The Magic Negro

The magical negro (sometimes called the mystical negro, magic negro, or our Magical African-American Friend) is a supporting, often mystical stock character in fiction who, by use of special insight or powers, helps the white protagonist get out of trouble. The word negro, now considered by many as archaic and offensive, is used intentionally to suggest that the archetype is a racist throwback, an update of the "Sambo" and "savage other" stereotypes.[1] Spike Lee popularized the term, deriding the archetype of the "super-duper magical negro"[2] in 2001 while discussing films with students at Washington State University[3] and at Yale University.[4]

I think that to an extent, Obama has a "magic negro" effect for some people. There is an element of guilt to his popularity.

It's all irrelevant, of course. I think there is a very high chance that Obama is going to win the primary and the general election. The issue is, beyond the stereotypes and race based identity, what kind of president will Obama be?

I have problems with Obama's health care plan. Trying to "expand" access to traditional health insurance is bad policy. The problem is the traditional health insurance companies, and so getting more people into that flawed system is not optimal. Clinton's plan is much better. It provides a path to government administration of the financial side, where at some point we can have everyone on Medi-Care style programs.. with all the elements that you'd find in a traditional HMO, but without the incredible waste and cost of traditional plans.

I also have a problem with Obama's "inclusive" style of politics. We don't need to include conservatives in policy discussions for the same reason we don't need to work with the health insurance companies for health care reform. The conservatives offer bad policy, and there's no reason to include elements of bad policy in a new agenda.

However, sometimes politicians stake out certain viewpoints in order to get elected. John McCain, the "Maverick" "Straight-Shooter" is anything but.. however, that aura is crafted in order to get elected. I think Obama is going to be a solidly popular and progressive leader. I think that eventually, the American public will regard him by his style and policy, and effective leadership, and not by the color of his skin.

Can you imagine a black president in America though? I'm just glad that he's actually a very bright, articulate, effective leader. You know, pretty much the opposite of what we've had the last 7 years. It's very possible that Obama will usher in a seismic shift in political philosophy for generations to come.

/side note

It's very difficult to write about race in politics without appearing to be racist. My point is that race is playing a factor in the election, however, in the long run I think Obama will be viewed as an important figure independent of race. With Obama, race really isn't a defining characteristic. He's just an American.