Black Solidarity
Feb 05, 2012From the abolition of slavery to the Black Power movement, African-American unity has been considered a powerful method to achieve freedom and equality.
Is Killmonger to Blame?
Serena Wong
06 March 2018
Note: SPOILERS AHEAD!
Marvel's newest superhero movie, Black Panther, has been setting records left and right since its release on February 16, 2018. In many ways, it is a classic superhero movie, with a clearly defined and often one-dimensional super villain that eventually loses to our hero.
But many are questioning who is to truly blame in Black Panther. Other Marvel villains are easy to root against, lacking compelling motives or backstories—but Killmonger is different, a character some are rallying behind. Killmonger seeks to arm oppressed black people all over the world using our hero's country's high-tech weapons.
Is this idea of black liberation really that of a villain? Or can we actually place blame on the isoloationist country that has prospered while millions have been oppressed?
Adam Serwer explores this question here: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/02/black-panther-erik-killmonger/553805/
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Comments (1)
Harold G. Neuman
Tuesday, March 6, 2018 -- 10:30 AM
I have not seen this film.I have not seen this film. But, it appears to be a phenomenon. Phenomena are interesting because they emerge from a variety of circumstances. The unrest among people who are dissatisfied with racial relations in these United States may have been one driver for the creation and subsequent popularity of the film. Another probably arose from the real (or perceived) second-class treatment of non-white actors/actresses. Many people need heroes to make them feel better about their underprivileged status in this country and/or the world generally. Trouble is, it can be less-than-inspiring when there are few heroes who look like YOU. I did not watch the Oscars either, but I viewed some of the after-takes on shows the next day. Art sometimes IMITATES life. At other times, it is CRITICAL of aspects of life. I grew up during some of the most racially violent years of the twentieth century. As a consequence, I welcome anything which might encourage constructive social change. Perhaps Black Panther is a new paradigm that might change hearts and minds. That would be refreshing... After Matt Ridley, I am adopting the intention of THE RATIONAL OPTIMIST. It's at least worth a try, isn't it?