1. What symbols of nationhood are depicted in the movie?

Ans: Multiple symbols of nationhood are depicted in the movie, the first being the special Wakandan salute and
the slogan of ‘Wakanda forever’. This action is done countless times in the movie and it is a way for every
Wakandan to symbolize their pride, loyalty, and commitment to the culture, values, and morals of their nation.
All the characters show incredible energy and enthusiasm when performing the salute. The Wakandan people
are divided into five different tribes with their unique symbols, rituals, attire, and traditions, and the members of
the tribes proudly follow and practice the way of life being continued by their ancestors. Even though one tribe
is isolated from the main Wakandan society, when the nation of Wakanda is in the wrong hands, they give up
their disagreements for the moment and step up to fight for the cause. Their act of stepping up for the nation
shows the deep-rooted loyalty and commitment they have for the nation, despite the disagreements. The strong
governance of the monarchy of the nation, and the loyalty of the people to their king T’challa is another symbol
of nationhood, as it shows the spirit of the people towards the nation’s protector and their commitment to the
age-old traditions. The brotherhood and harmony of the people, their concern for the nation, and the idea of
keeping the nation before everything is the biggest symbol of nationhood depicted in the movie.

2. How is the military used to promote nationalism?

The Military is used to promote nationalism in multiple ways. The role of the Military is much greater than just
protecting the nation, the different parts of the military showcase the discipline, values, and traditions of the
Wakandan people and it acts as a strong rope that ties up the different identities and groups within the Wakanda
identity. The Dora Milaje, a special group of women forces, with impeccable combat ability and technology
showcases the commitment of the nation to protect its sovereignty and traditions. This special force can be
viewed as the central contingent of the Military. Along with the Dora Milaje, each Tribe itself has its warrior
group and its style of fighting and technology, and this depicts the different identities of the nation, and their
commitment to protecting the nation showcases and promotes the idea of nationalism. The military does come
to a brief divide during the ‘civil war’ between the acting king “Killmonger” when the Border Tribe supports
Killmonger while the Dora Milaje fights for T'challa, which includes the Dora Milaje. When the leader of the
Border group realizes that the intentions of the Killmonger are not in the best interest of the nation, they shift
their loyalty to T’challa to embrace the best interests of Wakanda. The border tribe embraces the greater unity
of the Wakandan people, showing their nationalistic values. The Military ties up and represents the Wakandan
identity, and is the greatest symbol of Wakandan unity and strength.

3. How is resource use depicted as important to a nation in the film?

The use of the super resource of ‘Vibranium’ is an essential and significant part of the Wakanda identity. As
shown at the start of the movie, the entire super-advanced technological settlement is built upon the usage of
this resource. The technological progression of the nation, like advanced healthcare, immense infrastructure,
and military equipment, have been the outcomes of the usage of Vibranium metal. Not only does the metal
provide advanced materialistic elements to the Wakandan society, but it also has a strong spiritual and
traditional significance in the Wakandan culture. The special heart-shaped herb, grown in the soil enriched in
Vibranium, consumed by the Black Panther, provides him with superhuman capabilities, and the ability to
connect to his ancestors. All the advantages that come along with the possession of Vibranium, give Wakanda
its own unique identity, the ability to be sovereign and truly make its decisions without the influence of an outer
power. Vibranium not only provides Wakanda with a means of defense but also gives them the chance to live a
prosperous and abundant life. All of these benefits associated with Vibranium give Wakanda economic and
territorial independence, allowing them to continue their civilization, endure their prosperity, and embrace
their cultural norms.

4. What is Wakanda’s trade policy? [look at trade policies, this is where Google can help:
(internationalism, isolationism, etc.)

Both the Trade and International policies of Wakanda are based on a mixture of the extreme ends of
isolationism and protectionism. For the rest of the world, Wakanda is a poor, developing nation with little to no
resources. They avoid any attention and intervention from the outer world and hide their technologically
superior settlement through the use of a shield that completely erases the true image of Wakanda from the outer
world. This is made clear in the movie when at the start, the news report reading near the death of King T’chaka
says that Wakanda is a poor nation, refuses to get involved in international trade, and doesn’t receive trade. As
shown in the movie, Wakanda does not openly trade Vibranium and hides its existence from the entire world.
There are concerns of moral implications raised by the Killmonger on whether the resource should be shared to
the outer world, and if aid should be provided to other nations. However, the attempt of Killmonger to share
the resource of vibranium with the outer world is stopped in the outcome of the civil war, and the resource
remains hidden from the world. It is also certain to assume that along with no exports of resources from
Wakanda, the nation also does not import any items, as there is no requirement due to the technology available.
At the end of the movie, T’challa brings a change in the trade policy of the nation, and the involvement in the
global community but there are no specifics shared as to how it is done. However, the policy to never trade
vibranium stays vigilant and untouched, always keeping the interests of Wakanda protected. T’challa makes his
intentions to share the knowledge of his civilization in a speech at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna,
Austria.

5. How does Wakanda deal with immigration and influences of globalization?

The approach of Wakanda towards immigration is shown to be extremely conservative and unwelcoming at the
start of the movie. The doors for immigration to Wakanda are closed throughout the movie, due to the
isolationist policies of the country. This approach is practiced to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of the
nation, as people coming from different nations might have contradicting loyalties, and they could expose the
secrets of Wakanda to the outside world. This restrictive approach does not look motivated by the belief of
superiority over people of the outside world, but rather a concern for the safety and security of its people. The
influences of globalization like popular culture, norms, and ideas do not affect Wakanda due to close to no
exposure of the outside world to Wakanda. As shown in the movie, the identity and beliefs of Wakandan people
are different from those of the outside world and no elements of popular culture are seen in the movie.
Wakanda does not need to deal with the social and economic influences of globalization due to there being no
roadway for them to reach Wakanda. The political aspect of globalization, which includes the increased
connectivity of the world and more communication between governments is shown in the movie. It is shown
that Wakanda is a part of the United Nations Organization which is a prime example of political globalization.
The end of the movie shows the intention of Wakanda to share its knowledge with the world from a global stage
and influence the way things are done. However, the intention is shown to increase Wakandan's influence on
the world rather than the other way around. Opening itself to the world could bring changes to the approach of
Wakanda towards immigration, but during the movie, it is restricted and minimal.

6. What rights/role and treatment do women in Wakanda have? Do they have a good place among
Wakandan society?

The roles women play in Wakanda are different from what has been in the outer world. Although the important
leadership role of the protector and the King is held by a man, there are many areas shown in the movie, where
women hold significant roles. Everyone treats each other with respect and dignity including the treatment of
men to women and women to men. The gender of characters is rarely or never discussed and everyone is
interacted with based on their character and personality. Women can be found in every branch of Wakandan
society including the Military, decision-making, and other positions of power. The role of women is highlighted
the most in the Military branch of Dona Milaje, this is the personal guard of the king. It consists of highly
competent women soldiers with advanced weapons and equipment and is the center of the military structure of
Wakanda. Prominent female characters like T’challa’s mother and sister also hold immense influence as his
mother has a lot of power in matters of Wakanda and his sister is one of the leading technological minds in
Wakanda. The men and women in Wakanda are shown to collaborate to benefit the community in the best way
possible, rather than competing against each other for power or other possessions. Although the most
influential roles like the King, and tribe leadership are mostly held by men, women have immense contributions
to Wakandan society. It is undeniable that women have a great place in society, have all the freedoms and rights
men enjoy, and do their best to collectively embrace their traditions and culture along with men.
7. Explain if you believe the nation of Wakanda is nationalistic?

I believe that the element of nationalism is widely present in the nation of Wakanda, but not exactly all of the
subjects associated with nationalism. I do believe that the Wakandan leadership has a nationalistic approach
towards governance but does not exactly exclude or detriment the interests of others. They have a strong
national identity and are proud of their nation, and its capabilities and accomplishments. This was seen in the
movie when T’chala’s love interest asked him to open the borders and share their resources to the outer world in
the beginning stages of the movie. He refused to follow this approach since he saw it as a potential danger to the
safety and security of his own people. Their reluctance to share the resource of Vibranium throughout the
majority of the movie is evidence of their approach to secure their people first. Their policy of isolationism and
protecting their values, culture, and traditions also symbolizes a nationalistic approach. They do decide to open
their identity and knowledge to the outer world at the end of the movie, but there is no decision made to dilute
the Wakandan identity or interests. The tendencies of nationalism are present in the people of Wakanda. In my
opinion, this version of nationalism does not fit the exact definition of nationalism, because Wakandans do not
necessarily deteriorate the well-being of other nations, but seek to protect their vulnerable resources and identity
from exploitation.

8. How is media used [such as comics, movies, music, textbooks, etc.] to influence identity and
nationalism?

Media in general has a large role in how we think, perceive the world, and make our beliefs and opinions. Media
can be used to promote certain narratives that can be used to define a country’s unique identity, culture, and
traditions. Media such as textbooks and movies have been used time and time to signify the American role in
World War 2, which promotes the sense of patriotism and pride in the USA. Media can be used to tie the people
of a nation together by highlighting the positive aspects of a group, giving them a reason to celebrate and
embrace their collective identity as a reason. An example is the movie ‘Saving Private Ryan’, an American war
film. The movie not only portrays the brutality of the war but also highlights and celebrates the bravery,
sacrifice, and valor of the American soldiers. Such a movie is an example of how the media can influence the
view of people towards their nation or nation-state, and give them a reason to celebrate their larger identity.
Media can also be controlled to promote certain ideologies to force people into embracing nationalism, an
example being the controlled media in North Korea. All of the media in North Korea is entirely controlled by
the state, and the only content broadcasted that promotes the narrative and ideology, shaping the National
identity of North Koreans in that way. All the content we consume in the form of media has a much larger
impact on our minds, and a lot of thoughts we have are directly influenced and promoted by the media. The
media consumed by individuals alone has the potential to make them nationalists or the opposite end of the
spectrum.
9. Explain why you think Oakland, California is included in the setting of the movie. (Do not just say
this is where the Black Panther Party was founded – go deeper, include a reference to at least one
source).

The reason for including Oakland California in the setting of the movie and the specific place shown in
Oakland is the historical role and significance of this city. The flashback scene shown to be set in Oakland,
California was shot in the city of Atlanta in the Wheat Sweet Towers. This place of shooting is very close to the
birthplace of Martin Luther King Jr. There is a rich history associated with the Black Power movement, as
Oakland is the Birthplace of the Black Panther Party founded in 1966. I think that the filmmakers chose to
include this setting in the movie not just because it is the birthplace of the Black Panther party, but also because
it provides a parallel between Wakanda and this city. Black Panther is shown fighting and struggling for his
people in the movie, while this city has a history of real-life black Panthers fighting for civil rights and freedoms.
As the black community has struggled in this city, Marvel could have also included this city to develop the
character of Killmonger. He is shown to have spent his childhood in this city and his experiences of socio-
economic difficulties and challenges develop his views on the responsibilities of the Wakandan people towards
black communities around the world. Moreover, the director of the movie is himself from the city of Oakland,
and that could have been another motivation to include the city in the movie.

References

(1) Moon, R. (2022, December 1). Where was Black Panther filmed? the Wakanda filming
location. Atlas of Wonders. https://www.atlasofwonders.com/2018/01/black-panther-
filming-locations.html#:~:text=The%20flashback%20scene%20in%201992,birthplace
%20of%20Martin%20Luther%20Kin
(2) Visit Oakland. (2022, May 25). Explore the Black Panther Party’s history in Oakland, CA.
Explore the Black Panther Party’s History in Oakland, CA.
https://www.visitoakland.com/blog/post/black-panther-party/
(3) Wikimedia Foundation. (2023, August 30). Saving Private Ryan. Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving_Private_Ryan
(4) BBC. (2011, December 19). North Korea’s tightly controlled media. BBC News.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-16255126