GURJOT KANG;Â Opinion Editor;Â kanggk@plu.edu
This past weekend, thousands across the United States lined up in front of movie theaters everywhere to see the story of Black Panther come to life on the big screen.
During its opening weekend alone, the film garnered over $200 million at the box office. But the story of Black Panther is more than one about sales; the film itself marks a historical and cultural phenomenon.
This is one of the first big Marvel productions that finally features a largely prominent African cast and centers around the East African fictional nation of Wakanda. Although the nation does not exist, the cultural impact of the story of Wakanda is real. The film’s portrayal of the beautiful and technologically advanced utopian society fights back against the often discriminatory and unjust portrayal of African nations in American media.
The success of the film is a tribute to exactly why the representation of people of color in mainstream pop culture matters.
That is why, according to The New York Times, one man even began a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem to view a private screening of the film, and why many others took their children to watch the film this past weekend.
Not only is it important for young people of color to be able to identify themselves with strong complex characters on screen that represent humanity, courage and bravery, but as a society, it is also important for us to see people of color in such defining roles in order to combat the stereotypical portrayals of African, Latino and Asian characters that flood the media. For the youth, proper representation in the media that portrays people of color in roles of leadership and at the center of their own stories has been long overdue.
Since Black Panther first made his appearance in the Marvel comic book franchise in 1966, it took over 50 years for Hollywood to produce a film that showcases a black superhero in the leading role. Last weekend was a celebration of progress, but it was one that was awaited for many years.
Black Student Union is attending a Black Panther screening 1 p.m. Sunday Feb.25 at the AMC Lakewood. The Diversity Center will be providing 40 half-priced $5 tickets (on a first-come, first-serve basis) from Thursday Feb. 22 through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
