Black Panther Discussion Post PDF

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Professor Martha Cutter...

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Hi everyone, I struggled with the same question. I do think that a compromise is sort of reached at the end of the film - in deciding to reveal Wakanda’s true nature and extend aid to other nations, T’Challa puts aside his strict isolationist views in order to take into account the visions of people (like Nakia and his late uncle) who wish to use the nation’s power and access to valuable knowledge/resources to help those in need. By choosing to locate Wakanda’s new international headquarters in Oakland - in the exact building, in fact, where his uncle was murdered - I think T’Challa pays homage to Killmonger, as strange as it may seem. As we discussed in class, Killmonger is a complicated villain; although his thirst for power and violent efforts to attain it are undeniably destructive to the people of Wakanada and the world as a whole, it’s hard not to see where Killmonger is coming from. Killmonger definitely becomes a monster, but in my eyes, he’s is trying to reconcile the legacy of a homeland that he was abandoned by and rough life that he experienced as a result. Killmonger is trying to be the champion of African Americans who, unlike Wakandans, have had to suffer for generations - the ancestors that he references during his final monologue. Although his goals were ultimately twisted, I think that Killmonger’s plan was equal parts a desire for revenge but also to empower a disadvantaged people who he sees himself as representing. T’Challa certainly seems sympathetic to this, and by locating his headquarters in Killmonger’s hometown and reaching out to the boys who play basketball on the very same court that Killmonger used to, T’Challa is making a more direct connection to the specific group that Killmonger was a part of/wanted to avenge. T’Challa aims to do this, however, by sharing Wakanda’s knowledge and power with the community in order to empower them, rather than having the power earned by theft and violence. I think that’s a really interesting point - that the movie killed off the one character that was actively trying to free oppressed people around the world. Even though he’s a villain, when you look at it from that perspective it’s almost like Killmonger is a martyr in a way as well - his rise to power/downfall is what it takes to finally get Wakanda to address the oppressed. Although Killmonger wreaks havoc on Wakanda, would have there been anything/anyone else powerful enough to change their ways/T’Challa’s perspective and articulate this strife? Overall, I love the nuance that the film gives Killmonger’s character, because I don’t think the concepts that it grapples with (colonialism, race, etc.) can be thought about in clear black or white, good vs. bad terms....