When I saw this prompt and thought about it, my inner Marvel fandom was screaming at me to use the Black Panther and Wakanda as the prompt for this blog post.
The cultural resource I have selected is the movie “Black Panther” directed by Ryan Coogler. The movie is set in the fictional African country of Wakanda, which is depicted as a technologically advanced and self-sufficient nation. The movie reimagines an alternative to the current global political and economic conditions, where African nations have been historically exploited by European colonial powers.
In the movie, Wakanda is portrayed as a prosperous nation with advanced technology, hidden from the rest of the world. The country’s wealth comes from a metal called vibranium, which is used to power their advanced technology and weapons. Wakanda’s policy of being isolated has allowed it to develop its technology and resources without interference from anyone else. The movie presents a new vision for Africa, one that is not characterized by poverty and conflict but by prosperity and self-determination.
The imagined alternative presented in “Black Panther” is not only social and political but also technological. The movie portrays a world where Africa has the potential to be a leader in technology and innovation, and where its resources can be used for the benefit of its people, rather than for the benefit of foreign interests. In this sense, the alternative presented in the movie requires both technological and systemic change.
The technological change required for the alternative presented in “Black Panther” is the development and implementation of advanced technology, such as Wakanda’s vibranium-powered weapons. This technology can be used to improve the lives of people in Africa, such as through improved healthcare and infrastructure. The systemic change required is the elimination of the systems of oppression and exploitation that have historically prevented African nations from developing their resources and technology.
However, while “Black Panther” presents an entirely reimagined condition for Africa, there are elements of this alternative that are reflected in current conditions. For example, there are many African nations that have vast natural resources, such as oil and minerals, but are unable to benefit from them due to corruption and exploitation. The alternative presented in “Black Panther” suggests that these resources could be used to benefit the people of Africa, rather than being siphoned off for the benefit of foreign corporations.
Furthermore, the movie’s portrayal of a powerful and self-determined African nation challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that are often associated with Africa. It presents a new vision for the continent, one that is not characterized by poverty and conflict, but by prosperity and progress.
In conclusion, “Black Panther” presents an imagined alternative to the current global political and economic conditions, where African nations have historically been oppressed and exploited. The movie reimagines an Africa that is prosperous, technologically advanced, and self-determined. This alternative requires both technological and systemic change, and while it is an entirely reimagined condition, there are elements of it that are reflected in current conditions. The movie challenges the stereotypes and prejudices that are often associated with Africa and presents a new vision for the continent, one that is hopeful and inspiring.
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