The film is a powerful statement on colonialism, but did it treat its most anti-colonial character fairly?
This article contains spoilers for ‘Black Panther’
In 2015 an Indian campaign led by Bollywood stars and business figures calling for the return of the Koh-i-Noor, the world’s most famous diamond, reignited a global conversation around the impact and legacy of European colonisation.
The diamond sits atop the crown of the Queen consort and is currently locked up in the Tower of London. Like various other artefacts plundered by colonial powers that fill European museums, including the Parthenon Marbles and thousands of objects and artworks stolen from Indigenous Australians, the diamond’s contemporary location has led to countless calls for repatriation, with activists calling on the British government to “right the wrongs” of colonisation.
Part of the problem is the lack of consensus on whether colonisation was, in fact, detrimental for those colonised. British historian Andrew Roberts has said that Indians should be “grateful” to the British for “modernisation, development, protection, agrarian advance, linguistic unification and ultimately the democratisation of the subcontinent”.
To those who still live with the legacy of colonisation, and the slavery, theft and violence that came with it, those comments make for incredibly grating reading. But whether we like it or not those who continue benefit from it, from Europeans to white Australia and white America, are in denial about it’s consequences. We see it in polls and the lauding of films that pay tribute to colonialism’s staunchest modern defenders.
The impact of colonialism and its ongoing trauma is the tension that runs throughout Marvel’s latest release, Black Panther. The film, which hit Australian cinemas last week, is easily the most politically complex instalment in the blockbuster superhero franchise.
It is an unashamedly black film, something that is itself a political act when you consider both how white the entertainment industry is and the the resurgence of the far-right and white supremacist groups in today’s politics.
And while the film is partly a commentary on the contemporary state of race relations in the US, it asks two pretty specific questions: what would the world look like if colonialism was absent from the history books, and how should those subjected to it and it’s ongoing impacts respond in the twenty-first century?
What If Africa Was Never Colonised?
The fictional African kingdom of Wakanda, which serves as the setting for most of the film, is a technologically advanced society whose leaders have chosen to isolate the country from the rest of society in order to protect its citizens.
To the outside world Wakanda looks poor and resourceless, but in reality it’s thriving economically and militarily thanks to vast quantities of the most valuable metal on the planet: vibranium. If the world knew Wakanda had enormous vibranium deposits it would almost certainly be targeted by foreign powers intent on plundering the nation’s natural resources.
The fictional story of Wakanda gives us an antidote to the real world Scramble for Africa: the colonisation, occupation and partition of the continent by European powers intent on natural resources. While the rest of Africa is subjugated, occupied and enslaved, Wakanda remains hidden from sight, allowing it to develop free from foreign interference.
This allows the film to explore how an African nation, completely untouched by colonialism, would hypothetically develop. It also opens up a conversation around what responsibilities (if any) Wakandan’s had in resisting colonisation and slavery, given their technological superiority could have potentially helped fend off imperial aggressors.
From what we see in the film Wakanda is an economically stable, egalitarian society with advanced infrastructure. At the same time its culture is deeply rooted in tradition, including its form of government: an absolute monarchy with a wildcard element of ritual combat allowing the leader to be deposed in certain circumstances.
It’s a believable representation of how Africa, or really any subjugated land, could have developed without interference. If indigenous inhabitants were allowed to profit from their own resources, instead of having them looted by European powers, what would have prevented the steady social and economic development of what we now refer to as the “developing world”?
If indigenous societies didn’t have their culture and traditions eradicated by colonisers, replaced in many instances with European norms of the time, why wouldn’t those traditions have continued through generations and helped form the values underpinning future nations?
The world of Wakanda isn’t perfect. There’s political tension and instability. Not all its citizens are happy with the way things work, but the film presents a tantalising vision of an alternate universe where self-determination won out over invasion and enslavement.
Which leads us to what role, if any, Wakanda should play in the world around it. At the beginning of the film we’re presented with a montage of traumatic historical events, from the Atlantic slave trade to world wars. Even though the global chaos disproportionately affects marginalised people of colour, Wakanda stays resolute and refuses to engage.
Africa and other colonies suffer while Wakanda grows richer and stronger. The debate around whether Wakanda should take a less isolationist stance is the focal point for the tension between the ostensible “hero” of the film, T’Challa (the Black Panther), and it’s “villain”, Erik Killmonger.
Killmonger As The Anti-Colonialist Revolutionary
We’re introduced to Black Panther‘s primary villain Erik Killmonger, played by Michael B. Jordan, as he’s lecturing a British museum curator on the provenance of African artefacts and accusing her of theft. The scene, which mirrors real-world debates, helps establish Killmonger’s anti-colonial politics, which become important later on in the film’s narrative.
Killmonger ends up ‘liberating’ the artefact, which was stolen from Wakanda in the first place. It’s a visual representation of what so many former colonies are fighting for right now, and it’s an act that’s hard to disagree with it. But, in order to remind the audience that he’s supposed to be the bad guy, the scene ends with Killmonger and his crew murdering a bunch of people and then handing over the artefact to a white South African of all people, to sell to the highest bidder.
It’s that duality that makes Killmonger the most interesting Marvel villain so far. He isn’t some extra-terrestrial creature intent on destroying the entire universe for some weird cosmic reason that only makes sense if you watch The Avengers series in reverse.
He’s a Wakandan who was raised in Oakland around the time of the LA riots. He’s experienced the hardship and structural disadvantage experienced by racial minorities in America, and he wants to use Wakanda’s resources to liberate oppressed peoples around the world. It’s an extremely sympathetic position, yet the film keeps reminding us that he’s the bad guy — he ruthlessly murders his own accomplices and he dethrones T’Challa, nearly killing him in the process.
The film encourages us to side with T’Challa, who wants Wakanda to remain neutral, and against Killmonger. We’re told that even though his end goal is worthwhile, it’s too violent and risky. But isn’t the alternative — the status quo — itself enormously violent?
By staying neutral Wakanda isn’t preventing violence. Whether it’s civil war, famine, racism, or police brutality, violence targeting people of colour is occurring all over the world. Wakanda, under T’Challa’s, reign, is just choosing to ignore it. Killmonger at least wants to do something to end the oppression of subjugated people.
Is Killmonger The Real Black Panther?
Ironically Killmonger’s political perspective is much closer to the actual Black Panther organisation than T’Challa’s.
The Black Panther Party was founded in 1966, just months after the Black Panther first appeared in a Marvel comic, though Marvel’s Stan Lee describes the situation as a “strange coincidence”, rather one taking inspiration from the other.
The organisation responded to police brutality by arming members and forming citizens patrols to protect the black community. It was founded in Oakland, California, where both Killmonger and the film’s director, Ryan Coogler, were raised. The Black Panther Party eschewed anti-violence, arguing that a violent political and economic system that oppressed African-Americans necessitated a sometimes violent response.
As far as the film goes, it’s quite clear that Killmonger represents a more radical vision of liberation. T’Challa is, on the other hand, a monarch who allies Wakanda with the CIA, an organisation notorious for its interference in the global politics, to prevent armed liberation struggles from occurring. It’s as conservative a position as you can take, which is why it’s jarring to see T’Challa described as a “radical” superhero.
The film is itself radical in many ways, from its casting, storyline and superb Kendrick Lamar-curated soundtrack, but T’Challa himself is anything but. When he eventually defeats Killmonger he acknowledges that Wakanda can’t remain isolated anymore, but his response is to engage in international diplomacy and trade, and fund charity projects in the US, rather than use Wakanda’s military might.
It’s an ending that’s supposed to represent a synthesis of both T’Challa and Killmonger’s ideologies. A convenient political compromise that might see Wakanda help the oppressed, but not in a manner that would offend mainstream movie audiences.
Killmonger’s Ambition Should Be Explored In The Black Panther Universe
Even though Black Panther‘s narrative concludes in a fairly typical and conservative superhero manner, the movie canvasses the kind of political perspectives and ideas rarely found in a typical superhero film. By doing so it’s opened up endless opportunities to explore how our world could be reshaped, if Marvel is willing to jettison some of the ideas that acted as a handbrake.
An alliance between Wakanda and the CIA surely can’t last forever. One organisation is firmly about protecting western imperialism, and the other is attempting to dismantle it — albeit politely and through diplomatic channels. The fact that T’Challa adopted Killmonger’s basic political goal is also significant. His method might be different, but the film ends by acknowledging Killmonger’s desire for Wakanda to play a role in helping the oppressed was the right one.
There’s a lot to play with in the Black Panther universe, if Marvel’s willing to take some risks. What would the world look like if Wakanda had sided against colonisers throughout history, not just in Africa but across India, Asia, the Caribbean and Ireland? What would happen if Killmonger, or someone like him, had succeeded in leading armed rebellion throughout the contemporary world?
Hopefully future Black Panther films will delve into these more radical concepts. The film is already smashing box office records, demonstrating yet again audiences are deeply invested in diverse stories. Sequels are all but guaranteed.
We might not get more Killmonger, but his legacy deserves to live on it.
"Black Panther" star Michael B. Jordan almost wishes that the Marvel film didn't have as much hype as it got before its release this past weekend.
The actor, who plays Erik Killmonger in the record-breaking film, spoke to AOL Entertainment over the phone the day before "Black Panther" was released in theaters and discussed how hype can occasionally backfire.
SEE ALSO: 'Black Panther' amazes with $192M box-office haul
"There’s so much hype and I would almost rather it fly under the radar, have people not hype it up at all and we just blow people away," Jordan explained. "With there being so much hype, people want to find reasons to try to pick at it. That’s what it is with anything. For me, there’s so much going on in this movie -- in the best way possible -- with so many different themes and a lot of different points of view."
The 31-year-old star added that, regardless of the hype, he just wants "people to take away a sense of pride about where they come from" after seeing the movie.
See photos of Michael B. Jordan:
20 PHOTOS Michael B. Jordan out and about See Gallery Michael B. Jordan out and about LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Michael B. Jordan attends the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game 2018 at Verizon Up Arena at LACC on February 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 16: Michael B. Jordan plays during the 2018 NBA All-Star Game Celebrity Game at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: (L-R) Ryan Coogler, Chadwick Boseman and Michael B. Jordan attend The Cinema Society with Ravage Wines & Synchrony host the after party for Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther' at The Skylark on February 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Michael B. Jordan attends the Calvin Klein fashion show during New York Fashion Week at the American Stock Exchange Building on February 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Michael B Jordan is seen arriving at Good Morning America on February 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Michael B. Jordan visits at SiriusXM Studios on February 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Rob Kim/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Actor Michael B. Jordan attends the screening of Marvel Studios' 'Black Panther' hosted by The Cinema Society on February 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Danai Gurira, Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o and Michael B. Jordan take part in SiriusXM's Town Hall with the cast of Black Panther hosted by SiriusXM's Sway Calloway on February 13, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM) GOOD MORNING AMERICA - Michael B. Jordan is a guest on 'Good Morning America,' Tuesday, February 13, 2018, airing on the ABC Television Network. (Photo by Lou Rocco/ABC via Getty Images) MICHAEL STRAHAN, ROBIN ROBERTS, MICHAEL B. JORDAN, GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS, LARA SPENCER NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 12: Michael B Jordan seen on the streets of Manhattan on February 12, 2018 in New York, NY. (Photo by Josiah Kamau/BuzzFoto via Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 12: Michael B. Jordan is seen on February 12, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by MediaPunch/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Michael B. Jordan attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage) SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 05: Actor Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, and Chadwick Boseman(Left to Right) arrive at the red carpet of the Seoul premiere of 'Black Panther' on February 5, 2018 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images for Disney) SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - FEBRUARY 05: Actor Michael B. Jordan attends the press conference for the Seoul premiere of 'Black Panther' on February 5, 2018 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images for Disney) BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 30: Actors Michael B. Jordan (L) and Chadwick Boseman attend the Marvel Studios' BLACK PANTHER Global Junket Press Conference on January 30, 2018 at Montage Beverly Hills in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney) HOLLYWOOD, CA - JANUARY 29: Michael B Jordan attends the Premiere Of Disney And Marvel's 'Black Panther' - Arrivals on January 29, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images) PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 15: Michael B. Jordan speaks onstage during the 49th NAACP Image Awards at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on January 15, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images for NAACP ) MIAMI BEACH, FL - DECEMBER 08: Michael B. Jordan attends Well+Good at American Express Platinum House at Miami Beach EDITION on December 8, 2017 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for American Express Platinum) BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 05: Abbie Cornish and Michael B. Jordan attend Piaget Celebrates Brand Ambassador Michael B. Jordan In Support Of Lupus LA at Piaget on October 5, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Piaget) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE
Jordan likened the night before "Black Panther's" release to "the night before the first day of school," noting that he was tired of having to keep so many secrets about Marvel's latest.
In the lead-up to the premiere of "Black Panther," the actor and his production studio, Outlier Society, teamed up with Brisk's Creators Class initiative to encourage and assist young artists.
"Their mission coincided with what my production company Outliers Society's mission is," he told us of the collaboration. "People often see the finished result, but they don’t know the journey or what it actually took to get to the finish line. The hours, the blood sweat and tears the failures it took."
To convey that idea, Jordan directed a 30-second spot called "Hidden Hustle" that puts a spotlight on his own creative process of getting into character for "Black Panther."
Watch "Hidden Hustle" below:
RELATED: See photos from the "Black Panther" premiere:
33 PHOTOS 'Black Panther' London premiere: Red carpet arrivals See Gallery 'Black Panther' London premiere: Red carpet arrivals LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Lupita Nyong'o attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 09: Chadwick Boseman attends Black Panther red carpet at Curzon Mayfair Cinema on February 09, 2018 in London, England. PHOTOGRAPH BY Jamy / Barcroft Images (Photo credit should read Jamy / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Florence Kasumba attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage) John Boyega attending The Black Panther European Premiere at The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Danai Gurira attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Daniel Kaluuya attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) Leona Lewis attending The Black Panther European Premiere at The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Leona Lewis attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Michaela Coel attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) Emma Conybeare attending The Black Panther European Premiere at The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Emma Conybeare attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 09: Andy Serkis attends Black Panther red carpet at Curzon Mayfair Cinema on February 09, 2018 in London, England. PHOTOGRAPH BY Jamy / Barcroft Images (Photo credit should read Jamy / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Stormzy attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Nate Moore, Florence Kasumba, Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, Michael B. Jordan, Letitia Wright, Chadwick Boseman, Lupita Nyong'o, Daniel Kaluuya, Danai Gurira, Ryan Coogler and Victoria Alonso attend the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at the Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: The Black Eyed Peas attend the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at the Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 09: Chris Eubank Jnr attends Black Panther red carpet at Curzon Mayfair Cinema on February 09, 2018 in London, England. PHOTOGRAPH BY Jamy / Barcroft Images (Photo credit should read Jamy / Barcroft Media via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Letitia Wright attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at the Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) Joanna Jarjue attending The Black Panther European Premiere at The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Chadwick Boseman attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at the Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/WireImage) Becca Dudley attending The Black Panther European Premiere at The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Kat Shoob attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: John Boyega (L) and Stormzy attend the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) Vick Hope attending The Black Panther European Premiere at The Eventim Apollo Hammersmith London. (Photo by Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Nadia Rose attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Lemar and Charmaine Powell attend the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Dionne Bromfield attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Mariah Idrissi attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Loretta Grace attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Rudimental attend the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: (L-R) Guest, Naughty Boy (C) and Kanya King MBE attend the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Clara Amfo attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/Mike Marsland/WireImage) LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 08: Kobna Holdbrook-Smith attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' at Eventim Apollo on February 8, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images) Up Next See Gallery Discover More Like This HIDE CAPTION SHOW CAPTION of SEE ALL BACK TO SLIDE
More from AOL.com:
Vanessa Williams' latest stage role featured 'eerie' lyrics about 'a Republican with buttons'
David Chang's new Netflix show 'Ugly Delicious' breaks down 'out of date' food myths
Tinashe talks new track 'Faded Love,' working with Britney Spears and upcoming album 'Joyride'
