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I know...I know...everyone likes to take a break from
reality and enter the fantasy palaces known as movie
theatres and "escape" for a moment, but if you bring home
those fantasies as a substitute for real life, there is a
problem.
Wakanda is not like the Judy Garland song, "Somewhere
Over The Rainbow." It can not be discovered except in a
Hollywood studio and if you find yourself longing for a
Wakanda type of place or lifestyle, you may have problems
negotiating this life on a long term basis.
Part of Wakanda's intense appeal is its cultural and
historical appeal to African-Americans who seemingly want to
strongly identify with an African country that is full of
wonder, is not or was not a vassal state to a conquering
European country and has its own vast wealth and power which
makes it a serious contender on the world scene.
That is commendable and also that is a good idea for
kids to know that Africa is not as President Trump
dismissively called those collective countries, "shithole"
countries; and also to know that they need not be
embarrassed by anyone or anything hailing from the mother
continent of Africa.
If viewing Black Panther gives you an immediate
psychic high of being enabled or proud about oneself or
becoming more reflective or contemplative about local or
world events, then the nation and people of Wakanda has
performed a great service.
It appears that when it comes to the film genre of
"black" films, it is either an aggregation of an
embarrassing menu of comic buffoonery, crime, drugs and
guns. The few "black" films that tell a compelling story or
are of redeeming value and social uplift and positively show
black actors and actresses are few and far between.
The true test of the enduring value of a film for a
particular audience are the positive values that the film
imparts and making sure that any subliminal messages are non
corrosive to your spirit and mind.
If, for you, Black Panther is a film of worth
and value and it imparted positive values and did not
denigrate you and others who look like you, Black Panther
and the wonderland of Wakanda earned its kudos.
So, allow me to posit the following 13 boldfaced
questions, as a follow up, if you will, regarding the
existential value of Wakanda and Black Panther and
what life themes they may have imparted to you.
In my scheme of things, if you can answer yes to most of
the questions or if you can create a positive dialogue
around Wakanda and Black Panther, then that will
confirm that the viewing public can be both entertained and
educated by the messages that a film can portray.
One:
After you viewed the Black Panther film, did you
leave the theatre with an increased sense of self worth,
pride and value about yourself?
Two:
While you were viewing the film and you noticed the
reactions of the other movie goers to the film, did their
responses heighten your enjoyment of the film or not?
Three:
Could the film be instrumental, or not, in having you become
more
sensitive to either the negative or positive media
portrayals of the countries of Africa?
Four:
Is Black Panther a film that you would recommend
without reservation to
black men and women who are in jail or prison as being a
vehicle by which they could use to change the negative
thinking that resulted in them being incarcerated?
Five:
If a white person were to approach you and ask you if the
film made you mad or angry at them, what would your response
be to that concern?
Six:
Would you be willing to financially support young kids to
see the film and if so, why?
Seven:
Now that you have seen Black Panther, are you more
likely to be engaged or even more engaged in the political
process that affects people of color?
Eight:
As a male do you think
that by watching how the characters interacted amongst
themselves, that you would be more sensitive to male-female
relationships and would not call a black woman, "out of her
name?"
Nine:
In light of the nation of Wakanda, what does its message say
to you about cleaning up blight in your community including
addressing gun violence, speaking against out of wedlock
pregnancies, illicit drug usage and school dropouts?
Ten:
Is Black Panther a family film?
Eleven:
Did Black Panther increase your pride in who you are
and you are now more or less positive about where your
current life choices are now taking you?
Twelve:
Are there any changes you will now be making in your
lifestyle as to diet, exercise, education, spiritual
devotions, choices of reading materials or work habits as a
result of internalizing the visuals and plot line of
Black Panther?
Thirteen:
In the abstract, what does or can the miracle metal, "Vibranium"
symbolize or mean to you?:
Power....Hope...Achievement...Ability...Money...Charity?
One of the main mechanisms that can be utilized to
control an oppressed people is the use or misuse of images
including the use of TV and film and social media outlets.
If you allow media images to inculcate upon you
certain values that lead to a positive self affirmation and
a desire to improve your lifestyle and not succumb to being
a victim of negative racial messages or stereotypes, you
win!
Contact Lafe Tolliver at tolliver@Juno.com |
