Black Panther Discussion

How does BLACK PANTHER (2018) move beyond the typical superhero stereotype,

and explores themes about race and identity?

And reply ?

The film Black Panther moves far beyond the typical superhero stereotype by putting an African American superhero in the spotlight. It’s a movie that explores what it means to be black in both America and in Africa more broadly in the world. Instead of dodging the complicated themes of race and identity, the film grapples this topic and the issues in modern day black lives. It proudly celebrates black culture and even takes the film back to its African roots to its modern day American Hip hop era. However, this movie was most importantly the first big-budget film with a black hero, black cast and black director.

Making an African American superhero the forefront of the film makes a powerful statement. Furthermore, with an almost entirely cast of black men and woman it makes a significant mark in history for superhero films. This explores the themes of race and identity putting black people in power, which isn’t common in films especially superhero films. With that being said, the fact that Black Panther is a predominantly black cast, the race and identity becomes the primary importance showing black people in roles of power, marking a difference and creating a significant national identity that generates a source of pride for black individuals.