Gooding Jr and Terrence Howard and this cultivated its rejection by the Hollywood studios. Secondly, Black characters are perceived as a narrative device in films that ought to employ good manners to the White protagonist. For instance, Will Smith, in the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance strives to assist Matt Damon to golf like a pro (Eberts, Jake, et al. 131). Black characters are expected to use their abilities selflessly for the benefit of the white. These characters are only allowed to be at their extremes, either as criminals or saints not as rational human beings. Cultural critics have also proved that Hollywood uses magical negro as a representation of other minority communities.

Additionally, the Magical Negro is perceived as superhuman. Skills and powers possessed should aim at improving the lives of the White characters despite the cost. For instance, Morgan Freeman featured in most films like Bruce Almighty, and Evan Almighty plays the role of God (Kia Miakka). Freeman is claimed to be the best-known social activist in the world, but he comes second by inspiring the White South African captain’s victory in Invictus.

Conclusion

The rise of the magical black character trope has resulted in more social clashes than never before. The analogy has borne racism which is prevalent in the current American media industry, a situation that will change only if the analogy is abolished. Fairness is not exercised as a factor that banishes skills and talents in the media platform. It is the high time that a stance is assumed to curb the unravelling racism pestilence.

Work Cited

Burger, Alissa. “Serial Publishing and The Green Mile.” Teaching Stephen King. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2016. 121-135.

Eberts, Jake, et al. “The Legend of Bagger Vance.” Will Smith Handbook-Everything you need to know about Will Smith (2012): 131.

Nadarajah, Madhura. “LIT 425 Conference Paper Magical Negro: A Hollywood Film Trope that Needs to End.”

Natisse, Kia Miakka. “Shonda Rhimes” Scandal’ presents a blueprint for the survival of blacks on network TV.” Retrieved December 5 (2012): 2013.