Black Panther: Superheroes And Inclusion
Black Panther is one of the latest Marvel movies. Viewers and critics have reacted to the film in many different ways. Some people have nothing but good things to say, while others think the opposite. Although the reviews are mixed, Black Panther represents a turning point in the superhero genre.
Black Panther was directed by Ryan Coogler. Almost all the actors are black. The film is based on a Marvel cartoon of the same name. Black Panther is the first dark-skinned African superhero.
Because of that, Black Panther was a recognized character for many years. Many identified with the superhero because he was the only cartoon character of his kind.
Marvel Comics and DC are the two largest producers of comics in the United States. After Marvel published Black Panther, both Marvel and DC began to include several different characters in the comics. Marvel soon introduced Luke Cage and Falcon, both black men. DC redesigned some of their white characters and made the Green Lantern dark-skinned.
From that moment on, the popularity of both manufacturers increased significantly. This is because more people were interested in their comics. So why is this change so important?
Inclusion and identity
To build a community, all its members must feel part of it in one way or another. When people feel that they are part of something, it is much easier for society to move on. When Black Panther was published, a new era of progressive inclusion began. The comic book world and society at large began to move towards diversity.
Including characters of African, Indigenous, and Asian descent, cartoon producers appealed to a whole new audience. We cannot forget that the so-called “ethnic minorities” were marginalized and displaced by white hegemony for many years.
These minorities were not represented in movies or comics. As they began to join, these ethnic minorities began to feel legitimized and recognized. This in turn led to improved social dynamics because it increased people’s tolerance and understanding.
Blank Panther: A box office hit
The film Black Panther is another step towards tolerance and equality. The film was released in 2018 and tells the story of the Black Panther character from the comics. It takes place in Wakanda, a fictional African nation. After the assassination of their leader and king, Wakanda must turn to T’Challa, the prince and the next to inherit the throne.
T’Challa, the Black Panthers’ alter ego, is superhuman. He has super speed and super strength that helps him protect Wakanda. T’Challa must face the challenges of being king. With the help of Sister Shuri, the spy Nakia and the Dora Milaje warriors, T’Challa manages to ward off the attacks on his people.
Black Panther has challenged several stereotypes. Not only is the gang mostly black, which is very rare in regular films, but it was also an opportunity for African-American filmmakers. The film’s director and producers were all black.
Not only that, but Black Panther also has strong, independent and intelligent female characters. Princess Shuri, T’Challa’s younger sister, is a brilliant young scientist and engineer who discovers and builds for her community.
Nakia is a warrior and spy who helps women who are in situations of violence. T’Challa’s royal guard also consists of strong, impressive women. His warriors are the best and most educated in the whole kingdom.
Movies like Black Panther can inspire social change
Movies can promote certain ideas and ideologies. While certainly not the only factor, inclusive representation in the film is a path to new ways of building and experiencing social relationships.
Gender equality is on the rise. Today we see characters from all different ethnic groups and cultures taking the lead role. Greater diversity on the big and small screen will, as a whole, make society more tolerant and diverse.
