Reflective Essay #1: Futurism in Black Panther (2018)

Allison Brown HP 4141: Futurism 001 Professor Molina 23 February, 2023 Reflective Essay #1: Futurism in Black Panther (2018) The release of Marvel’s Black Panther in 2018 was a groundbreaking moment in the world of superhero films, and it had a significant impact on people's experience with the genre. For decades, superhero films have predominantly featured white male protagonists, with very little representation of people of color or women. Black Panther, on the other hand, was a film that celebrated black excellence, showcased African culture, and highlighted the importance of representation in media. The film's impact on the superhero genre was immediate and significant. Black Panther was a massive commercial success, grossing over $1.3 billion at the global box office. The film was also critically acclaimed, receiving a nomination for Best Picture at the 2019 Academy Awards. But more importantly, Black Panther inspired a generation of young people of color to see themselves as heroes and to feel proud of their heritage. One of the ways that Black Panther displayed futurism was by presenting an image of a technologically advanced African nation that had not been colonized by Western powers. In the film, Wakanda is a highly advanced society that is able to keep its technology hidden from the outside world. This is a powerful vision of an alternative future that challenges the narrative of Africa as a continent that is technologically and socially backward. The film also challenged the traditional portrayal of black characters in Hollywood. In many films, black characters are often portrayed as either victims or villains. Black In Panther, however, the black characters are the 1 heroes, and they are portrayed as intelligent, capable, and powerful. The film celebrates African culture and presents it in a way that is both authentic and accessible to a global audience. Additionally, the film features a predominantly black cast, but it also includes characters from other racial backgrounds, such as Martin Freeman's Everett Ross and Andy Serkis's Ulysses Klaue. The film also features strong female characters, such as Letitia Wright's Shuri, Danai Gurira's Okoye, and Lupita Nyong'o's Nakia. These characters are not just sidekicks or love interests; they are fully realized characters with their own motivations and agency. Black Panther also highlighted the importance of representation in media. For too long, people of color have been underrepresented in Hollywood, and the success Black of Panther showed that there is a significant audience for diverse stories. The film's success has led to increased investment in films that celebrate diverse voices and cultures. One of the most striking differences was the film's portrayal of Wakanda, a fictional African nation that was technologically advanced beyond the rest of the world. While other superhero films often show futuristic technology as sterile, black and white, and somewhat dystopian, Wakanda presented a more colorful and naturalistic view of the future. Instead of metallic and sterile designs, Wakanda had an aesthetic that combined traditional African elements with advanced technology, giving a sense of naturalism and cultural richness to the future. Additionally, Wakanda was an advanced society that had not been colonized or subjugated by Western powers, which is a rare and unique perspective in the genre of superhero movies. The concept of a thriving and successful African society that was not subjugated by colonialism was empowering and liberating. The film shows how Wakanda used its advanced technology not only to protect itself from the outside world but also to create a self-sufficient society that is capable of helping others in need. 2 Another way thatBlack Panther differed from other superhero stories was its approach to the villain. The antagonist, Erik Killmonger, was not merely an evil character but had understandable motives and a complex backstory. His character was driven by a sense of injustice that stemmed from his childhood experiences and the oppression he faced. His motives were not just to conquer the world, but to use Wakanda's resources to help oppressed communities around the world. This presented a unique perspective on what it means to be a hero or a villain in the context of futuristic societies. Black Panther also introduced strong and independent female characters who challenged traditional gender roles. The film's portrayal of women in positions of power, such as Shuri, Okoye, and Nakia, showed that women can be just as capable, intelligent, and powerful as men in a futuristic society. The portrayal of women as leaders was a refreshing change from traditional superhero stories, where women are often relegated to the role of the love interest or sidekick. The film's futuristic elements also included themes of sustainability, eco-friendliness, and the preservation of natural resources. Wakanda was depicted as a society that respected nature and its resources, which is a stark contrast to many other dystopian futuristic stories. This representation of the future suggests that sustainability and the preservation of the environment will be a critical aspect of future societies, which is a departure from many other superhero stories that have a more nihilistic view of the future. Regarding howBlackler Panther portrays time and space, Wakanda as a society that has been able to develop advanced technology and maintain its isolation from the rest of the world due to the country's access to vibranium, a powerful metal that gives Wakanda an edge in technology and weaponry. The film also shows how the people of Wakanda have been able to 3 control the flow of information about their society to maintain their advantage, even as the rest of the world remains largely unaware of their existence. However, the film also explores the consequences of this isolation, as the character of Erik Killmonger seeks to use Wakanda's resources to help oppressed communities around the world. He argues that Wakanda has a responsibility to use its power to make the world a better place, and his challenge to T'Challa's leadership highlights the tensions between isolation and engagement with the wider world. In this way,Black Panther portrays themes of time and space by exploring how the control of resources and technology can shape a society's future, as well as how the isolation or engagement with the wider world can impact a society's trajectory over time. The film challenges viewers to consider the ethical implications of holding power and the responsibilities that come with it, making it a thought-provoking addition to the superhero genre. In conclusion,Black Panther was a superhero film that presented a unique vision of race through the lens of the future. Its portrayal of Wakanda, a technologically advanced society that was not subjugated by colonialism, showed that futuristic societies can have cultural richness and naturalism. The film's approach to the villain, the portrayal of strong female characters, and themes of sustainability and the preservation of natural resources were all significant departures from traditional superhero stories. Black Panther's unique futuristic elements contributed to its success and made it a groundbreaking film in the superhero genre. 4