Black Panther was a representation film. Directed by an African-American, starring a cast of largely African descent, showcasing African cultures.
We had Blade, featuring an African-American star, but Wesley Snipes was largely the only character of color for the majority of the films, and we have Falcon, but Falcon is the only person of color in his film debut and is second fiddle to Cap in his first outing. In Animation, we've had John Stewart in the DCAU. In Star Wars, we had Lando for the longest time (now Finn, Poe, Rose are other people of color are also present). Black Panther is a major motion picture with a huge budget. On TV, I would say DC and Marvel have done well, with Black Lightning and Luke Cage, respectively. Arguably, Star Wars' rival, Star Trek, has done the BEST in sci-fi in terms of representation of actors of various ethnicities throughout its run.
Representation in popular media is a HUGE thing. Similar to how we have gotten more and more queer figures in media, and moved away from previous stereotypes, Black Panther opens the gates for more films to break traditional borders.
From that perspective, I would argue it is not overrated.
Excuse me. You seem to be forgetting a major player in 2 of these large franchises.
I don't know that I would say hereditary - the 5 clans have a ritual opportunity for challenge as the film presents it.
Even though mantel of king and Black Panther automatically passes from father to son? Don't think it gets more hereditary than that.
And I might argue that it is better for two people to duel than to embroil a country in a civil war (even though the latter does ultimately occur).
Um.....
Isn't that exactly what happened?
I'm a Caucasian American male - I am the textbook definition of privileged, and my worldview is routinely catered to in media. But, in honesty, I like to see media from other cultures and worldviews - they inspire me, prompt me to learn. I've gotten to see films from all over the world, talking about things like European Imperialism in Africa (Camp de Thiaroye, for those interested) among others.
Then you may speak for yourself. Everything I have was worked hard for, either by myself or by someone that gifted it to me. My ethnicity has afforded me nothing.
I run about 10 miles a week
The week I counseled camp, I covered just over 40mi. And that was only distance in which I was carrying my phone.
