Evolving Narratives in Western Films Portraying Africa: An Analysis of Black Panther (2018)

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Date

2024-08-05

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Uganda Christian University

Abstract

Africa has for a long time been misrepresented in western films. The depictions of the continent and its people have always been characterized by old stereotypes and unfounded myths. This study explored the presence of such narratives in the culture defining movie, Black Panther. The purpose of this study was to analyse the portrayal of Africa in Black Panther and to determine whether the depiction of Africa in the movie challenges existing narratives about the continent. The study used Black Panther as a case study and used a tabulated list of myths/stereotypes found to exist in various forms of media portraying Africa as the framework to determine whether the plot, theme and structure of Black Panther uphold or challenge those old narratives. The study concludes that Black Panther as case study shows a steady change in the narrative around Africa with recommendations for future studies to delve deeper into ways to increase good representation.

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Undergraduate Research

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