Barack Obama has been elected the first African-American president of the Unites States, but that's not enough for some people. No, they're not stopping there. These people say that Barack Obama has also achieved another high-ranking, unelected office. He is now, according to them, officially our first real-life magical Negro.

In case, you don't know what this means, the magical Negro is a mythical figure, usually in movies, who just shows up one day-simply appears-to help out the white protagonist. Kinda like an angel. Think Clarence in It's a Wonderful Life. Only black. And not so whiny.

Actors such as Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Will Smith have played the magical Negro, portraying characters like the brilliant and wise prisoner who happens to be shackled to Tim Robbins on the chain gang, or, in other movies, the clever caddy, the innocent and, sadly, executed prisoner, or the genius janitor. The magical Negro is a loner and never has any family, friends, or loved ones. He always comes across as unthreatening and supportive, wise but not a smart-ass, and black, but black like Barack Obama, not black like Al Sharpton or Snoop Dogg.

Frankly, I think white people talking about Barack Obama as the magical Negro have it wrong. Yes, he's articulate-as Joe Biden famously and insultingly called him; and Barack Obama still selected him to be his vice president-and he does seem genuinely wise, caring, and understanding. But if you focus on only these qualities, you make him seem less human and more like some type of myth, or comic book superhero, and not just the most qualified man to be president.

Plus, Barack Obama is the protagonist. He's not a sidekick. He's not the janitor sweeping the floor of the oval office late at night who gives advice to the president on everything from grooming tips to career guidance to life-changing wisdom. He is the [expletive] president.

The magical would be the one sweeping up. He's got all the answers but he's powerless. He would say to the president, "None of my business, but I wouldn't wear that blue suit to the press conference. And that tie? No. A fashion blunder. Lose it. It's an eyesore."

"Really, Rastus? Are you sure? What's wrong with my suit and tie?"

"Just don't look right. You mind lifting your legs? I gotta sweep away those dust bunnies, Prez."

The Magical Negro's role is thankless. He's forced to spend the entire movie in some shit job, trying to [get] the hardheaded hero, some stiff, clueless white guy, to see the light.

Of course, the classic example of the magical Negro is found in the movie “The legend of Bagger Vance,” starring Will Smith and Matt Damon, and directed by Robert Redford.

First of all, Will is literally a magic "magical Negro" because he materializes out of nowhere to help the disillusioned Matt Damon.

"Where'd you come from, Bagger? How do you know so much about golf?"

We never know. Bagger gives vague answers. Matt doesn't press him. Fuck it. Bagger is a caddy and a mystic who dispenses great advice that at first sounds crazy.

"Try your putter instead of your sand wedge. That'll work better for you."

"Are you sure? Because, see, my ball is sitting in the sand trap. That's why I went for the sand wedge."

"Listen to me. Use your putter."

Long look at the magical Negro. Matt pulls out his putter. Holes it out.

"Amazing, Bagger. You're incredible. Why don't you play yourself? Why don't you compete?"

"Oh, no, I don't do that. I help others. I give advice. I don't actually do anything. That would conflict with my role-being a magical Negro put here in this caddy shack to help you, Matt Damon. So I'll just stay here, impart wisdom, and polish up your cleats."

I also think the magical Negro is only magic in the White world. When he gets home, he's just a guy like any other guy.

"Hey, baby. I'm home from the gold tournament. Hard day giving advice to that thickheaded Matt Damon."

"You know what? I don't care how thickheaded he is, you're tracking mud through the house! Take your cleats off. Are you ignorant?"

"Don't talk to me like that, Wanda. I'm the magical Negro, remember?"

"I got some magic for your ass, [expletive]. Why don't you magically take out the trash? Magical Negro. Hey, Mr. Magical Negro, how about you magically add some zeros to our checkbook and buy me a new [expletive] car, [expletive] . Magic, my ass. Right. You a magical Negro and I'm Oprah Winfrey."

It's possible that thanks to Barack Obama, along with the death of the angry black man, we just may be seeing the death of the magical Negro.

© Copyright 2006 SeeingBlack.com

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