What the Women of Black Panther can teach us about Equality, Womanhood, and How Women Add to Society
WARNING: This post may be full of spoilers. You have been informed!
At this point, I have seen Black Panther twice, and it's only just past opening weekend. I am still unpacking so much of this film. It's so full of beauty and strength and compelling messages and stands as a powerful example of the power why Black People tell need to tell Black stories.
Yes, Black Panther the film was based on the comic series by Marvel. Yes, none of this is reality. Yes, it is all based upon fiction.
But even within the fiction of Black Panther, there are so many truth gems to garner. The film has become so much more than just a cool comic story. From discussing the colonization of Africa and enslavement of the diaspora to discussing the relationship (or lack thereof) between Africans and African Americans, there are so many incredible gems worthy of further examination.
One of the larger themes in Black Panther were the power and equality of women.
via GIPHY
This movie is full of girl power. Women made this story so powerful.
Here you have King T'Challa surrounded by a, yes bevy of beautiful, but also powerful, commanding and brilliant women.
via GIPHY
There is the Dora Milaje who are the personal guard to the Throne. There is a Female general. There is a powerful and wise queen. There is a carefree and brilliant princess. There is a stunning and brave warrior love interest. There are women fighting alongside there men. Let's just tap about the lead character. Each one was multifaceted, multidimensional, and forces to be reckoned with. There is not one female lead who is a surface, flat character. Four strong Black Women and none adhered to any stereotype typically given to Black Women characters. Each of these leads are interesting enough to have their own films, in my opinion.
There aren't any damsels to be rescued in this story, there are fellow warriors ready to defend what they love. And that is powerful.
But also, interestingly enough, women in the society of Wakanda are seen purely as equals. Typically, in action and superhero films in general, Women are to be rescued, eye goggled, and the like, but, barring a few examples, aren't to be taken too seriously.
But not so in this film. From epic battles to even hinting of past female Black Panthers of Wakanda to the Princess being the technological mind behind much of the nation's advancement, women in Wakanda are allowed, and I dare say expected to know their calling and contribute equally to society just as men are. From Princess Shuri reminding her brother T'Challa that "Just because something works doesn't mean it cannot be improved." as she takes one of his weapons to upgrade it to Nakia telling T'Challa that she cannot remain in the paradise of Wakanda with him when there was a whole world suffering, each woman knew her life call and pursued that unchallenged by the egos of their men, I would say, to the betterment of their society and their country.
via GIPHY
Black Panther gives us a glimpse at the strength of a people who choose equality among the sexes, and that paints a very compelling picture of what our own society could be with true equality as well. Black Panther, in many ways, that if we choose each other in order to capture that strength, we really can be stronger together.
Wakanda Forever.
via GIPHY
At this point, I have seen Black Panther twice, and it's only just past opening weekend. I am still unpacking so much of this film. It's so full of beauty and strength and compelling messages and stands as a powerful example of the power why Black People tell need to tell Black stories.
Yes, Black Panther the film was based on the comic series by Marvel. Yes, none of this is reality. Yes, it is all based upon fiction.
But even within the fiction of Black Panther, there are so many truth gems to garner. The film has become so much more than just a cool comic story. From discussing the colonization of Africa and enslavement of the diaspora to discussing the relationship (or lack thereof) between Africans and African Americans, there are so many incredible gems worthy of further examination.
One of the larger themes in Black Panther were the power and equality of women.
via GIPHY
This movie is full of girl power. Women made this story so powerful.
Here you have King T'Challa surrounded by a, yes bevy of beautiful, but also powerful, commanding and brilliant women.
via GIPHY
There is the Dora Milaje who are the personal guard to the Throne. There is a Female general. There is a powerful and wise queen. There is a carefree and brilliant princess. There is a stunning and brave warrior love interest. There are women fighting alongside there men. Let's just tap about the lead character. Each one was multifaceted, multidimensional, and forces to be reckoned with. There is not one female lead who is a surface, flat character. Four strong Black Women and none adhered to any stereotype typically given to Black Women characters. Each of these leads are interesting enough to have their own films, in my opinion.
There aren't any damsels to be rescued in this story, there are fellow warriors ready to defend what they love. And that is powerful.
But also, interestingly enough, women in the society of Wakanda are seen purely as equals. Typically, in action and superhero films in general, Women are to be rescued, eye goggled, and the like, but, barring a few examples, aren't to be taken too seriously.
But not so in this film. From epic battles to even hinting of past female Black Panthers of Wakanda to the Princess being the technological mind behind much of the nation's advancement, women in Wakanda are allowed, and I dare say expected to know their calling and contribute equally to society just as men are. From Princess Shuri reminding her brother T'Challa that "Just because something works doesn't mean it cannot be improved." as she takes one of his weapons to upgrade it to Nakia telling T'Challa that she cannot remain in the paradise of Wakanda with him when there was a whole world suffering, each woman knew her life call and pursued that unchallenged by the egos of their men, I would say, to the betterment of their society and their country.
via GIPHY
Black Panther gives us a glimpse at the strength of a people who choose equality among the sexes, and that paints a very compelling picture of what our own society could be with true equality as well. Black Panther, in many ways, that if we choose each other in order to capture that strength, we really can be stronger together.
Wakanda Forever.
via GIPHY
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