Black Panther and The Power of Visual Representation

Black Panther and The Power of Visual Representation

I actually wasn't going to write anything about Black Panther after Chadwick Boseman's passing, because I assumed everyone, at least the reasonable ones, got the memo! 

However, I read an update today which wasn't only distasteful in its timing, but myopic in its submission. If all that was derived from watching Black Panther is the CGI effects, then may be some people are just lacking in depth. 

Beyond the hype, because I am not easily swayed by the media or public opinion, the impact Black Panther had is immeasurable. Black Panther wasn't just about CGI effects, but the nuances of the portrayal. Analysing the movie, there are many lessons that could be derived, but I will highlight just a few. 

Pacesetting
In an industry where the archetypal cinematic portrayal of the 'White saviour' has been the norm, Black Panther challenged pre-existing stereotypes. There were genuine pre-production concerns about the commercial success of the movie. With a predominantly Black cast, history was made and Blank Panther went on to make over $1. 3 billion dollars in box office revenues.

Broadening Horizons
Black Panther achieved in a couple of hours, what decades of literature couldn't, by bringing aspects of history and visionary abstract to life. 

For decades, children of African-descent have been taught that they were once great kings with powerful nations, but their contemporary realities make it difficult to conceptualise these historic tales. However, Black Panther made it easier to visualise what a futuristic Africa nation could look like. Children are the future, so it was comforting to see a lot of children going to cinemas to watch Black Panther and coming out with their heads raised high. They finally got it! 

 

Global Impact
The positive impact wasn't just limited to Black families. For instance, I have an Asian friend whose son is a huge Black Panther fan and has a lot of Black Panther merchandise. His son felt sad that 'Black Panther' had died. His dad had the onerous task of explaining that it was Chadwick Boseman that died and not Black Panther. 

Also, I saw pictures of children across the globe mourning Chadwick Boseman in their own way. So the admiration cuts across skin tones. Children of various backgrounds were proud to associate with a Black Superhero. 

 

Challenging Westernised Standards of Beauty 
Black Panther showcased beautiful 'Nubian' women who were proud of not just their luminous skin, but their natural hairstyles - afros, Bantu knots, braids, dreads, low cuts etc.

The fight scene at the Korean club where Okoye flung her wig away was symbolic! She was already complaining about the wig and when the action started, she wanted to be liberated. Black Panther encouraged a lot of females - young insecure girls especially - to embrace their natural God-given beauty. 

 

Legacy of Colonialism
In the Killmonger Museum scene, when Erik Killmonger was supposedly making enquires at the museum, the curator stated the artifacts on display weren't for sale. Killmonger responded by stating: "How do you think your ancestors got these? You think they paid a fair price? Or did they take it like they took everything else?"

This scene depicts the legacy of colonialism and how colonies were ravaged by marauding imperialists. The British Museum still contain artifacts looted from Africa during the colonial era. Sadly, some people in the Western world still glorify colonialism and justify keeping these looted artifacts. 

 

Motivation for African Nations 
The movie gave a glimpse into what a African superpower nation could look like, especially one that was never colonised. During T'Challa's speech at United Nations, the condescending question about what "a nation of farmers have to offer the rest of the world", is, unfortunately, the contemporary reality, and the general perception of Africa. Despite its huge resources, the motherland generally still hasn't attained its full potentiality. This is a challenge for Africa to tidy up its act. The whole world is watching! 

 

Effects of the Slave Trade
Post the second fight scene between T'Challa and N'Jadaka. T'Challa offered the option of healing N'Jadaka, but he refused the offer and responded with a profound statement: "Just bury me in the ocean with my ancestors that jumped from the ships. Because they knew death was better than bondage". 

This scene hit me the first time I watched the movie and it resonates with those who reflect on the legacy of the slavery enterprise. During the Atlantic slave trade, tens of millions of Africans died during transportation. Some of the captured Africans fought on board the ships and jumped off, some were deliberately killed and dumped for reasons that included illness and being surplus to requirements - basically to lighten the load. God knows how many souls perished in the ocean. Some of those who survived the journey and made it to slave plantations, wished they had died! The descendants of those captured free human beings are literally still being hunted, maimed and killed - generally treated unjustly by an unjust system. 

Putting all these points into context makes Chadwick's death more poignant, because he chose the noble path of confronting societal stereotypes, whilst confronting his own personal battle with cancer. And for that he has my respect. ✊🏾R.I.P Chadwick Boseman🙅🏾‍♂️

© M.B.O 2020