So as you know I am a truly addicted fan of HBO's True Blood. I think, that aside from my romantic notions about vampires I also really like Sookie Stackhouse's character. Her ability to hear people's thoughts makes her a bit of a freak in a way that I think many women can relate to, especially in terms of their constant violation by a patriarchal society. And on a personal level, we can all relate to having a quality that makes us somewhat self conscious around others and wanting or finding someone who accepts them and let's us feel "normal."
But enter the token black woman, Tara (ha!) and we have again that familiar old stereotypical Mammy character who plays both best friend, guardian and bouncer to Sookie while also dealing with her alcoholic mother. She's tough and argumentative, loud and challenging and in love with Sookie's older brother. Sometimes I just get so sick of seeing this woman pop up in white media fantasies over and over again! I mean, it's not a character without nobility and strength, dignity and intelligence but it's also not the only one that black women can play! The white world would say that provision of roles like this for black actresses is proof that there are roles available for them but when they continue to be of a marginal, sidekick nature then it's just a new form of racism isn't it?
