The Magical Negro

"It is not easy to pinpoint the reason why Magical Negroes exist, for no one can truly say where stories come from, not even the authors."

I tend to think they're a result of a "white" author trying to reconcile the continuing shockwaves from the "peculiar institution" and the authors not having the up-close, personal experience to pull it off. The result is another caricature, an inauthentic but wonderful and mysterious creature whose benefits are unknown until their usually tragic end. Not to apologize for the tendency, but certain kinds of help are just not needed.

http://strangehorizons.com/2004/20041025/kinga.shtml