(ThyBlackMan.com) Recently I went to see Black Panther and paid close attention to every minute. I applaud the African and African American actors. The movie was action packed and humorous at times. Word like nobility, honor, passion, action, family, discipline, order and allegiance come to mind. But there are a few things many people are missing – and those few things are disturbing.
Here is problem number 1. Even in the midst of an advanced African civilization, sure enough a Caucasian man plays the role of a savior. He is a CIA agent from the outside who shoots down all the ships leaving Wakanda to spread advanced weapons around the world to African nations and oppressed African Americans. So the “white” man single handedly stops all the ships. The agent flies one of their ships he has never even sat in before. Yet he is made to be so competent that he can shot down Wakanda ships flown by Wakanda pilots whose people have had the technology for centuries. That is a problem and makes him seem superior to Wakanda pilots.
Here is problem number 2. Then there is feminism that has 
crept into the movie. The female actresses are strong, honorable, capable and highly intelligent but that is not the problem. The problem here is that female body guards for the King, a female army and a female general just are not realistic in real African warrior nations. Maybe that works in Wonder Woman but that is clearly not the culture of African nations. As a matter of fact and accuracy, African women are very valuable to families, Kings and kingdoms. But not to the extent that they have to repeatedly protect, guard and save African male warriors. Unrealistic.
Here is problem number 3. Why was it necessary for the writer to have Africans fighting and killing other Africans? Yes that happens throughout Africa in real life such as in Apartheid, the Sudan and ethnic cleansing. But we all already know that. And a movie does not need to tell or show us that when it could be used to show us so much more that is positive.
Finally, my fourth concern. Ironically but not surprising, the successful challenger to the throne is more of an African American thug happy to work with Caucasian terrorists, kill his own girlfriend and live without honor. That is sending the message that the “negro” has lost his identity and is more dangerous and without honor than Africans who know who they are. That says a lot about American black people. Not good. Why not connect Wakanda to “black Americans” with honor instead of treachery?
Why have Wakanda at civil war instead of fighting the world? Because fighting the world would show just how superior Wakanda was and Africa is. That would further build the identity, confidence and stature of young African Americans and the powers that be don’t want that.
In the movie African tribes, after fighting for centuries, have come to use vibranium from a meteor for all of their weapons and technology. The plot is interesting and the actors are good but the Caucasian villain and the Caucasian CIA agent are not even necessary. They do not contribute much to the movie at all. I am not being racist but I do find it ironic how they are pushed to the front. Especially when African Americans in Marvel movies are often pushed further to the back. Interesting twist of irony.
Some of you may say I am reaching or going too deep. But to you I say messages and meanings are often buried deep and concealed from those of us who simply see entertainment. There were Caucasian people who helped to start the NAACP and to found key HBCUs like Spelman, Morehouse and Clark colleges. Why does it take a “white” man to create, launch and develop a super hero of color and take him to the big screen? Again they will make a ton of money off us, just like in basketball. Why can’t we make the money by us, for us? We are still cashing the checks instead of writing them.
In summary, great African and African American actors, interesting plot, spectacular panoramic scenery and a high tech look at how Africa is anything but an s…hole country President Donald Duck. My point is simply that we have to be careful about messages embedded in areas that we would never suspect. Why? Because those are the perfect places to implant covert messages that could further hurt our people. do I read too much into this? Nope. Maybe you just don’t go deep enough.
Staff Writer; Trevo Craw
