The American Society of Magical Negroes (ASMN) is an organization that is dedicated to reviewing and promoting works of art, literature, and film that feature magical negro characters. The term "magical negro" refers to a specific trope in storytelling where a Black character possesses special, often supernatural abilities, and uses these abilities to help white protagonists overcome challenges or achieve their goals. The ASMN was established with the aim of critically examining how the magical negro trope is used in popular culture. The organization reviews and analyzes various forms of media, including books, movies, television shows, and plays, to assess the portrayal of magical negro characters and their impact on society. Through their reviews, the ASMN encourages a thoughtful discussion around racial representation in media. They explore the complexities and implications of casting Black characters as "saviors" for white characters, often focusing on the potential perpetuation of stereotypes and the erasure of authentic Black experiences.
The American Society of Magical Negroes takes a satirical jab at the ‘White People are evil’ trope
They explore the complexities and implications of casting Black characters as "saviors" for white characters, often focusing on the potential perpetuation of stereotypes and the erasure of authentic Black experiences. The reviews provided by the ASMN aim to shed light on the motivations behind the use of the magical negro trope and question whether it serves as a form of appropriation or exploitation. They examine both positive and negative portrayals of magical negro characters, highlighting instances where the trope may reinforce racial hierarchies or hinder social progress.
The American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical spin on the “White People are bad” trope, but reactions to the trailer are polarized.
By: Geoff Borgonia Published: December 19, 2023 PSTThe American Society of Magical Negroes is a satirical spin on the “White People are bad” tropes, but reactions to the trailer are polarized. (Images: Focus Features)
The American Society of Magical Negroes stirred controversy with its unapologetic portrayal of 'White People' as "the most dangerous animal on the planet."
Marking comedian Kobi Libii's directorial debut, the movie produced under Focus Features has Justice Smith (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves) and David Alan Grier leading the cast. The film's official synopsis and trailer set the tone, revolving around a young man named Aren. He finds himself recruited into a clandestine society of magical Black individuals committed to a peculiar cause: making white people's lives easier.
The recently released trailer introduces audiences to Smith's character and the mythology of the plot. Smith's Aren is a novice member of the titular Society of Magical Negroes being mentored by Grier's character. There is a vibe similar to the Harry Potter series and similar films from the 2000s such as The Sorcerer's Apprentice and Percy Jackson.
The central difference, of course, is the satirical take on the "Magical Negro" trope. In one pivotal moment in the trailer, Grier's character labeled White People as 'dangerous animals.' This statement comes as he elaborates on the Society's mission, emphasizing their goal of ensuring the happiness of white people. Grier introduces the notion of measuring white discomfort in "white tears" (with a magical floating meter), asserting that the Society's continuous struggle against white people's unhappiness is essential for their own safety.
In an interview with Black Entertainment Television (BET), director Kobi Libii shared insights into his motivation behind creating "The American Society of Magical Negroes." He expressed his disdain for the trope, characterizing it as a stock Black character solely dedicated to assisting the white hero, lacking an inner life or personal pursuits. For context, examples of this trope would be Morgan Freeman's role as God in Bruce Almighty and Laurence Fishburne's Morpheus in The Matrix films.
As revealed in the trailer, "White People" have a meter that goes up and down showing how close to shedding "white tears" they are. The American Society of Magical Negroes have taken it upon themselves to keep these "White People" happy, or they become dangerous.
Libii found the concept absurd and saw an opportunity to critique it while exploring the challenges faced by Black individuals in society. Libii acknowledged the term "Magical Negro" and its originator, Spike Lee, describing the trope as a Black character serving a nebulous background role. Despite the potential for misunderstanding, he remains unfazed, confident that audiences will resonate with the shared experience of being sidelined in favor of others.
The director clarified that his intent is not to create a divisive narrative but rather to use satire as a vehicle for discussing the peculiarities of growing up as a Black person in contemporary culture. For Libii, "The American Society of Magical Negroes" serves as a platform to examine the fantastical measures Black individuals may resort to in order to navigate societal expectations.
However, the film's trailer has faced significant backlash from viewers, with criticisms targeting its premise, perceived lack of tact, and accusations of promoting racial division.
The trope of the "Magical Negro" is actually prevalent in cinema and other popular media. But reactions to the trailer of Kobi Libii's satirical fantasy film have so far been generally negative.
Online comments reflect a general disapproval, with some predicting the movie's commercial failure. For instance, a YouTube user with the handle @lainistyping commented:
"The writing trope of The Magical Negro is actually really fascinating. It's a shame someone took it and turned it into what is undoubtedly going to be a movie that offends black AND white people. I'm black and my husband is white and after 12 years of arguing on whats considered a bad movie, I'm happy to report we finally found something we can [say] is garbage."
As "The American Society of Magical Negroes" prepares for its release, it remains to be seen whether the controversial satire will successfully navigate the delicate balance between critique and entertainment, humor and social commentary, while sparking meaningful conversations.
But what do you think of the film's premise? Do you think it can be executed well in this current era of societal factions? Or will it be another casualty in the so-called "go woke AND go broke" trend that plagued recent Hollywood productions like The Marvels?
The American Society Of Magical Negroes Justice Smith Jacket
By engaging in critical analysis, the ASMN seeks to contribute to a larger discourse on racial representation and diversity in media. They promote the inclusion of diverse narratives and characters that move beyond stereotypical roles and challenge the status quo. Overall, the American Society of Magical Negroes reviews serve as a platform for examining the complexities of the magical negro trope in storytelling. Through their analysis, the organization encourages a more nuanced understanding of race and representation in popular culture, fostering dialogue and progress within the entertainment industry..
Reviews for "The American Society of Magical Negroes: Shaping Perceptions and Identity"
1. Emily - 1/5 stars - I found "The American Society of Magical Negroes" to be incredibly offensive and perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The concept of a magical negro is already problematic, as it reduces characters of color to a mere plot device for the benefit of white protagonists. The book failed to challenge or subvert this trope and instead continued to exploit it for entertainment. I was disappointed in the lack of depth and character development, along with the overall shallow storytelling. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for meaningful and inclusive literature.
2. John - 2/5 stars - While "The American Society of Magical Negroes" had an intriguing premise, I felt that the execution fell short. The novel lacked originality and failed to offer any meaningful insights into race relations or the experiences of people of color. The characters felt one-dimensional and cliché, and I struggled to engage with their struggles or empathize with their stories. Additionally, the pacing was uneven, with the plot meandering at times and rushing through crucial moments at others. Overall, I found the book to be a missed opportunity to address important themes in a thought-provoking manner.
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars - As a reader, I was eager to dive into "The American Society of Magical Negroes," but unfortunately, I found it to be a disappointing read. The story lacked coherence and failed to provide a compelling narrative. The magical aspects seemed forced and did not seamlessly integrate with the overall plot, leaving me confused and disengaged. Furthermore, the writing style felt amateurish, and the dialogue was often stilted and unnatural. Ultimately, I was left with a sense of unfulfilled potential and would not recommend this book to others.