Black Panther is an American produced film that bases its context and content on
Wakanda's African –based kingdom. Although the film is more of superheroes, Tre (2018)
opines that it is a rich black culture presentation. The exploration in more profound
dimensions of the black culture in most films is not sufficient, and thus the production of the
Black Panther proved a success as it unveiled the unique practices among the race of the
black people. The rich culture is from different African contests, and it reflects the abandoned
ways of life full of value and free from the influence of other cultures (Duncan and Pamela,
2019). The diversity of the Black Panther is a unique manifestation of the peaceful co-
existence of people. Black Panther has been successful and more than a heroic film that
addresses culture and diversity among the black race.
The film, Black Panther, is a collection of all-star black talent directed by Ryan
Coogler. Although there are casts from other races, the majority behind the scenes and the
camera constitutes African origin actors and actresses (Lynsey and Yomi, 2018). The
majority of black casts indicate its purpose of addressing the culture and diversity of the
black people. The film reflects the Wakanda Kingdom's black citizens' current practices
under the reign of King T'Challa. Further, the Wakanda Kingdom's technological
advancement indicates the culture's future (Malia, 2018). For instance, the improvement of
arrow-making technology and bullet-proof shields where warriors use them in battle reflects
the ancient and the current practices of some African communities. Some communities in
Africa use arrows and bows defense. According to Tsitsi (2019), the film celebrates both the
African and African-American traditional and modern political, social, cultural, and
economic settings. In this case, identity, such as mode of dressing, language, and food, is the
basis of uniqueness in the Kingdom of Wakanda.
Cultural Fronts in the Black Panther
The production of significant films and news that features black culture identifies
people from Africa from a different perspective as that of the Black Panther. Some casts are
portrayed as drug lords, assassins, and robbers while forgetting to highlight the Africans'
positive part (Tsitsi, 2019). However, the Black Panther has brought into light the real
representation of black people through multiple cultural activities. In this way, the Black
Panther's backwardness and chaotic picture of the black people have been erased (Meredith,
2018). Therefore, the beautiful skyscrapers, spaceships, and racing trains in the Wakanda
Kingdom have brought a refreshing view of the African identity.
CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE BLACK PANTHER
Several films produced by Marvel are in imaginative planets and spaces such as
Guardian of the Galaxy. However, the Black Panther's set-up is at the heart of a thriving
black community representing beauty and collective ingenuity (Tre, 2108). The film
manifests black empowerment to those individuals starved of the fundamental aspect of
African culture.
According to Duncan and Pamela (2019), the Wakanda Kingdom showcases a series
of essential values such as hair design and styles not observed in other films. The African
types are specific, and they address the black aesthetic. According to an interview by the New
York Times with Camille Friend, the Black Panther's hair design announced a black moment
where people are proud and identify with the dark complexion.
The film's costumes are unique, and they instill the identity and pride of the people
involved. In an interview with NPR, the head of costumes, Ruth Carter, indicated that the
mode of dressing depicts a community that is independent of Western influence (Duncan and
Pamela, 2019). According to Carter, the costume reflects Kenya's lives, South Africa, and
Namibian's way of life. She further indicated that the outfit shows the richness in cultural
diversity in Wakanda Kingdom (Duncan and Pamela, 2019). The film allows trying some of
the modes of dressing and celebrating the black identity that has failed to prevail in modern
media platforms.
The cultural reasons behind the Black Panther production are to influence and
encourage the exploration of African history while recognizing the ability of the people. In
this way, educators will have adequate knowledge when teaching and explaining the African
culture (Meredith, 2018). Also, people residing in other parts of the world and America have
a reference point to counter-check their identity and engage in personal reflections. The black
people have identified their position in world politics and determine what liberation looks
like (Tsitsi, 2019). For instance, Erik Killmonger's stay in California poses a different
experience from that in Wakanda, thus helping him understand the meaning of real liberation.
The type of society represented by the Wakanda Kingdom is free from the influence
of both technology and culture. The kingdom has built a self-sustaining system that helps
people maintain their cultural values (Jamil, 2019). The sustaining systems are, however,
under threats from outside forces. The reason for such risks is that the Wakanda System has
perfected their mode of living to surpass that of other regions, and thus outsiders are willing
to learn such ways of life at all costs (Lynsey and Yomi, 2018). The experience of the outside
CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE BLACK PANTHER
world after the Wakanda Kingdom agreed to open up for interactions is overwhelming. The
people out of Wakanda are eager to learn the Wakanda Kingdom's cultural values while
taping most of the land's technology.
Conclusion
The Black Panther is a unique film that has given an ideal identity to African origin
people. Although the film reflects the future in technology, the central theme, culture, has
been presented in a modern and respectable way. In this case, people from African origin are
proud of the film as it gives out the positive aspect of blacks' values. From costumes,
transport to defense mechanisms, the Black Panther has addressed the Africans' past, present,
and future. The film has provided an oasis of culture to the black viewers and thus assists in
the self-realization process.
CULTURAL IDENTITY IN THE BLACK PANTHER
References
Duncan, O. & Pamela C. M. (2019). More than just a homecoming: the reception of Black
Panther in Kenya, Safundi, The Journal of South African and American Studies, 20:1,
18-21.
Jamil, S. (2019). “The Revolutionary Power of Black Panther.” Time 100.
Lynsey, C., and Yomi, K. (2018). "Marvel's Black Panther is a Broad Mix of African
Cultures.” Quartz Africa. https://qz.com/africa/1210704/black-panthers-african-
cultures-and-influences/amp/
Malia, J. (2018). “Exploring African Culture in Black Panther.” University News.
www.Info.umkc.edu
Meredith, W. K. (2018). “Event Examines Cultural Impact of Black Panther and Wonders of
Wakanda.” Clark Now. www.clarknow.clarku.edu
Tsitsi, J. (2019). Fan mail: what Wakanda means to Zimerican me, Sandi? The Journal of
South African and American Studies 20:1, 30-32,
https://doi.org/10.1080/17533171.2019.1552352
Tre, J. (2018). “Black Panther is a Gorgeous, Groundbreaking Celebration of Black Culture.”
Vox Media. www.vox.com