Black Panther
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T'challa (left) and Killmonger (right) |
Michael B. Jordan who plays Killmonger was quoted in an interview with Glamour magazine saying, "I think representation is extremely important. I keep looking back at my ten-year-old self and what I didn't have to look at in films, in television and what I didn't really see, you know." Because this is a Marvel movie, there will undoubtedly be many other children who will watch this film so the fact that they are able to identify with the characters in the film is long overdue.
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The women of Black Panther from left to right: Shuri, Nakia, Okoye (General), Ramonda (Queen Mother) |
The only black American woman portrayed in the film is Killmonger's girlfriend who he shoots dead in order to get ahead. Stereotypes are heavily present in the film in the way that they present Killmonger as a Black American.
There's also a scene from Nigeria in which the only portrayal we see is a rebel army who are trying to sell young women off into sex trafficking. Korea is portrayed as it is in any stereotypical Hollywood film -- showy cars, bright lights, and minimal visibility for the people who inhabit it. The one Asian woman shown is persuaded to allow the characters to go into her nightclub by being told that they have "deep pockets" which perpetuates the stereotype of greediness. Shuri doesn't get away with being a female in STEM without a comment from one of the male characters about being a "little girl".
There's also a scene from Nigeria in which the only portrayal we see is a rebel army who are trying to sell young women off into sex trafficking. Korea is portrayed as it is in any stereotypical Hollywood film -- showy cars, bright lights, and minimal visibility for the people who inhabit it. The one Asian woman shown is persuaded to allow the characters to go into her nightclub by being told that they have "deep pockets" which perpetuates the stereotype of greediness. Shuri doesn't get away with being a female in STEM without a comment from one of the male characters about being a "little girl".
While this film is very important, there are still some things that could have been improved. Nonetheless, I would recommend the movie to everyone.
A well- written review of the movie, _Black Panther_, and your drawing attention to the lack of strong roles for women of color! 12/10
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