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 ... ›
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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