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The IUP Journal of English Studies

A Cultural Critique of the Reversal of Colonial Stereotypes in Black Panther: A Postcolonial Perspective

Article Details

Pub. Date	: June, 2022
Product Name	: The IUP Journal of English Studies
Product Type	: Article
Product Code	: IJES010622
Author Name	:P Vijayasekaran and G Alan
Availability	: YES
Subject/Domain	: Arts & Humanities
Download Format	: PDF Format
No. of Pages	: 07

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Abstract

The paper proposes to critically deconstruct the image of Africa projected in the movie, Black Panther from a postcolonial perspective. The postcolonial visual narrative has supplanted the stereotypical colonial narrative by empowering a black man as a super hero. The paper has also attempted to highlight the reversal of colonial stereotypes which positions blacks not as slaves but as masters of science and technology in the modern world. It also problematizes the paradigm shift in race, gender and politics in the movie by exploring the theme of Afrofuturism.

Introduction

The movie Black Panther (2018) revolves around the creation of a fictional nation called Wakanda which outwardly appears like a third-world nation but in reality is the most technologically advanced nation in the world. The movie begins in the past with the origin of a rare metal known as vibranium which has transformed the Panther tribe in Africa to create a scientifically advanced nation. Although Wakanda does not have a history of colonialism, in the neocolonial context, controlling this precious resource becomes the central action in the movie. Similar to the colonial plot of acquiring unobtanium from Pandora in the movie Avatar, possessing vibranium from Wakanda becomes the objective of the evil forces. Black Panther emerges as a powerful ruler of Wakanda after consuming indigenous herbs which promises vitality and wearing a vibranium suit that allows him to have superhuman strength and agility. After the demise of King TChaka, his son TChalla defeats M'Baku, from a Jabari tribe in a ritual combat to become the ruler of Wakanda adhering to the tribal custom.