The American Society of Magical Negroes
In an interesting approach to addressing racism against African Americans in this country, The American Society of Magical Negroes satirizes the concept that a black man tends to be a sounding board or emotional support person for a white man. In the movie, the black person can directly sense the white man's discomfort, and can then use that knowledge to ease the situation. The logic here is that a calm white man won't shoot or kill the black man. I say satire, but it's not wrong.
Aren, an artist with a very troubled mind, is inducted into the society and assigned to Jason who works at a tech company that accidentally and insensitively prevents black people from using the face recognition. What follows is an hour and a half of uncomfortable situations where Aren swallows his true feelings to keep Jason happy.
Aren's character progression from timid, to empowered, which requires the use of magic, proves that the continuation of the dehumanization of minorities in this country is not ok. To make a film fantasizing magical solutions to prevent being hurt or killed cannot possibly be understated.
I leave you with this. Aren's speech near the end of the film to Jason is moving, powerful and heartbreaking all at the same time. Don't be clueless like Jason. Be better.
In an interesting approach to addressing racism against African Americans in this country, The American Society of Magical Negroes satirizes the concept that a black man tends to be a sounding board or emotional support person for a white man. In the movie, the black person can directly sense the white man's discomfort, and can then use that knowledge to ease the situation. The logic here is that a calm white man won't shoot or kill the black man. I say satire, but it's not wrong.
Aren, an artist with a very troubled mind, is inducted into the society and assigned to Jason who works at a tech company that accidentally and insensitively prevents black people from using the face recognition. What follows is an hour and a half of uncomfortable situations where Aren swallows his true feelings to keep Jason happy.
Aren's character progression from timid, to empowered, which requires the use of magic, proves that the continuation of the dehumanization of minorities in this country is not ok. To make a film fantasizing magical solutions to prevent being hurt or killed cannot possibly be understated.
I leave you with this. Aren's speech near the end of the film to Jason is moving, powerful and heartbreaking all at the same time. Don't be clueless like Jason. Be better.