Why Representation Matters?
Recently I went to go see the movie Captain America: Civil War. Of course, I knew who was going to be in there. I was especially excited to see the superhero, Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Now, I know there is two other black superheroes, Falcon (Anthony Mackie), and War Machine (Don Cheadle). I love them, but they are treated and considered as "sidekicks". So, it was very exciting seeing a black superhero, not showed as someone's wing man, or someone's right-hand man, and that someone always ends up being white.
As the movie begins I'm loving it, but when Black Panther came onto the screen- I felt like I could do anything possible. It was extraordinary seeing someone of my color being a superhero. I never really experience this feeling, since Star Wars and seeing Finn (John Boyega). It's as if I could really put my feet in their shoes, and see myself in them.
I get this feeling mainly because I rarely see POC , especially black people, represented in anything unless we are cast as maids, slaves, homeless, villain and/or any other subservient position. We're always depicted as someone of lesser value or just plain evil. The only other time is when we do our own movies, tv shows, and/or plays, and they do amazing in the box office and make millions, but are barely given recognition, like The Oscars, but that's another story. So, the role of the protagonists is always giving to a non-black person, and in many instances, white.
Of course, I could relate to a person that's not my color but it's not the same at all. Sometimes it makes me feel like I can't do the things they're doing. Just because they aren't black and I am. It makes me feel incapable of achieving that level of greatness, and it's basically impossible.
We rarely see the representation of black people, because of the following: White Washing (there's a more descriptive definition in the article " Black Panther and Why Representation Matters" by our fellow writer Mike), Stereotypes, and Colorism.
This is whitewashing is so endemic it can even occur with disregard to the story line. For instance, in the production of the show "Everybody Hates Chris", which is about the junior high to high school life of the famous comedian, actor Chris Rock. It portrays how he, Rock, dealt with going to a PWI, predominantly white institution, and being the first in his family to do so, how him, his siblings, and parents all lived together, and of course why that's the title. It's a very comedic, and an all around family show. Unfortunately, it was a bit of trouble getting there. As Rock was casting for the show, the producers for the show felt like there was no need for the mother in the show (keep in mind this is depicting his OWN mother) to be black. They as always, wanted her to be white. Rock had to basically fight for his own mother to be black in a show about his life.
Sad I know, but it gives me hope seeing a black person play a superhero/protagonist that isn't seen as subservient is major progress. Especially, in major and/or blockbuster movies like Star Wars and Marvel movies.
To be brutally honest, It doesn't matter what age you are. If you're 15 or even 50 years old. Being a POC, is rough as it is already. Seeing a black person on the big screen is, a really big deal, and it's the most rejuvenating feeling of all time. Representation matters, even if we get to the point where we are shown at great lengths. Representation will always matter.
Written by: Morgan (@gohomemorgan)
Edited by: Ray (@Surrayaa)
As the movie begins I'm loving it, but when Black Panther came onto the screen- I felt like I could do anything possible. It was extraordinary seeing someone of my color being a superhero. I never really experience this feeling, since Star Wars and seeing Finn (John Boyega). It's as if I could really put my feet in their shoes, and see myself in them.
I get this feeling mainly because I rarely see POC , especially black people, represented in anything unless we are cast as maids, slaves, homeless, villain and/or any other subservient position. We're always depicted as someone of lesser value or just plain evil. The only other time is when we do our own movies, tv shows, and/or plays, and they do amazing in the box office and make millions, but are barely given recognition, like The Oscars, but that's another story. So, the role of the protagonists is always giving to a non-black person, and in many instances, white.
Of course, I could relate to a person that's not my color but it's not the same at all. Sometimes it makes me feel like I can't do the things they're doing. Just because they aren't black and I am. It makes me feel incapable of achieving that level of greatness, and it's basically impossible.
We rarely see the representation of black people, because of the following: White Washing (there's a more descriptive definition in the article " Black Panther and Why Representation Matters" by our fellow writer Mike), Stereotypes, and Colorism.
This is whitewashing is so endemic it can even occur with disregard to the story line. For instance, in the production of the show "Everybody Hates Chris", which is about the junior high to high school life of the famous comedian, actor Chris Rock. It portrays how he, Rock, dealt with going to a PWI, predominantly white institution, and being the first in his family to do so, how him, his siblings, and parents all lived together, and of course why that's the title. It's a very comedic, and an all around family show. Unfortunately, it was a bit of trouble getting there. As Rock was casting for the show, the producers for the show felt like there was no need for the mother in the show (keep in mind this is depicting his OWN mother) to be black. They as always, wanted her to be white. Rock had to basically fight for his own mother to be black in a show about his life.
Sad I know, but it gives me hope seeing a black person play a superhero/protagonist that isn't seen as subservient is major progress. Especially, in major and/or blockbuster movies like Star Wars and Marvel movies.
To be brutally honest, It doesn't matter what age you are. If you're 15 or even 50 years old. Being a POC, is rough as it is already. Seeing a black person on the big screen is, a really big deal, and it's the most rejuvenating feeling of all time. Representation matters, even if we get to the point where we are shown at great lengths. Representation will always matter.
Written by: Morgan (@gohomemorgan)
Edited by: Ray (@Surrayaa)
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