The film Black Panther not only incited a milestone in the growth toward racial equality in the media, but it also spured a revolution during times when political administration greatly encouraged racial prejudices and discrimination. Speaking from my own perspective as a white female, I have grown up seeing individuals that look just like me in movies, TV shows, documentaries, and cartoons. However, those who are not white do not find this same representation of themselves in the media, and in many cases those that are represented are displayed in distorted or inaccurate ways – with seemingly degrading roles or negative portrayals. The release of Black Panther opposed this historical underrepresentation, exemplifying its cultural and revolutionary significance.
The film Black Panther does not diverge itself from difficult or complicated themes of race and identity. Instead, it faces and elaborates on these issues, and highlights the importance of African American narratives – emphasizing that black lives matter. “Rather than going for hearts and minds of racists, it celebrates what those who choose to prohibit equal representation and rights are ignoring, willfully or not” (Smith).
The TIME article I cited discussed the importance of the release of the film in 2018 relative to the political climate at the time. “In the midst of a regressive cultural and political moment fueled in part by the white-nativist movement, the very existence of Black Panther feels like resistance” (Smith). The themes throughout the film challenge institutional bias.
Black Panther directly addresses the underrepresentation that has long been an issue. Its significance not only spans the United States, but has had a global impact and has incited a major cultural response. “For now, moviegoers from Taiupei to Tanzania to Turkey to Trinidad will see a new vision of what blackness means and what Africa stands for. Black Panther is an export of which we can all be proud” (Jenkins).
Works Cited
Smith, Jamil. “How Marvel’s Black Panther Marks a Major Milestone.” The Revolutionary Power of Black Panther, Time, time.com/black-panther/.
Jenkins, Alan. “The Global Significance of ‘Black Panther’ (Guest Column).” Hollywood Reporter, 23 Feb. 2018, www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/black-panther-global-significance-1087878.