'Black Panther' Is As Feminist As It Gets
If you're one of the few who've yet to see the splendor that is Black Panther, do yourself a favor and get into the movie-ment.
Whether or not you've seen Black Panther, you're probably already familiar with the film's titular character King T'Challa, played by Chadwick Boseman. But what you might not be aware of is the fact that Black Panther is ultimately led by a team of winning women, and not only was the movie's pro-feminist agenda exceptional, it was intentional.
Recently actress Lupita Nyong'o, who plays "Nakia" in Marvel's latest franchise, opened up on Black Panther's strong womanist representation, and how it reinforces the message that feminism is not anti-men, but rather, pro-women and our fight for equality:
"I think in a sense it shows us an idyllic gender relation situation, where the women are allowed to assume their power. They're allowed to realize their full potential alongside the men, and the men are not threatened by the powers of the women. That the powers are complementary.
"And that's something for the entire world to take a look at and consider… The feminist struggle is not a struggle to strip men of their power. It's a struggle for equality. For us to be able to realize our own."
You hear that, fellas? We're just here to solidify our role as equally yoked individuals. We are not here to complete with you, so much as we are here to complement you.
With that said, check out the many ways the women of Black Panther represent the powers that be:
The Bald & The Dutiful Wakandan Warriors
First off, let's get into the awesomeness of the Dora Milaje — the all-female troupe of bonafide badass warriors who guard and protect the Black Panther and all of Wakanda. The best part is. they are known to fight insanely in sync as part of their "move as one" strategy, proving that we're always stronger together than we are apart.
Led by General Okoye (Danai Gurira), who is basically T'Challa's right hand (wo)man, this isn't some stereotypical hair-pulling posse of femme fatales. First of all, there is no hair, so you better come correct, because these women are prepared to snatch your wig, and break your neck, in the name of Wakanda.
The Tech Saavy Little Sis
Black Panther's kid sister Shuri is like the Robin to his Batman, but don't call her a sidekick. At a fairly young age, Shuri (Letitia Wright) is already Wakanda's Chief Technology Expert, and girl, does she know how to slay some code! In an uncharted move, Shuri gives a face to STEM, and does so in a truly melanated fashion.
Thanks to her skills, Shuri not only creates some of the best inventions and protection for big brother-Panther, but from time to time when he's on the field, she keeps eyes on him from the headquarters, and flawlessly narrates his next move. Proving that studies are correct, men should listen to women more.
The Not-So-Average Ride or Die
From jump, we already meet Nakia (Lupita Nyong'o) as the woman who has T'Challa's heart and can literally make him freeze in his tracks with her beauty alone.
However, Nakia is also for the people. A Wakandan spy, she is a member of the "War Dogs," a group of spies who are sent out on missions around the world to help others. Without giving too much away, in his time of need, Nakia doesn't just get to T'Challa in the physical sense, but gets through to him mentally, when she inspires him to shift his way of thinking as a leader, for the betterment of the people.
The Queen Mother
Being protected is more than just a physical need, it's a spiritual, mental and emotional one too. And that's exactly the type of protection, correction, and affection Ramonda, Black Panther's mother, provides. Played by Angela Bassett, Queen Ramonda of Wakanda assures and affirms her son in the moments he needs it most, especially when he questions his readiness to be king. In his weakest moments, she is a healer through her words.
What Black Panther is doing for the feminist culture is indeed epic, but moreover, what it is doing for the conversation on Black women, is priceless. For decades, people have ignored the detrimental effects and limitations intersectional feminism. The truth is, feminism was originally created as a fight for White women's rights, and their desire to be treated as equal to their male counterparts.
Feminism originated from a linear agenda that excluded women of color entirely, and only recently began to include the fight for racial and sexual equality as well (#SayHerName, #MeToo).
Which is why this movie couldn't have come at a better time. We're in an era where, "You fight like a girl," just got a whole new meaning for the next generation. How awesome is that?
So yes, "Black Panther" is the star, but the mighty women of Wakanda are the film's saviors.
- Wakanda forever: The overt feminism of 'Black Panther' - MarketWatch ›
- Is Black Panther Feminist? | POPSUGAR Entertainment ›
- The Feminism in 'Black Panther' Could Mark the Beginning of Film ... ›
- Black Panther empowers its women to go beyond token feminism ... ›
- Race and Revolution: What Being A Woman in the Black Panthers ... ›
A modest goddess who keeps it humble between mumbles. I'm a journalism graduate with a HERstory in digital media, print and radio. Roll the credits: Power 96, VH1, xoNecole, EBONY, SOHH. Deemed "Top 20 Women in Media" by Power 105. Bronx made me, Broward raised me.
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Rihanna Talks Shedding Expectations And Finding Balance As A Mother
Since becoming a mother in 2022, Rihanna has defined parenthood by her terms and hopes to pass that sense of autonomy on to her children.
For Vogue China’s April cover story, Rihanna shared her perspective on raising her two sons with A$AP Rocky, and how she hopes to preserve her children’s uniqueness, devoid of societal expectations.
"The most beautiful thing...is that [children] come into the world with their own individuality and sincerity, without any logic or conformity,” she told the publication. “Which usually makes you feel that you must fit into a certain group."
The “Work” artist, known for her trendsetting style and captivating persona, expressed her desire to support children in fully embracing their individuality and encouraging them to be whoever they want to be. "It's really beautiful to see and I want to continue to help them navigate that and make sure that they know they can be whoever they want to be,” she says.
She continues, “They should embrace it completely, because it's beautiful, and it's unique. I love them just that way."
From shattering music charts to shaking up the beauty industry, Rihanna has forged a path that has since created the “dream” life we see today. One that she says has made her parents proud of.
“I’m living my dream,” she continued. “My parents were very proud of that because they just wanted me to be happy and successful. So, I think the key thing is to find some kind of balance. Yes, balance is important. Do this and you get the best of both worlds. You can write your own life the way you want, and it will be beautiful. Sometimes, you just need to let go of everyone’s expectations and start living your own story.”
Rihanna, who shares sons, RZA, 23 months, and Riot, 8 months, with rapper A$AP Rocky, recently shared her vision for expanding her family in the future in Interview Magazine.
When stylist Mel Ottenberg asked about the number of additional children she hoped to have, Rihanna replied, "As many as God wants me to have.”
"I don't know what God wants, but I would go for more than two. I would try for my girl,” she adds. “But of course, if it's another boy, it's another boy."
Featured image by Neil MockfordWireImage