Complicated Relationship

  Week 13

 The film, “Black Panther” presents the viewer with many distinct, opinionated, and passionate characters but the main protagonist and antagonist present interesting points of view to analyze as a viewer. T’Challa, the main protagonist, is portrayed as a responsible and compassionate leader who prioritizes the safety and well-being of his people and his nation, Wakanda. He believes in justice and making personal sacrifices in order to protect his nation’s traditions, culture, and technology. A large point of contingency between T’Challa and Killmonger is in the debate whether to share Wakanda’s resource of vibranium with the world or keep the nation isolated. T’Challa at the very end of the film decides to share this resource to benefit the rest of the world instead of just Wakanda, but this decision only was made after much debate, battle, and contemplation.

    The antagonist, Killmonger, a former black-ops soldier believes that sharing vibranium is the only way to help oppressed black people throughout the world and he is willing to use violence and radical behavior in order to achieve his goals. Killmonger’s experiences with racism and systemic violence have shaped his worldview and cause him to desire revenge against those who have wronged him and kept power away from him. Even though both characters differ in the means of achieving their goals, they are both inspired by benefitting their people and the greater good. T’Challa represents the traditional values of Wakanda while Killmonger represents a radical and new way of changing culture and utilizing or sharing resources. The conflict between the two characters showcases a metaphor for the very real political and social complexities within black communities throughout the world, raising questions of what responsibilities people in power have to help oppressed people throughout the world.