A common archetype that we see in numerous movies portrays African Americans as the "Magical Black Friend". This is usually a supporting character that uses some kind of magic power to help the white protagonist get out of trouble. The "Magical Black Friend" is always at some sort of disadvantage- sometimes he/she is a victim of racial discrimination or has some sort of social constraint (prisoner, janitor, slave). Even though they have magical powers, this magic is always geared towards helping out a white, usually male, character. The black character is still inferior to the white character(s), and this is what I find most disturbing. Some examples of movies that contain this archetype are and many many others. In Stephen King's, The Green Mile, John Coffey is a prisoner that was falsely accused of the rape and murder of two girls (because the color of his skin). Instead of complaining about his mistreatment, John Coffey uses his healing powers to help other prisoners and even the prison guards and warden that got him into his situation. While he was portrayed as a very wise, patient, caring man, he was also portrayed as being inferior to every white character. In the end, he is executed. This is an example of how our media tries to confirm white superiority.
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