Song Analysis Black Panther

However, as the musical preceded it hit me that this issue is still very active today. In our pop culture today music such as rap and hip-hop is often viewed as an African American music type because overwhelming majorities of the artist are of African American descent. This creates a divide making it seem as if the music is only written for one race, although one artist that I believe is very similar to Huey in Memphis is Macelmore; a white rapper who brought the hip-hop genre to people everywhere and is accepted by both whites and African Americans. Macelmore made it his mission that hip-hop is written from the soul of a person regardless of the color of their skin. The theme that resonated with me throughout the musical Memphis is the idea that music and love can conquer any boundary in their way even something so imbedded in a culture such as segregation.

“The success of ‘Black Panther’ has also been heralded as a strong and unequivocal message to Hollywood, where filmmakers and actors say they have long wrestled with preconceived notions that movies with predominantly black and female characters are financial risks and don’t fare well on the global market” (Izadi). Even though typically minority movies do not do well on the global market, the recent release of “Black Panther” has caused lots of people to join in on the idea of minority dominated movies which suggests that this idea is near its tipping point because there is nearly enough people who are beginning to want to see these movies produced because of the difference in the type of characters. “It’s a movie about what it means to be black in both America and Africa—and, more broadly, in the world. Rather than dodge complicated themes about race and identity, the film grapples head-on with the issues affecting modern-day black life” (Smith). The effect of the director choosing to deal with the issue of minorities in movies head on has caused a spike in the attention of movies like “Black Panther.”

Black men are underrepresented in the media. For example: As “talking heads” in the news, technology users in commercials, users of luxury items in ads, and well-developed characters in games and shows.

G. Willow Wilson once said that “there's a burden of representation that comes into play when there aren't enough representatives of a certain group in popular culture.” The articles “Opinion: “Black Panther" gives me a personal reason to cheer for a new superhero” by Brandon T. Harden, “Opinion: "Black Panther" and the beauty and strength of black women” by Mary-Jean Nleya of Al Jazeera, and “'Black Panther' inspires more than African Americans” by Dean Obeidallah illustrate why movies such as “Black Panther” have impacted Hollywood and its viewers. Despite the fact that there are some people who do not attend the movie theater and may not care about renown movies such as “Black Panther” or “A Wrinkle In Time”, it is clear that these movies with diverse casts will impact and support accurate and inclusive representation in Hollywood.

According to Tukachinsky, Mastro, and Yarchi, prior to 1930, the role of Blacks on screen were seen involving mostly in criminality and idleness (540). That role still persists until the present, with Blacks usually have to withstand to “longstanding and unfavorable media stereotypes including sexually provocative females and aggressive male thugs” (Tukachinsky 540). 1970’s movies such as The Mack, Black Caesar and Coffy have reinforced this stereotypic image of the black community. The

On the other hand there was a chance for the African American community to have a positive image in the hit movie “Black Panther”. The storyline in this movie dives into topics of race, addresses the cultural heterogeneity among people of African descent, and highlights the strengths of African American women, who are depicted as queens, warrior and scientist in the film. With a predominantly African American cast, the movie also deconstructs stereotypes of men of color, families, and communities, deviating from what is often depicted in mainstream media(“Black Panther: Lessons in Hollywood diversity and black pride”2). The latter point is particularly important because it defies the age old myths haunting black creators and their films that

Through songs many people express their feelings of the world threw the words they have wrote. Many songs talk about civil rights of the people and how change should be an option. In the world we live in today we have social issues that people have to face such as: police brutality, racial profiling, discrimination etc. Through Kendrick Lamar, Public Enemy, The Game, Bebe Winans, and N.W.A they will use their voice as a weapon for change among all people. Music with a message thrives in a live setting, for obvious reasons, and many politically conscious musicians aim to channel the heightened emotions

With the recent increase in a greater diversity of characters in media, people have become more tolerant towards differences in other cultures. One such character is Black Panther. In most popular sources of media, people of color are not given the role of the main character; rather, they are supporting characters who are often overlooked by the leading white characters. The scarcity of people of color in media has resulted in many children of color not having a role model to revere who shares their same culture and experiences regarding their race. Black Panther is the first black superhero in mainstream American comics (Johnson). Created in July 1966 during the civil rights movements Black Panther has always been a very progressive character in the superhero genre. The time at which Black Panther was created contributes greatly to the attributes he depicts in the comics and movies. Black Panther’s persistence in completing his task reflects the tenacity shown by protestors during the civil rights movement. In many instances, the struggles which Black Panther undergoes are very similar to the hardships that African Americans faced during the civil rights movements. Black Panther teaches children about the injustices that they may face due to the color of their skin, in a medium that is appropriate for younger generations. The Black Panther franchise also shows children of color that their race should not limit them from achieving success.

From the men being thugs and gangsters to the women being aggressive, emasculating, and primarily sexual beings: manufacturing false profiles to actual figures in the minds of society. Nevertheless, the media’s portrayal of African-Americans also influences them in ways that causes them stand up to stereotypes. Over the years, through films, news, and music videos, the media has portrayed African-Americans in a way that affects the African-American community and society profoundly.

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek” Barack Obama. The question is always asked does the media reflect the reality of society, or does society try and imitate the reality shown by the media? There are a number of stereotypes associated with African Americans in our society such as African American men are athletes, rappers, criminals, deviant, streetwise, uneducated, and unemployed just to name a few. African Americans in the media have changed through the years. The history of African Americans on TV or minorities in general is hampered by the racial conflicts and segregation that are embedded in American society. Historically, black actors have been grouped stereotypically and assigned to comedy. This has often been traced to the genre of black minstrelsy that was popular in the early 20th century.

When you look at the amount of African American stars on television, it is easy to tell that stereotypes of African Americans are being portrayed negatively. Since the 1960s, black television has thrived in many different ways. From “Different Matters” to “Insecure”, African Americans have tried to get rid of this stigma. African Americans are constantly shown as. However, with the increase of representation comes an increase in misrepresentation. The amount of discrimination has risen exponentially in the United States. This is due to the increased hatred and miscommunication of black struggle and black problems in the world, causing an inhumane belief and standard of regular African Americans in the world.

In the song “Glory” sung by John Legend and Common is a powerful song inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. The theme of this song is that resistance enacts change. There are several literary devices that convey the importance and power of peaceful protest such as allusion, symbolism, and metaphors. These three literary devices help to illustrate the struggle, dedication, and triumphs of those involved in peaceful protest of the civil rights movement.

Across the nation, millions of Americans of all races turn on the television or open a newspaper and are bombarded with images of well dressed, articulate, attractive black people advertising different products and representing respected companies. The population of black professionals in all arenas of work has risen to the point where seeing a black physician, attorney, or a college professor are becoming more a common sight. More and more black people are holding positions of respect and authority throughout America today, such as Barack Obama, Colin Powell, Condelezza Rice and many other prominent black executives. As a result of their apparent success, these black people are seen as role models for many Americans, despite their race.

It is safe to say that media has come a long way from where it once started, in terms of diversity. For so long, media did not start display actual representations of minorities, and people of color until now. Television shows such as Dear White People, Blackish, Jane the Virgin, and Modern Family, and movies like Black Panther are all strong examples of inclusivity in media, something that has been absent for quite some time. While media has become more open to diversity and representation over time, the misrepresentation of African Americans in the media is still a greater issue than most may recognize. The lack of representation not only leads to the continuance of stereotypes, but induces a negative effect on black identity, and shapes

Music allows an artist to give those whose voice may not be loud enough to be heard. Their music can cover any issue of poverty, discrimination, segregation, people of color, oppression, and etc. The lyrics are the key part to get any point across but also any footage that accompanies gives the viewer more of an insight into these issues. Many artist/bands like Bob Dylan, Fort Minor, Joyner Lucas, Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Michael Jackson address many issues the class talked about and the point of view of those who are viewed as minorities. The music these artists and bands produce gives the listener an idea of what exactly is happening in the world and what has happened. Each song individually covers the importance that we, as humans, must change the way we think and act and listen to the problems others have and even if it does not affect us.