For decades, Africa has often been portrayed in the media as a “dark continent,” a place defined by poverty, conflict, and lack of resources. Examples of this stereotype can be found in movies such as Blood Diamond (2007) or Out of Africa (1985), where the African characters and African continent are demoralized, all while the white protagonists are depicted as “saviors” of the “savage land”. This persistent narrative around Africa has shaped global perceptions, reinforcing negative stereotypes and overshadowing the continent’s rich cultural diversity. Enter Black Panther (2018), the Marvel blockbuster that completely turns this long drawn out, inaccurate trope on its head. Through the lens of Afrofuturism, Black Panther offers a bold re-imagining of Africa—not as a continent in need of saving but as a beacon of innovation, power, and resilience.
Afrofuturism is a genre blending science fiction, history, and fantasy. The genre works to re-draw Black narratives by envisioning futures and alternate realities where African diaspora culture and technology coexist in harmony. Black Panther exemplifies this with Wakanda, a fictional African nation, hidden away from the rest of the world, untouched by colonialism. Wakanda is technologically advanced and self-sufficient, defying the traditional portrayals of Africa as undomesticated and hyper dependent. What’s most striking about Black Panther is how it reframes Africa in the modern media landscape. The film does acknowledge the continent and its people’s struggles, but it repositions them within a narrative of strength. Instead of being defined by external forces, Wakanda controls its own destiny, symbolizing a new, empowering way of seeing Africa.
In the end, Black Panther does more than just borrow elements from Afrofuturism; it actively works to reshape how Africa is viewed in the global consciousness. It’s a reminder that representation matters; not just in terms of who is on screen, but also in how stories are told. Black Panther not only entertains but also challenges viewers to reconsider their own perceptions of Africa and its people. As a piece of Afrofuturist art, Black Panther offers a hopeful vision of the future while urging us to rethink the past and present. And for that, it’s more than just a superhero movie—it’s a cultural milestone.
I cannot wait to see more work from this author, great stuff!
Great article Jaden. I agree with your conclusion and I think the movie was also a reminder to people of African descent that we should not let others define our stories and define who we are. We need to be proud of who we are and not let the negativity of what may be portrayed on screen or other media get into our psyche and prevent us from achieving our greatness.
Well written! I am so proud of you!