In Angry Black White Boy, Macon is certainly the main character. Is he, however, the hero?
There are many events in the story which can be identified as parts of the Campbell's hero's journey. For example, we can point to the LA riots as the call for Macon, and the interviews as tests for him. Although not every single part can be found, an argument can still be made that Macon generally fits the hero's journey story arc.
Although Macon structurally fits the hero's journey, and his intentions are good (to call out and get rid of whiteness), the way he goes about it isn't super appealing. Throughout the story, Macon does things that aren't very hero-like, some of which are things that a typical hero certainly wouldn't do (robbing people). Macon doesn't have great characteristics for a hero either. He's sexist, as seen in his interview with Kim Sheffield (the way he thinks about her etc.). Macon is also quite self-centered and entitled.
Macon's reaction to the white people's response to his beliefs are also quite inconsistent. When Crazy Chris calls in and talks in African American vernacular, Macon praises him and says that he "has potential." On the other hand, when Macon sees white people dressing up in traditional African American clothing, he doesn't like it at all. While both are appropriating black culture, Macon accepts one but not the other. We especially see this when Macon punches the 12 year old kid wearing blackface (a reaction that a stoic hero probably wouldn't do). These inconsistencies bring to question Macon's arrogance (he ignores behavior which is similar to his) and internal beliefs/intentions.
Having these things in mind, is Macon a hero? Or is an antihero? Or is he something completely different?
