Take Two: Marvel breaks boundaries

Emily Jacobsson & Pauline Woodley, A&E Editors

If you’ve seen “Black Panther” and decided that it wasn’t a good movie, you’re part of the minority. If you refuse to see it because, despite the waves of praise it has received, you don’t think it’s a big deal, you’re wrong.

While the Black Panther may not be the only black superhero within the Marvel universe (others being Falcon, the original Green Lantern and newly introduced Ironheart), he most certainly is one of few. What’s more, with him comes nearly an entire cast of talented black characters—all of which are strikingly dynamic and refuse to fall into stereotypical roles.

We may be used to the white movie characters fighting for some righteous cause while their black best friend acts as a sidekick, never truly establishing their own persona. This movie breaks from tradition and shows black characters dutifully guiding their kingdoms, trailblazing in technological advancements and facing the same troubles that plague our traditional hero.

The media has written off the entire continent of Africa into a single country unified through hunger, helplessness and disease. Wakanda, while an imaginary African country, challenges this notion with every aspect of its existence. We see a country that is far more technologically advanced than other Western countries and, even more, holds the values and morals that many world powers may have lost. Marvel’s presentation of Wakanda as a vessel of Africa as a whole is rather revolutionary among the movies, articles and books that have conditioned us to see the continent as something “less than.”

“Black Panther” has created something truly special. It stands as a symbol of hope and justice for the black community that anyone would be excited to witness. It is especially important to mention that though this film empowers the black community, its impact will benefit all people of color, as myths of certain movies “not selling” are disbanded at every record broken.

In addition to the diversity seen on screen, the film was equally as varied behind the scenes. Directed by Ryan Coogler, whose other works include “Creed” and “Fruitvale Station,” the film was the highest-grossing film ever made by a black director. The film was written by Coogler and Joe Robert Cole, two African-American screenwriters who were able to tell a story that related to everyone, despite what color you are. Rachel Morrison, the film’s cinematographer made history by becoming the first female nominated in that category for her last film, “Mudbound.”

In challenging the way we think about black movies and how they are made, “Black Panther” is paving the way for future films starring and made by minorities.

The next generation will have “Black Panther” to thank for the (hopefully) many blockbusters that will star minorities of all kinds.