I'm still offended by the fact that we needed a fake African country to make Africa "cool". I guess people are cool with it though, so what do I know.
More offensive than that (as noted in the other
Black Panther thread), you already see certain people typically diving into the naïve end of the pool in thinking this is some first step toward some form of Pan Africanism, or will serve as some sweeping inspiration for those of African descent. That kind of belief comes from those who think Hollywood dressing turns into power or positive identity, as if the black audience is so freaking stupid and downtrodden (a belief of the modern Left as much as it is of the Right) that a fantasy film released at a time in history
when such "look to the sky and hope" messages do not take hold to those who "know the score" of national and international matters where black people are concerned.
Further, this--or any film--will not speak of the realities going on in Africa right now--major investment from Russia, China, Japan and India (money, schools, businesses--you name it), which is already seen as being a 21st century form of colonial / cultural influence that is anything other than the Pan Africanism some of the BP cheerleaders are claiming the film might inspire there--or in the U.S.
You will never hear any allegedly modern progressive admit that, as they're too busy carrying the film on their shoulders, trying to package & sell it as a positive self-esteem-filled, messianic tale "black people" have been "waiting for." As noted in the other BP thread, Hollywood is notorious for assuming far too much about the mindset and desire of black people (while undermining some core beliefs of African Americans they do not like), as they told the world how celebrated and "good" for black identity
In the Heat of the Night was in the 60s,
Roots in the 70s, or
Do the Right Thing, in the late 80s, etc. Its the same sort of instinctively Left wing rush to celebrate that had them thinking the election of Obama spelled the end of racism in the U.S., when level headed black people were wide awake, and not fooled that at all.
Usually, it is self righteous, "caring"
faction of white modern liberalism that appoints themselves to speak for others in such an assured manner, always telling black people when their "time has come" or what they should praise as some cultural breakthrough--the message "they've been waiting for." There's more than enough BP reviews from black people (search YouTube channels
for a start) who are saying that the film is entertaining, but its not some cinematic equivalent of MLK's
"I Have a Dream" speech. Its just a film, yet once again, we see the mainstream media and their John & Jane Q. Public mouthpieces online & on the streets selling and telling black people that this film is so inspirational. Its insulting in the extreme, but those selling that allegedly inspirational idea--whether about black identity, Pan Africanism or a native African's place in the world/connection to others--are playing a game that--at the end of it all--only exists to make themselves feel good. A very....
very old story.
