In my previous post, "How to Avoid Being a Cliché African American Content Producer," I covered the importance of moving beyond repetitive tropes in African American media, exploring the reasons why our content needs variety and originality. Some might have felt this critique was directed personally or viewed it as discouragement, but my purpose was only to highlight the stagnation within a growing industry, not to shame its creators. Certain genres have become so overdone that they’re beginning to limit rather than inspire. Therefore, I’m back to continue this conversation, providing insights on how to break the cycle of stereotypical, formulaic storytelling. Here, we’ll dive into a few more themes that, while valuable in their own right, need a fresh perspective or replacement altogether.
1. Step Away from the "Glitz and Glam" Rise-to-Fame Stories
In recent years, African American content has had no shortage of tales about the journey from struggle to stardom, often highlighting music and sports careers. These "come-up" stories are typically about overcoming poverty, navigating dangerous neighborhoods, and finally rising to fame. While they do carry value in showcasing resilience and ambition, they have also grown overwhelmingly redundant. In many cases, they paint African American success as a narrow pathway available only to those with physical prowess or musical talent.
When we limit our representation of success stories to these arenas, we overlook a massive spectrum of accomplishments that exists within our communities. Where are the tales of African Americans achieving success in STEM fields, medicine, entrepreneurship, or environmentalism? How about more narratives featuring characters who break the mold by pursuing unconventional paths, such as becoming an architect, marine biologist, urban planner, or diplomat?
As creators, we can explore fresh, compelling stories by turning our focus toward African Americans pursuing careers in diverse fields. Consider highlighting African American scientists who discover breakthroughs, inventors designing technology that changes lives, or entrepreneurs creating community-based businesses. These narratives not only broaden representation but also provide hope and inspiration, showing young viewers that they can excel in areas beyond the often-trodden paths of fame and fortune.
2. Reconsider the “Church Story” or “Faith Redemption” Tropes
Religious themes, especially those rooted in Christian redemption arcs, have become almost synonymous with African American storytelling. While faith is undoubtedly a core pillar in many Black communities, the repetitiveness of the “coming to God” story has turned this once-unique narrative into a standard plotline. This saturation limits the exploration of faith to a single dimension, rather than capturing the vast range of spiritual experiences and beliefs within the community.
To bring freshness to this theme, why not consider exploring spiritual journeys that go beyond traditional Christian frameworks? African American content creators could delve into spiritual practices rooted in African cultures, or even venture into fictional religions for sci-fi or fantasy genres. By widening our spiritual narratives, we allow for a richer variety of stories that can include elements of self-discovery, ancestral ties, or even cosmic connections.
For example, a story about a character who learns about and practices ancient African spiritual traditions might reveal profound cultural connections often overlooked in modern storytelling. Or perhaps a narrative that features interfaith or interspiritual dialogue could broaden our perspectives on faith and belief systems. When we expand the types of spiritual stories we tell, we create new avenues for African American content that both honors tradition and embraces innovation.
3. Look Beyond Trauma-Driven Narratives
One of the main reasons African American stories can feel repetitive is the heavy emphasis on trauma. While it’s important to address the challenges and systemic injustices Black people face, not every story needs to be about pain, poverty, or violence. These stories are indeed real and valid, but there are equally important stories about joy, celebration, resilience, and love within the Black experience that deserve the spotlight.
Consider focusing on character-driven stories where the conflict is not centered around systemic injustice or community struggle but rather universal human challenges. For instance, stories about relationships, family dynamics, self-discovery, or personal achievements can provide new avenues of storytelling. Imagine an African American character dealing with the complexities of starting a new job, navigating mental health, or pursuing a hobby like hiking or painting. These themes might seem “ordinary,” but they provide the opportunity to create deeply relatable, nuanced characters who aren’t defined solely by their trauma.
4. Avoid Hyper-Focusing on Inner-City Settings
Another commonly overdone aspect in African American content is the inner-city setting. While urban environments are essential to many Black stories, they aren’t the only setting that exists within the African American experience. Limiting characters to cityscapes narrows our view of the diverse communities Black people inhabit. There’s a richness in depicting rural areas, suburbs, small towns, and even international settings where African American characters live and thrive.
Why not consider a story set in a small-town farming community or an African American expat’s experience abroad? Stories that showcase Black characters in various environments offer a much-needed expansion of representation. It’s not just about where these stories take place but how these locations affect and shape the character. When we introduce Black characters in settings beyond the inner city, we provide new perspectives that break stereotypes and redefine how we see Black life.
5. Diversify Family Dynamics and Relationships
Another common trope is the “strong Black matriarch” or the “single parent” narrative. While these dynamics reflect reality for some, they’re not the only family structures out there. African American families are diverse, encompassing a variety of structures and roles. Let’s see more married couples, co-parenting dynamics, blended families, or even non-blood-related family bonds.
Additionally, portray relationships beyond romantic and nuclear family structures. Think about narratives that center around friendships, mentorships, or community relationships. For example, a story about an African American protagonist and their elderly neighbor, who imparts wisdom or helps the protagonist navigate life’s challenges, could provide an incredibly heartfelt and unique perspective. By expanding on different kinds of relationships, we allow characters to experience a more nuanced and well-rounded life.
6. Experiment with Genres and Styles
One surefire way to break the cycle of clichés is by experimenting with different genres. African American content has traditionally excelled in drama, romance, and comedy, but there is vast untapped potential in genres like sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and historical fiction. These genres allow for imaginative storytelling that can push boundaries, explore complex themes, and create iconic characters.
For instance, a Black-led sci-fi story could explore futuristic technology and cultural evolution, while a fantasy tale could delve into African folklore, blending magical elements with cultural heritage. Horror provides an outlet to explore social anxieties in new and thrilling ways, while historical fiction can shine a light on overlooked events or figures in African American history. Genres like these not only engage audiences with fresh storylines but also expand the perception of what African American content can be.
Consider some examples:
Sci-Fi/Fantasy: An African American scientist who accidentally opens a portal to another dimension or a young girl who discovers she possesses ancient magical powers.
Horror: A haunted mansion in a small Southern town, where an African American family confronts spirits tied to the town’s dark past.
Historical Fiction: A story set in the Harlem Renaissance, where artists and thinkers navigate both the racial and social dynamics of their era.
By stepping into these genres, African American creators can craft narratives that resonate universally while still rooted in unique cultural perspectives.
7. Prioritize Complex, Multi-Dimensional Characters
When it comes to character development, it’s essential to move beyond archetypes. The “angry Black woman,” the “comic relief,” the “sassy friend,” or the “wise elder” have all become shallow depictions that don’t allow characters to reach their full potential. Characters should be multi-dimensional, with both strengths and vulnerabilities that make them relatable and real.
Instead of fitting characters into familiar molds, focus on creating people who are flawed, ambitious, curious, and dynamic. Characters who face personal struggles, have insecurities, or go through periods of growth make for compelling storytelling. Think about what makes your character unique. Are they a perfectionist who fears failure? A young entrepreneur who dreams of making a difference? An artist struggling with creative block? Characters that resonate have layers that feel genuine, adding richness to the narrative and giving the audience a character they can empathize with.
8. Breaking the Cycle of Over-Sexualized Relationships
There’s no denying that sex sells, but too often, Black love is represented through a lens of carnal desire rather than emotional or spiritual connection. Relationships are often presented with a heavy dose of drama, where conflict, infidelity, or jealousy are central to the plot. This narrow portrayal reduces the richness of relationships and misses the chance to depict transformative, supportive, and empowering partnerships.
Why not take the opportunity to show Black relationships that thrive on mutual respect, personal growth, and spiritual union? A great example can be found in my fantasy series, The Dark Ichalocha of Terres Nei, where characters draw strength and clarity from each other, and their bond unlocks abilities and insights they couldn’t reach alone. Rather than internal conflict, it’s the external forces that challenge their relationship—these couples aren’t each other’s obstacles but each other’s support system in facing threats. A story that focuses on spiritual or emotional connections has the potential to depict love as a sacred, supportive force that propels characters forward in their journey, rather than merely providing physical satisfaction or dramatic conflict.
9. Elevating Different Perspectives and New Narratives
One of the greatest pitfalls of cliché storytelling is the perpetuation of a singular perspective. African American experiences are vast and diverse, encompassing a wide array of cultural, regional, and socioeconomic backgrounds. When we limit storytelling to one or two familiar tropes, we inadvertently reinforce the notion that Black lives are defined by struggle, poverty, or adversity alone.
Instead, we can tell stories that showcase different facets of Black life, such as the experience of African Americans living abroad, multigenerational family dynamics, or even the journey of self-discovery within culturally rich but underrepresented settings. Think about genres where Black characters are often marginalized or missing altogether—stories centered on high fantasy, horror, mystery, or even eco-conscious narratives that allow us to explore the environment and conservation. Telling these stories helps portray Black individuals as complex, layered, and multifaceted, capturing the full spectrum of our humanity.
10. Telling Stories that Inspire and Empower
Another aspect of avoiding clichés is embracing stories that serve as beacons of empowerment and growth. African American storytelling can, and should, include narratives of resilience, intellect, and beauty that shine a light on the full breadth of what it means to be Black. This could mean creating a protagonist who is a Black scientist solving environmental challenges, a detective unraveling a thrilling mystery, or a time traveler rewriting history. Each story is a unique opportunity to transcend stereotypes and offer audiences heroes who defy expectations.
Consider, for example, a story where the Black experience is part of a larger, universally compelling tale that resonates across races and ethnicities. A narrative that highlights not just overcoming obstacles but reveling in triumph, joy, creativity, and cultural richness. By rethinking what constitutes “Black stories,” we open the door to new archetypes, breaking the mold and creating something unforgettable.
11. Creating Diverse Universes and Complex Worlds
When producing content within genres like science fiction, fantasy, or adventure, don’t shy away from creating complex worlds that feature African and African American characters in leading, heroic roles. Why not write a Black female archaeologist discovering lost civilizations or a group of Black astronauts exploring other planets? In fantasy, we can construct intricate societies inspired by African cultures, with characters that navigate complex political, social, and magical landscapes. These narratives offer endless possibilities for Black characters to shine in roles that are aspirational, imaginative, and reflective of our creativity and heritage.
12. Avoid “Hacky Soundtracks”
One of the biggest missed opportunities in African American cinema is the overuse of predictable, genre-specific soundtracks. Too often, hip-hop and R&B are the default music choices for African American films, meant to add a layer of cultural authenticity. While these genres are integral to African American culture, relying on them exclusively can feel redundant, especially if they don’t enhance the story or character dynamics.
Consider using a soundtrack that fuses different musical traditions, blending African, African American, classical, opera, and even experimental genres to create a truly unique auditory experience. Music is one of the most powerful tools for evoking emotion, culture, and time periods, and by experimenting with unexpected styles, a soundtrack can add an avant-garde twist to storytelling. Imagine a suspenseful scene scored with African-inspired percussion layered over a haunting classical violin, or an intense climax backed by a fusion of soulful opera vocals and traditional African sounds.
Such creative soundscapes can also align beautifully with Afrofuturistic, fantasy, or historical storytelling, where the soundtrack can amplify world-building and character depth in memorable ways. Being innovative with music choices invites audiences to experience African American films as multidimensional, breaking away from clichés and embracing a cinematic experience that is both culturally grounded and refreshingly avant-garde.
Conclusion
Breaking the mold as an African American content creator means rethinking the stereotypes and patterns that often dominate the media landscape. While certain narratives and themes are familiar and well-loved, overreliance on these tropes can make content feel formulaic and predictable. By exploring diverse settings, experimenting with new genres, and creating complex characters, we can begin to paint a fuller, more accurate picture of the African American experience.
There is no limit to the stories we can tell or the spaces we can explore. As creators, we have the responsibility and privilege to bring fresh, authentic voices to the forefront. By breaking away from clichés, we not only offer audiences something new but also inspire future generations to see that they, too, can be part of the creative process, contributing to a broader, more inclusive narrative tapestry. Let's continue to uplift, innovate, and tell the stories that truly represent the richness of our community.
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