Introduction
Black Panther is a 2018 American superhero film based on the same-named Marvel Comics character. Chadwick Boseman stars as T’Challa / Black Panther alongside Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis in the film directed by Ryan Coogler and produced by Marvel Studios (Sabu, n.d.). Black Panther is set in the fictional African kingdom of Wakanda and follows T’Challa’s return home as king of Wakanda following his father’s death, the previous king, T’Chaka.
Summary of Black Panther and Key Sources of Cultural Identity
The film is a cultural phenomenon because it is the first Marvel Cinematic Universe film with a predominantly black cast and a primarily black director and writer. It is also the first superhero film to feature an African hero, a black hero, and a black female protagonist (Serrano, 2023). The film has been praised for representing African culture and African-American characters, a welcome departure from the typical portrayal of African Americans in Hollywood films.
Religion, history, and ethnicity are distinct sources of Black Panther cultural identity. The Wakandan faith of worshiping their ancestors is represented by religious ceremonies and rituals, such as when T’Challa visits the ancestral plane. Wakanda’s ancient culture, as seen in traditional costumes, language, and customs, also represents history (Serrano, 2023). Last but not least, the diversity of the Wakandan people—which is evident in the range of skin tones and hair types—represents ethnicity.
Analysis and Critique of Cultural Identity in Black Panther
Religion in Black Panther
In the film, Wakanda’s religion is a significant source of cultural identity. Wakandans revere their ancestors, as evidenced by their spiritual ceremonies and rituals. The Wakandans also practice ancestor worship, as evidenced by their reverence for their forefathers and the importance of honoring them (Wahidah et al., n.d.). In the scene, T’Challa travels to the ancestral plane to seek guidance from his father and ancestors. This scene is significant because it emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting the deceased in Wakandan culture (Allegakoen, 2022). It highlights the continued influence of the past in shaping the present.
History in Black Panther
The history of Wakanda is also a source of cultural identity in the film. Wakanda is an ancient African kingdom steeped in tradition and culture seen in the traditional Wakandan costumes, language, and customs (Allegakoen, 2022). The Wakandans wear traditional clothing, speak their language, and practice their customs, emphasizing the importance of tradition and culture in Wakandan society and reminding them that the past is still alive in the present.
Ethnicity in Black Panther
Lastly, the movie uses ethnicity as a source of cultural identity. The range of skin tones and hairstyles portrayed in the movie highlights the value of diversity in Wakandan society and serves as a reminder that all people are equal, regardless of race or ethnicity. Wakanda is a varied country. When T’Challa is crowned king, the people of Wakanda, regardless of race or ethnicity, cheer for him, demonstrating the nation’s inclusivity (Allegakoen, 2022). This scene is important because it emphasizes the importance of unity and acceptance in Wakandan society and reinforces the idea that all individuals are equal, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Impact of Cultural Identity on Communication
The portrayal of religion, history, and ethnicity in Black Panther is significant because it demonstrates the importance of these cultural identity sources in Wakandan society.
The film underscores the significance of honoring and respecting the past, tradition and culture, and diversity and acceptance by emphasizing the importance of religion, history, and ethnicity. It is significant because it reminds us that these sources of cultural identity are essential to a healthy and thriving society.
In addition, Black Panther’s depiction of religion, history, and ethnicity affects how we interact with people who identify with these cultural identity sources. By highlighting the significance of these sources of identity, the movie inspires us to show more consideration for and understanding of those who might identify with them. It is important to accept people who may identify differently than we do.
Strengthening Intercultural Competence Through Black Panther
How religion, history, and ethnicity are portrayed in Black Panther can also help us become more culturally adept. Suppose we comprehend the origins of cultural identity and how they are portrayed in the film. In that case, we can better comprehend other cultures and learn to communicate with those who identify differently. The movie can be used as a teaching resource to help students learn the importance of honoring and respecting other cultures and our own.
Conclusion
A ground-breaking film with historical and cultural significance is Black Panther. It serves as a reminder of the many elements that form one’s cultural identity, including religion, history, and ethnicity. The movie serves as an inspiration to be more accepting of other cultures and understand those who identify differently. It is an effective teaching tool that can be used to make us understand how important it is to acknowledge and respect our own culture and the cultures of those around us. We can develop a deeper understanding of the diversity in the world and learn how to respect and tolerate it by watching this film. In conclusion, Black Panther is a significant film that inspires us to become more aware of both our own and other people’s cultural identities.
References
Allegakoen, S. A. (2022). Refraction: The Prism of Cultural Identity and How It Is Impacted By Grief and Storytelling. Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. Web.
Sabu, L. (n.d.). Hollywood and the Advent of Afrofuturism: A Critical Study of Black Power and Cultural Aesthetics in Black Panther. IJFMR – International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 5(2). Web.
Serrano, J. (2023). Black Panther: Wakandan “Civitas” and Panthering Futurity. In Google Books. Vernon Press. Web.
Wahidah, H., Ardini, S., & Hawa, F. (n.d.). Black Panther Movie: Cultural Relations Analysis. Journal of English Language Learning (JELL), 4(1), 1–7. Web.