African American Archetypes- The "Crazy Black Family"

We see this archetype in NUMEROUS films and television shows. Black families are portrayed as being large, close-knit, loud, dramatic, and church-going. In most movies the younger black family members are lazy, rebellious, irresponsible while the older family members seem to be the "rock" of the family, trying to keep everyone accountable and in line. Sometimes the grandmother is taking care of the grandchildren because the mother has been put in drug rehab and the father has been put in prison. But how many movies do you see that have a traditional black family- a happily married mother and father with well-behaved children? Despite what we see in so many movies, these families DO exist in America. Movie producers portray African American families as being loud, obnoxious, and crazy because that's what Americans think of as being "funny". However, it's a slap in the face to a traditional black family when they are put into a category in which they do not belong. Perhaps Americans need to take a step back and ask themselves why they think a hard-working African American grandmother taking care of numerous grandchildren is so funny? I'm sure the grandmother wouldn't find it very humorous.

African American Archetypes- The "Black Mandingo"

Sometimes the media gives us the idea that black men are animalistic, controlled by their sexual desires, and that they prey on white women. These characteristics are certainly false, but when we watch movies like White Chicks, To Kill a Mockingbird, Madea's Family Reunion, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Gone With the Wind, we are told differently. These are all great movies, but they portray some of their black male characters as being "Black Mandingos". Is the media feeding into this idea that all black men can't control their behavior and are potentially dangerous? Is it fair that all black men are being placed in this category? People need to be aware of how easily their thoughts and assumptions can be influenced by movies and television.

African American Archetypes- The "Magical Black Friend" Archetype

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.

African American Archetypes- The "Mammy" Archetype

Whether we like it or not, the media greatly affects the way we see African American people. In movies and television, we see common archetypes portrayed by African American actors and actresses. One particular archetype is the "Mammy". Mammy's physical characteristics are black, large framed, big busted, apron around waist and kerchief on her head. She's wise, spiritual, nurturing, and usually plays the "nanny" or some sort of servant for a white family. We see a "Mammy" in Gone With the Wind, To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom and Jerry (Mammy Two Shoes), and we even see "Mammy" in advertising- Aunt Jemima. While many white people use the term "Mammy" in a sentimental way, it can be very offensive and insulting to African Americans, especially African American women. During slavery, white people referred to their female slaves, servants or caregivers, as "Mammy". When we see African American women portrayed as "Mammy", we view them exactly how the white slave-owners viewed them.

To see a clipping of the "Mammy" archetype, click here- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92kLpKuRJfo&feature=related