In search of Wakanda
Black Panther’s fictional home transcends film
Never before has a fictional piece had the ability to build a nation that spans the globe.
From US TV host Conan O’Brien announcing the 2020 Olympics to be held in Wakanda, to Americans wanting to send troops to solve the Vibranium crisis and people calling the international flight centre to find out when the next flight to this Shangri-La is, Wakanda is set to be the new Promised Land.
Although Black Panther’s home is fictional, it is still spiritually palpable.
During a time when the world is in such turmoil and conflict, Africa constantly being shamed by US president Donald Trump and women still facing so much oppression, it is no wonder people feel like this is the saving grace we need.
Wakanda is a fictional country where black women are powerful leaders, free from notions of colour, Western beauty standards and hair politics. They are regarded as equal counterparts to their fellow male leaders who listen and are present, not to mention very aesthetically pleasing.
It is Africa free from colonisation and abundantly filled with minerals like diamonds and gold – a world where leaders put their people first and don’t steal or take advantage of them. African culture is celebrated and normalised every day.
Black identity is often questioned and challenged due to Western expectations, even in African countries such as South Africa. African-Americans face similar identity struggles.
They are often regarded as lost, trying to “find their roots”. However, it is hard for them to come back home to Africa when we as nations are still dealing with the issues that came with colonisation
Wakanda, therefore, has a sense of home for them because of its separateness from Western influences and oppression. It is whole and liberated. Black joy and celebration in this land is not seen as an oppressive archetype used to sell products but a true and sincere feeling vibrating through the land.
Wakanda and Black Panther strikes a cord unlike other big franchises like Harry Potter because unlike the world created in them, Wakanda rings true because of the possibilities it poses in the real world. Africa is still abundant in resources such as oil, gold, and diamonds.
With the correct kind of leadership Wakanda shows us the future of Africa free of poverty and oppression, a land where everyone benefits. We want to find Wakanda.