Magical Negro


Could Earl be considered a Magical Negro? I mean, he has no life of his own (no dreams, no past, no personality...) He's a very shallow character who is there only to help Greg. I think he could have been used to add a lot to this film.

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yeah, couldn't be any different though because it's 100% unrealistic for a black kid be friends with a dweeb

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I was just surprised how authentic his character was. I've seen people on here call him a stereotype ghetto guy. I can't stand the word ghetto. I am black and I've met/encountered many "Earls". Just because he wasn't white washed (like Radar) in John Green's Paper Towns, doesn't make him a stereotype.

Even though he was from the "hood" which was just a few streets away from, the main characters house he still managed to possess the same interests (old foreign films, film making, being creative) thus them becoming friends. He wasn't the token black guy to me.

As for them being friends, I'm not sure it would be unrealistic since they were like 5 when they met. Opposites do attract you know.

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What do you exactly mean ''white washed''?

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"white Wash" basically means when Black people try hard to assimilate to white culture by whatever means necessary. Maybe you've heard of the term oreo. Black on the outside but has a seemingly white personality. It seems like media always portrays blacks as either ghetto/from the hood/violent or the opposite end of the spectrum as an oreo.The only time I can really recall seeing non-oreo type characters with white collared jobs is in black made movies.

Though a lot of people believe that white washed is just another derogatory word that unsuccessful black people use to down successful black people. And, maybe it partly is. But my problem with those (and maybe that number is small) that are white washed is that that they disinherit the black culture that they came form, sometimes it seems as if they are almost ashamed to be black. Like in the movie which I really didn't love, "Dear White People" there is a character who portrays the "oreo/white washed" girl who wears the straight weave and talks negatively about women who choose to wear their hair natural. And I just can't with that. I mean, a person can embrace their culture and still pay their bills on time.

In my opinion each are offensive, I've been called an oreo (by blacks) and ghetto (by whites). Where in reality there are all types of black people that have totally different personalities. A man could be a former felon from the hood who is ten more times intelligent then a black man who was raised in the suburbs. Yes, environment plays a large roll in peoples life, but that should be what defines them as a human being. Sorry I'm venting. But that is what white washed means. (and I hope I am not offending anyone with the term).

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Thank you for the explanation. I agree with you on the fake blonde from dear white people being ''white washed'' but I think you're using the term indiscriminately. I don't think just because a person doesn't have a ''black'' accent, he/she is automatically white washed. It could be that that person grew up amongst white people, that doesn't necessarily mean that that person rejects his race (I say race because I don't think we should distinguish black culture from white culture since both are culture, the American culture, made up by whites, blacks, asians...). In fact, the only country I'm aware of that has a black accent different from a white accent is USA. I don't know about Asia nor Africa, but in Latin America and Europe blacks and whites have the exact same accent. Also, I don't think there's a black personality different from a white personality.

Of course, maybe I didn't understand you correctly.

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I agree with you as well. I am living proof where, even though I went to white schools, I still embraced my culture. But I was saying that Hollywood solely doesn't show that side of Blacks often, when in fact there are many black people out there that are like that.

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You keep referring to culture, what exactly did you have to hang onto? What is the Black culture? I'm Irish, born in America, I see no need to hang on to my Irish culture, my wife is Italian, same thing.

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Black culture is our history. The Civil Rights movement, soul food, The Harlem Renaissance, the Black Arts Movement, natural hairstyles. "Lift every Voice and Sing". That is Black Culture, look it up if you ares still confused.

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I am not confused, am 71 years old and served 5 years in the Marine Corps years with many many black men, in an environment where there was no BS as to anyone trying to be friends on a false premise we all knew each other like brothers. If the samples you gave me create a "Culture" are all there is I still cannot help but think of many deeper qualities could be said, of say the Irish culture, who also had many conflicts in Ireland and were treated like cattle from the British, along with songs, traditions, the IRA, and on and on. Yet do not seem to bring it up often. I hope I am not being rude, but the Black folks seem to bring the Culture thing up much too frequently.

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The difference between Irish-Americans and African-Americans is that, I believe that Irish Americans can relate more to their "homeland" for a various reasons, maybe your ancestors came at the turn of the century or later and your cultural ties are more relevant and authentic. Where it is Irish Dance or dishes or Celtic Music.

With African Americans many of us are only as "African" as our politically correct name. No we don't all celebrate Kwanza or refer to Africa as the motherland. I love the African culture, I just can't relate because my family has called the USA their home for 300+ years. I personally have no ties with my roots from Africa other than the melanin in my skin. But, as a Black person my culture reflects on our history. The enslavement, and the oppression that still resonates today. Our culture is how we rose up from the oppression and hard times. Whether it was going to church on Sunday and meeting and eating Soul Food with your family. Or listening to Mahlia Jackson, or reciting poems by Langston Huges or Maya Angelou. Our culture is learning from our history and not forgetting it, like this country wants us to do so often. That is my culture to me. So maybe it is not as authentic to us as Irish Culture but, to me that is what my culture is.

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But why can't you see black culture and white culture as USA's culture? I'm from Cuba, and there we had slavery until 1878 and demography is 65% white and 30% black (including mulattos -mulatto isn't meant in a pejorative way-). And one of the reasons for the Independence war against Spain was the end of slavery (in fact, the war started when a planter gave freedom to his slaves and many former slaves fought in the war against Spain).

I tell you this to mean that Cuba and USA aren't that different in that specific matter (very different countries in general, but in this subject of comparison I think we're pretty similar). Yet when we talk about culture there: poets, writers, painters, musicians, historical heros... we don't differentiate between black and white poetry, black and white music... blacks and whites are part of the same culture. Also, we don't have separate churches for blacks (we all go to the same churches and sing the same songs, no matter if you're black or white or asian or whatever...), blacks and whites have exactly the same accent and talk the same way and live in the same neighbourhoods. And as far as I know it's the same in the rest of the Americas and Europe.

I think by trying so hard to distinguish yourselves from whites you're just contributing to racism.

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You seem to have forgotten about the many years of segregation and ostracization of black people in the U.S. We've been pushed out of many neighborhoods, establishments, and groups simply because of the color of our skin. Because we were pushed out and excluded from so many things, we formed our own culture. With a history of oppression and exlusion, it would be kind of difficult to happily sit alongside someone who was constantly plotting against you time and time again.

Now, the times have progressed -- slowly, but surely. But the roots have already been watered and you can't change the past and white-wash it into something completely off base. There's a such thing as cause and effect. Things happen that cause other things to happen. Ever heard of white flight? Jim Crow? Low Income Housing Projects? The U.S. has a long history of trying to dehumanize and push out people of color (including Latinos, African Americans, Asians, Natives/Indigenous people, etc.) so excuse us for finding a solace in creating a culture that we can be proud of.

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I am proud of Caucasian accomplishments.

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You are very patient & reasonable - thank you for taking the time to write such thoughtful & educational responses.

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excellent point sir!

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I am Irish Catholic Caucasian American and embrace White culture and the struggle of Irish civil rights..go to the library.

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I embrace Caucasian accomplishments.my culture.

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Makes a lot of sense. I've always felt black people aren't portrayed realistically in cinema. One drastic way or the other

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[deleted]

I am offended.

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this is very hateful and judgmental and prejudiced... "white wash" "oreo" i cannot believe how offensive this is to different black people... i guess you are the kind of person that says going to college is "Acting white"?
my girlfriend is what you would call "oreo" i hope she never sees something as disgusting and stereotypical as this
(im latino italian and i guess you wish i acted like the people in the tv show Jersey shore right? )

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Definitely. He disappeared for so much of the movie because he wasn't a character with his own volition. The girl had two friends, you think they'd have shared one scene just by themselves. He wasn't even inside during the wake. Good to see the actor got a check, but it was a thankless role. Surprise, white American authors, not all Black people are poor or have a ghetto brother.

Iris West-Allen saves Linda Park-West!

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He wasn't inside during the wake because 1.) we were seeing it from the main character's point of view (he could have well been inside at a different time) and 2.) Earl was extremely upset over their friend's death; perhaps he couldn't stand to be inside during the wake? Happens often in real life.

So a black character can't be poor in a film? How was Earl a character without his own volition? Could you explain this at all? You are literally just spouting general conclusions without any backing.

Earl and Greg were alike in a lot of different ways, the story just was not told from Earl's point of view. Honestly, your analysis says more about you then the film itself. Your criticism of Earl's character is shallow at best.

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2.) Earl was extremely upset over their friend's death; perhaps he couldn't stand to be inside during the wake? Happens often in real life.


His friend? Did they have two scenes alone the entire movie? Were they shown to have any meaningful conversations. This probably wasn't the writer's intent, but this came across more as Earl and dying girl having a friend in common more than being friends.

How was Earl a character without his own volition? Could you explain this at all?
I'm going to go out on a limb and assume Earl was a Senior. Was he going to college. What were his plans after high school? All it would have taken was a four minute conversation to show he had a live other than being a best friend to the protagonist. How about a scene talking to the father about dying girl? Nope. He was a prop.

So a black character can't be poor in a film?


It's a tired stereotype. They could have him rap, want to be a professional athlete, and grab his crotch as well, but I won't praise it nor will I recommend it to anyone else.

This is the type of film White liberal America loves. Poor Black kid, dad gone, female sibling young mom, male sibling doing nothing with his life, and then a well-meaning white person to save the day. This movie was 3 for four.

Iris West-Allen saves Linda Park-West!

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His friend? Did they have two scenes alone the entire movie? Were they shown to have any meaningful conversations.


Did you miss that scene where her and Earl spoke at length while Greg was completely drugged out? You must have. Otherwise this makes no sense.

I'm going to go out on a limb and assume Earl was a Senior. Was he going to college. What were his plans after high school? All it would have taken was a four minute conversation to show he had a live other than being a best friend to the protagonist. How about a scene talking to the father about dying girl? Nope. He was a prop.


You can use this as criticism for most supporting characters in movies. This story was told from Greg's perspective, a mildly selfish teenager with good intentions. Earl was a supporting character. Maybe a criticism is that you found Earl more interesting than the main character? That is fine. However, saying Earl was a prop is pretty bizarre. He had the largest personality of any prop I've seen in a film.

This is the type of film White liberal America loves. Poor Black kid, dad gone, female sibling young mom, male sibling doing nothing with his life, and then a well-meaning white person to save the day


This says way more about you than anything. Try to keep your political leanings out of your increasing redundant posts. How exactly did Earl get saved? If anything, he helped save the main character. Did you miss the entire scene where Earl calls out Greg at his house? Did you watch the film?

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If you keep asking the same questions, you will keep getting the same answer. Why should I ignore my political leanings? Because you say so. Not how it works. Unlike Earl, I don't exist to prop other people.

Iris West-Allen saves Linda Park-West!

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You should ignore your political leanings so you can take an objective view on art. Of course you don't have to do anything. Please, continue being an objectively stupid human being.

FYI - Really great counter-points to my arguments. I thought maybe you would bring some enlightened thoughts but you turned out to be a total moron with close to zero critical thinking skills. God bless.

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God must be so proud of your post. You represent your deity well.

Iris West-Allen saves Linda Park-West!

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What's this even mean?

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Could Earl be considered a Magical Negro? I mean, he has no life of his own (no dreams, no past, no personality...) He's a very shallow character who is there only to help Greg. I think he could have been used to add a lot to this film


*SPOILERS*

I don't know what you mean by the term 'Magical Negro.' I don't think Earl was a shallow character at all. He was more mature and insightful than Greg. He gave Greg hell for being upset that Rachel found out about the film and tried to get him to realize the seriousness of Rachel's situation. I think Earl and Madison knew Rachel was going to die thus they urged him to finish the film. Greg kept procrastinating because he couldn't deal with the truth.

Earl seemed like a much more sensitive person than Greg.




And all the pieces matter (The Wire)

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You should Google it, will make a lot more sense. I was disappointed how Earl disappeared in the middle of the film. This was a character I really expected more out of and it was never truly realized...

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Of course, after all his is the only name that is in the title. ''Me'', ''the dying girl''... but ''Earl''. It's like he is important just for being him, not because he's dying or because he's the one narrating it. That's the impression the title gives, Earl's role should have been explored more.

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I'm not saying Earl's persona was shallow. I meant his character. I agree with you on what you say, I meant that those good traits about Earl should have been more developed.

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It would have been nice to get more of Earl's story, but we don't get that much of Rachel's story either, aside from her illness. Greg only discovers more about her after she dies.

The film is predominently about Greg--his lack of self-esteem and how both Rachel and Earl help him mature.

The only time I agree that Earl's character is stereotypical is by having him be the poor one with the tough brother (and tough dog). Otherwise, he's portrayed as being smart, funny, and loyal. Perhaps a sequel could be made told from his p.o.v.

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He represents a facet of gregs personality, he's not a real person.


Oh what a day. What a lovely day!

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Could be, huh? But his home movies must look weird AF if it's the case. But that would explain why the Dad behaves and dresses like an asylum escapee? Greg drove them crazy with his imaginary ghetto black friend and the mom jumped into an incinerator? Did we even get to know what happened to his mom? Don't remember...

At any rate, the way it was filmed, one could indeed almost believe Earl is a figment of Greg's imagination. Interesting thought but i don't think so... Then again, i would have said the same thing before the big reveal in Fight Club.

So why don't i think so then? Yeah, stuff and arguments probably. Only the best arguments, i should mention. Trust me like i trust myself. Don't listen to my doctor, this... idiot. I will valmorphanize him as soon as i find somebody who knows how to this and by valmorphanize, i mean kill, so if you know how to do this or if you know somebody who knows how to do this, call this number: Guatemala. In the meantime, i must find a way to receive this ca...LEAVE ME ALONE BALTHAZAR DONT YOU SEE I'M TALKING TO JEANPIRISE?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN ABOUT WHAT?! STUFF!! Jesus. Stupid demons.

So as i was saying, i really enjoyed this movie: 7/10. Now, without further ado, I wish you a good day, Sir.

**SHUT UP, I SAID SHUT UP, HE'S STILL HERE GODDAMMNIT**

My respects to your beautiful wife Beatrice. Au revoir, my good Sir and godspeed. Thanksgiving, yes... Yes, in the Hamptons... With the queen, yes... And the king of Zamunda, yes. Bye now... Ups, watch your steps there... Ok Byyyye!



People who don't like their beliefs being laughed at shouldn't have such funny beliefs๎ฒ

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He doesnt actually make home movies. It's a metaphor too. ๐Ÿ˜Š

Dunno what all that is but you put a lot of time into stuff and it makes the world feel safer ๐Ÿ˜Š


Oh what a day. What a lovely day!

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I loved the character of Earl, and agree they could (and should) have done a lot more with him. It was almost like he played the part of Jiminy Cricket and was simply Greg's conscience setting him straight when he went astray. They just let his character fizzle out at the end. I would have much preferred an ending that showed Greg and Earl going off to film school together. RJ Cyler was brilliant as Earl. And Earl's character was a refreshing contrast to the more self-absorbed characters of Greg and Rachel. I hope to see much more of this young actor in the future.

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I don't know, but I wasn't a fan of the character.

Poorly Lived and Poorly Died, Poorly Buried and No One Cried

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I found the whole discussion below to be quite interesting and revealing and thank you for that. As for the film itself I don't think Earl figure shown as shallow. Even when Greg narrates he relates to the 42 movies they made as a joint effort. Not only Greg is the creative force behind the films but equally Earl is. Games of words with titles, stories, cinematographic work, etc., one can only admire the talent and vision in two such unexpected young men.

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I don't think so. He may be a fairly insubstantial character, but he isn't 'just' there to help Greg; they are a team, and despite a disagreement, remain so at the end. He doesn't just appear and then disappear. Also, even though their argument helps Greg to change, that wasn't intentional - he was just blowing off steam, not imparting wisdom.

I think he could have been used to add a lot more to the film, too - but if we're talking 'shallow' character traits, then Greg was equally annoying, despite being the one we spend more time with. ๎€ฆ





๎€

"Your mother puts license plates in your underwear? How do you sit?!"

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Yes, Earl was no less substantial a character than Greg, or the dying girl. The relative shallowness of the three title characters ultimately surprised me, given that much of this movie was extremely well crafted, particularly its humor -- a film that turned out to be a bit less than a sum of its parts. It reminded me of Juno, another flick that ended up wasting too much of its formidable talent and effort on cleverness and self-absorption. Good movies that should have been great, but miss the mark. I was moved by this film, but not as much as I anticipated half-way through it.

Life is a state of mind.

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