You Learn Something New Every Day
Posted by TFG on March 8th, 2007
Today, it’s the 50-some-year-old existence of the Magical Negro.
In movie circles, this figure is known as a “magic Negro,” a term that dates back to the late 1950s, around the time Sidney Poitier sacrifices himself to save Tony Curtis in “The Defiant Ones.” Spike Lee, who satirizes the stereotype in 2000’s “Bamboozled,” goes even further and denounces the stereotype as the “super-duper magical Negro.”
It’s perfectly understandable that I never would have heard of this phrase or what it means. Movie people give me a migraine and an unholy itch on my trigger finger.
Except actresses. I can could somehow find a way to act interested. Not that I ever need to, of course. They’re as migraining as the rest of them, but at least they can mostly look good, and a good-looking woman can get away with a lot.
Via Andrea…
March 9th, 2007 at 12:13 am
I’m so proud. The school where I work had a HUGE St. Patrick’s celebration during the lunches. Immaculate decorations & party favors all around….complete with bagpipes/drums, the players of which in traditional garb….cake for everyone….
Let me see, am I glad, sad, or seething…? This is the 1st time in my 14 years at this school we’ve ever had any celebration of anything remotely Anglo….sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings here. I love my job, school, & school Dist…..grateful for all aforementioned. HOWEVER - seems like they hold special all cultures, ethinicites, etc., with great regularity, but never celebrate AMERICA….THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. It seems no one noticed, but THIS IS AMERICA….WE HAVE OUR OWN CULTURE. It was started long before today. Get in step or get out…
Whoo…that was a little brash…..so solly
KD
March 9th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Nice rant, dude…you need a blog
March 9th, 2007 at 11:15 pm
I thought all the minorities, or otherwise abnormals, were sacrificed for the good of the white star, in the 1950s movies? Seemed so. Meanwhile, back at the ranch. I do miss some of those old oaters, though.