You hit that on the head Thump. That Black character and the Magic Negro who can help a White but, can't help his own. Of movies that prevents the predictable results the producers and directors can't remove the predictable death of a Black character.
My 2 cents Just like The Bachelor, the only way black folks will be able to see real and good representation on mainstream tv and movies is to take control of our own production and distribution. Cut racist ass Hollywood out the picture completely. Oprah and Tyler Perry's own production companies are a start but we need more and we need to come together collectively on this issue to make a difference in the long run.
The one movie I saw as a teenager that really made me think about what Hollywood thought about black men was Muchadoaboutnothing with Denzell Washington. Though Denzel was probably the best looking charactor in that film, along with the majority of the lines and HE GOT NO ASS or play AT ALL from the white chicks. Hell even the dustiest looking white dude in the film, hell I think the set Intern got some action...but the brotha none. Not just any black actor but the most popular one out was not seen as a romantic interest. That affected me as a teen. Now I know the game and know whats up.
Uh you misunderstood me. I'm not saying we should produce shows with all black cast. I'm saying the over all production (the decision makers) should be black owned with an emphasis of providing a balance of representation. A black owned production company can produce white shows...just ask Shonda Rimes. Her shows are the perfect example of balanced representation of black and white charactors. The point is we can't depend on white folks to do what we can do for ourselves.