African culture displayed on the big screen--and represented in your classroom!
what you need to know : the short of it
*film about a black superhero uplifting his black community
*black superheroes are often relegated to the sidelines, as sidekicks to their white superhero counterparts
*dark-skinned, black women are cast in every single female role
*highlighting dark-skinned black woman as the main love interest is counter to much of the cultural norms for who black men ‘should’ date
Rolling Stones: Why Black Panther is Revolutionary (a guide to the importance of Black Panther as a film)
why it matters : the long of it
Black Panther is a Marvel Cinematic Universe film. MCU is represented by Marvel Comics and produces films based on characters written in Marvel Comic books. MCU has produced such films as The Avengers, Captain America and Iron Man. Blacks have been represented in lead roles prior to Black Panther. However, nearly all of these roles displayed representations of black leaders fighting against the repressions of society and are classified as Blaxploitation (the exploitation of black people, especially with regard to stereotyped roles in movies). Most black superhero roles have been delegated to the background, often left on comic book stands-no film credit, or represented on the screen without speaking roles, or whose storyline is so slighted that the full character is unknown and/or underdeveloped.
Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, changes the visual narrative of black superheroes by showcasing a predominantly Black cast with all other relegated to the background (or at least minimal roles). This shift in film perspective is an important one to take note of. One that not only shows Blacks in a strong, human and powerful light, but does so without the on-screen support of white cast members.
Black students (and adults alike) have an opportunity to unapologetically pull out the brown and black crayons that are often set aside, for the coloring in of dirt or a rooftop. Hold up the Blackness of this film and use it to support Black students who are often stuck in the shadows of their own lives. Allow all students to see and work to understand the importance and beauty of Black Panther. Celebrate together.
how to teach it : Black Panther in your classroom
*View: Movie Trailer
Discussion Questions: What did you notice about the characters in the trailer? Why do you think this movie is considered to be an important movie to be released in 2018? Based on the trailer, what might people connect with about this film? The movie is meant to be set in the real world. What do you think it means for the leader (T’Challa) in the film to be a black man who leads in this reality?
*Activity: Draw yourself as a superhero. Be as detailed as possible. Include detailed elements of your costume, gear, weapons. Add a symbol to represent your superhero self. What would your power(s) be? Include a written description of how you would help or fight for your community. Draw a scene to represent this description.
Extension(s): Draw or describe your sidekick. Be as detailed as possible. What would their power(s) be? How would they support you? Share and compare superheroes/sidekicks with someone else. Would your superhero selves be on the same side? Would you work together or against each other?
*Group Discussion: Define racism. Define colorism. (students/teachers) What is the difference between racism and colorism? What examples do you have that might help others understand the definition and/or difference between the two? How does racism and/or colorism show up in the media, in movies, in books? How do you think this effects youth and/or adults who receive this content?
