Institution
Superheroes
(Black Panther)
Name
Subject
Date
Superheroes
(Black Panther)
Superhero movies have become more dominant in the industry. One conventional producer of the film is the Marvel, which has managed to produce some evoking superhero movies about the societal problems. One more fascinating superhero production is the Black Panther. It is regarded as the most audacious and poignant superhero story involving a fictional country of Wakanda. With the superhero stories dominating the cinema industry the Marvel with their most inspiring movies compared to the different array of their superhero, which mainly takes unrealistic scenarios, the Black Panther is the most realistic one. The movie highlights and produces a diverse perspective through the embracement of the African culture in reflecting the underlying chasm existing in the treatment and relations of black Americans and White Americans in society.
The movie production has predominantly been able to capture and confront not only the relevant problems affecting the different cultures mainly in America of the blacks and whites but also faces the racial and cultural differences problems in the world. The issue of discrimination, according to race and cultural differences, has been a problem in the society spawning from the slave age period and also in the current contemporary society. The movie brings out the significance of integration among races and cultures. Mainly the marvels movies involve white figures as superheroes. However, as Melissa Silverstone, the founder, and publisher of Women and Hollywood, says, “We do need not only white superheroes in our lives but also need all different kinds” (Barret). Is reflected by the superhero T` Challa, who presents a whole bold blend of traditional and new issues in society. Though he possesses no powers and one may wonder which powers he possesses, he leads the Wakanda community with different cultures and tribes with his power emanating from the Black Panther suit—once attacked by the villain killmonger. Who introduces Wakanda to the world by stealing its vibranium (Coogler). The king faces a dilemma of whether to protect the traditions of Wakanda alone or to venture into helping the world fight global inequality by sharing their technological advancements to the rest of the world. Initially, these inequalities are highlighted in the movie in the introduction parts with the children playing basketball. Showing the levels of poverty and also how rulers take charge of protecting their secrets by his father killing his brother, who had shared and helped the kill monger steal the vibranium.
Also, the movie highlights the nature of the black anarchism and how to deal with becoming the “Superhero films that have dealt with issues of being of African descent” (Barret). The movie highlights the black lives matter movement in trying to assert their worth in society, especially among the white supremacists. The costumes are colorfully made with much intricacy given to the makeup with the soldiers guarding the king, and the royal members, which comprises of women, show the African identity and culture in their bold heads. Consequently, the African character and culture are also portrayed by the well set of designs in the village and kingdom. The different cultures in Wakanda also show the uniqueness and the relations among cultures and races in the country. From a global perspective, the movie portrays significant differences in the social classes from various development infrastructures, with some community living to the extreme of the border with their task being that of guarding the well established in the city. Antagonism between the kingdoms involving the group and community-led by Baku also shows the disharmony and lack of cooperation among the leaders. The effects of the acts of lacking togetherness are also attested in the indifference when T’challa’s brother comes to challenge the throne from him when a section of their soldiers side him creating a drift in the governance which helps him challenge for the throne (Coogler). However, if the soldiers stood united, the fight would not have ensued.
Also, the movie brings out T’challa as a peaceful and kind person in the actions which ensued when he spared the life of Mbaku during the ritual war. His efforts, however, are repaid by Mbaku when he gets overthrown and seeks refuge in his kingdom. Yet contrary to gentle and kind T’challa, who is very conservative, the kill monger is, however, driven by bitterness and rage in avenging the death of his father caused by the father of T’challa (Coogler). Most of the world wars and entangles among communities are produced as a result of bitterness and rage though the need for retaliating justifies most of the conflicts. For instance, one constant battle affecting most parts of the world, if not all, is terrorism. Most countries enter into disputes with the terror groups in their own countries for retaliating the attacks advanced by the groups. At the same time, terror groups justify their actions with the need to express their rage resulting from the oppression and attacks by these countries. The U.S.A entered into a global movement to end terrorism as a result of their retaliation from the 911 attacks. Also, most of the black movements are a result of the need to air and show their frustrations from discrimination and mistreatment accorded to their community. The movie nonetheless came at a crucial moment in teaching the black excellence refuting the remarks of President Trump’s comments of referring the African nations as “Sh-t Holes countries” (Smith). Through the film, the African culture, and, most specifically, the black community among the Americans is exemplified and giving them worthiness in life and also giving more importance and magnification of the words and sentiments of Carmichael. He says that “The only way for the blacks to stop the whites from discriminating them is through taking over of the blacks and starts gaining the black power in the quest for freedom.”
Melissa believes that “MCU has the opportunity to make the decisions and changes in the game for everyone by having an opportunity to make a change in an instant,” which she believes can only happen when the movies start incorporating female actors who take significant roles (Barret). Black Panther substantially redefines the role of women in superhero movies and also their roles in society. Most of the women are sidelined when it comes to a decision making politically and also in matters concerning developments. However, in the movie, the council constitutes women whose voices are heard when making decisions. Consequently, a more defining role is that of Nakia, who plays a big deal in rescuing women while she works as an undercover agent for the Wakanda. Also, the female guards led by Okoye play a significant role in demonstrating loyalty by sticking and fighting for the throne, identity, and traditions of the kingdom (Coogler). A more substantial role in the technological politics and advancement of the land is played by Shuri, who, through her innovations, she can grow and develop the kingdom while making more advanced suits for the Black Panther, which can protect him and enable him to fight enemies.
Consequently, the plethora of issues demonstrated in the film shows political power in promoting global cooperation, and putting significance in togetherness teaching separation causes more harm and problems. The film also has successfully advocated racial harmony in greater magnitude, giving a possibility for the racial discrimination among the white supremacists to end. Also, through spotlighting strong characters, it dramatically redefines the gender role in society, showing that women can even perform the men thought jobs so well.
Works cited
Barrett, Gena-mour. “Marvel Feminism: Real Or Comic Fantasy?”. BBC News, 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44643477.
Coogler, Ryan. Black Panther. 2018.
Smith, Jamil. “Behind The Revolutionary Power Of Black Panther.” TIME.Com, https://time.com/black-panther/.