Surpassing expectations by becoming one of the highest-grossing films in its opening week, "Black Panther" is determined to showcase the importance of non-stereotypical roles for African-Americans on the big screen.
While the comic world of Marvel and DC typically displayed a lack of diversity, "Black Panther" has truly dismantled that narrative. The well-received Marvel film centers around the story of a black superhero and features an almost entirely black cast, setting a new standard for Hollywood.
While representations of African-Americans in Marvel films originally occurred in the 1998 film, "Blade," it didn’t necessarily celebrate black culture. "Black Panther" intentionally sought to connect with the strained relationship lingering between African and African-American culture.
Avid movie goer and communication studies freshman Aaron Barksdale said, “It was great, the kid in me felt like I could do anything, and anything is possible because in the movie he (Chadwick Boseman) overcomes a lot of obstacles.”
The film attempts to uphold the version of a world where Africans attained technology, wealth and an organized military more advanced than their Western counterparts, an image only represented in majority white societies globally, beyond just Hollywood's screens. According to the Federal Reserve's official website, “The same patterns of inequality in the distribution of wealth across all families are also evident within race/ethnicity groups.”
However, not only is there a lack of wealth distribution, but inequality within racial groups appears in the minimal range of representation of African-American individuals on cinema. The constant redundancy of overly stereotypical productions like those made by director, actor and comedian Tyler Perry and Mona Scott-Young's TV series, "Love & Hip-Hop" and, to an extent, even the countless slavery films have portrayed the stereotypical roles time and time again. Those narratives have been pushed to the forefront, as if they are the only roles African-American actors and actresses can excel in.
Meanwhile, the catalyst film, "Black Panther" serves as a pivotal moment for the black culture as it embarks on the start of showing African-Americans outside the overly stereotypical productions polluting the entertainment world. In an interview with CBS News, "Black Panther" executive producer Nate Moore said, “This kind of representation is essential and hopes to create a ripple effect.”
Now, contrary to what some may perceive, "Black Panther" isn't just another Marvel movie, it’s much bigger than that. The film not only exemplifies the rare portrayal of African-Americans in a way that asserts their blackness, but also demands the proper representation of its people that seems to be ignored.
Barksdale said, “It’s good that we do get a chance to be in that spotlight, especially how the movie is grossing, and becoming really popular, it’s really tremendous and I’m glad to see it happen, but I wish it would happen a bit more.”
Aside from being bombarded by the masses of the Captain Americas and Irons Mans, they have certainly had their own benefits while paving the way for Black Panther to obliterate them in views and in quality. Barksdale said, “It’s good to see a lead African American in a movie, it’s been done and portrayed before, so it’s good to have role models that look like you.”
From the culture to the authentic wardrobe, "Black Panther" sparked an ethnic celebration as black people are finally being acknowledged as the kings and queens that they are.
