Satires are not easy. When done right, a satire leaves you in stitches from all the laughter, but has you critically thinking about the themes and messages once the credits roll. From The Lobster, Dr. Strange or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, Jojo Rabbit, or Idiocracy; these very films have different messages that touch on politics, love/relationships, war, or the de-evolution of humanity. That brings us to the latest film that joins the list of satires: The American Society of Magical Negroes.
The synopsis of Kobi Libii‘s film is as follows: Aren, who is recruited into a secret society of magical Black people who dedicate their lives to a cause of utmost importance: making white people more comfortable. Although initially enamored with his new powers, Aren begins to question the value of using supernatural means to do the very thing he’s felt obligated to do his whole life.
The satirical film drew plenty of backlash when the trailer was first released, but that isn’t anything new for a film of this nature. Satires are supposed to push some buttons and address some uncomfortable topics that still feel too taboo to discuss. Unfortunately for The American Society of Magical Negroes, it touches on some hot-button issues, but it never finds the right balance to address its controversial themes.
The Topic Of Black People Trying To Make White People Comfortable Could’ve Been Fun
This was a bold choice for Kobi Libii to tackle. Usually, the focus on race from the Black perspective is extremely touchy, but one well worth exploring. American Fiction is a strong example of a satire that touches on this issue. Cord Jefferson does an excellent job of striking the right balance within the film; he dives into White people’s approach to the negative aspects of Black culture, but he also criticizes Blacks for relishing those negative stereotypes as well.
The American Society of Magical Negroes doesn’t have that balance. It attacks White people without addressing the issue in the Black community. It’s also confusing as the film seemingly wants to be a romantic comedy. The film presents the hot topic of White people essentially being EVIL when they’re mad. The lead feels that it sucks to be a Black man in society, but we never dive into those issues on the struggles he deals with. Sure, there’s the inciting incident that leads to Aren meeting Roger, but that moment felt one-sided and unrealistic.
Obviously, I’m extremely aware that Blacks have been accused of horrendous things in the past by White people. However, the film never gets to the root of why some White people see us in a negative light.
Satires Are Supposed To Get A View Point Of Every Argument
I do want to be clear, I understand that there are terrible racist White people in the world. However, that’s not MOST White People. Martin Luther King Jr. said it the best, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” The American Society for Magical Negroes seems to take the approach that ALL White people are bad and will only treat people of color with respect if they’re comfortable.
There’s never a moment where we get a viewpoint on what the White characters think. We don’t get an honest understanding of why some White people have negative connotations about us. The plot focuses on Aren trying to make Jason happy and then when Lizzy enters the picture, it becomes a misguided love triangle. A satire must take a look at different perspectives when addressing a subject in this manner. Without even addressing why White people don’t feel comfortable near us, the film comes across as some jaded propaganda that doesn’t care about really tackling the issues of racism.
The American Society of Magical Negroes Barely Touches On The Ideas Of Interracial Relationships
The odd thing about the love triangle story is the interracial love triangle. Now exploring this topic is nothing new at this point. Films like Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner or Loving tackle the struggles of interracial love. The American Society of Magical Negroes barely scratches the surface. I guess the purpose of Lizzy was to paint that not all whites are bad, but it still doesn’t negate the issues that plague this film.
The American Society of Magical Negroes feels like a rejected Dave Chappelle skit that was extended to feature length. There’s no subtle in what the film’s trying to say. Plus, there’s no nuance in the controversial topic it’s trying to address. It’s just a one-sided argument that paints MOST White people in a negative light and barely gives the protagonist any depth that allows us to truly understand his deep struggles as a Black man in America.
I’m by no means saying that Black men don’t deal with any struggles whatsoever. Being one myself, I understand greatly the problems we encounter in this world. But when this subject is showcased in film or television, there has to be a layered approach that shows why Aren feels the way he feels beyond one little scene that sets up the entire movie. The American Society of Magical Negroes is an interesting concept that fails in execution.
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