Wired868 Wired868 for smart sport news and opinion
“So I have to ask the question: is this a coincidence? And why now? After scrolling through social media and seeing that many people believe that a lot of Trinis only dressed in their African garb for the ‘likes’ and the attention, I’m forced to ask another question. However, this one is directed specifically at those who seem to be outraged by black Trinis who‘ve decided to as it were ‘jump on the train’.
“Are you all equally upset when young ladies decide to go half-naked for the very same ‘likes’ and attention? Or when young fathers neglect their children financially to pop bottles in parties while wearing the costliest shoes and jewelry?”
The following Letter to the Editor, which is critical of social media condemnation of some exuberant Black Panther moviegoers, was submitted to Wired868 by Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team goalkeeper and former Soca Warriors captain Jan-Michael Williams.
“Somebody somewhere is depending on you to do what GOD has called you to do.”
There is a lot of hype surrounding the actions of people, particularly African and/or Black people, before and after watching this new film, Black Panther.
Firstly, let me say that I have not yet seen the film, I’ve only seen its effects. And, for me, it is the best movie of my life so far.
There are some Trinis who have missed the importance of the fact that this is the first movie to have a cast of mostly black people who have roles that do not entail being a drug dealer, prostitute, thug, gangster or any of the negative stereotypes the film industry has created for black people from its inception. Apart from the film Blade, which had an African American as its lead actor and maybe two or three other black people, I cannot remember any other films besides black comedic ones with such a strong cast of black people.
So I have to ask the question: is this a coincidence? And why now? After scrolling through social media and seeing that many people believe that a lot of Trinis only dressed in their African garb for the “likes” and the attention, I’m forced to ask another question. However, this one is directed specifically at those who seem to be outraged by black Trinis who‘ve decided to as it were “jump on the train.”
Are you all equally upset when young ladies decide to go half-naked for the very same “likes” and attention? Or when young fathers neglect their children financially to pop bottles in parties while wearing the costliest shoes and jewelry?
I was once told that “everyone is free to do as (s)he likes but everyone also HAS to stand the consequences of his/her actions.” It is something I believe. Therefore, I try to focus on running my own race and staying in my own lane. I think sometimes people lose themselves in all the talk and forget that to inspire positive change, you need action.
Music, TV/films and sport break through more barriers than we may think or want to believe. And although these can have both a positive and a negative impact on the masses, it depends mainly on the way they are perceived by individuals.
Let’s take for example “The Gambinos.” For me, it was the name of one of the biggest gangs in PoS. But can anyone tell me where that name originated? A film perhaps? Were there any black actors in that film?
Now, let’s compare that to Black Panther. It’s hard for me to think about anything that could be used in a negative light in a film that has already broken most of the records set in the film industry but that’s because I’m looking through my eyes.
Everyone is entitled to have their own opinion, feeling and reaction to what they see, hear, touch and taste. I’m sure that some of you have tried to speak with a Chinese accent after watching those old Kung Fu movies. Some have even engaged in friendly sparring matches to try to reproduce the karate moves. Surely you’ve tried the “Drunken Master”?
If this film provokes a genuine sense of African pride, a deep connection to something truly meaningful yet missing and/or a thirst for more knowledge about our culture, heritage and homeland, then let us please allow it to do its part. If for others, it’s just another fashion event, then so be it. It is not that they are making a mockery of the culture.
Is Jessie Lingard from Manchester United making a mockery of the same culture when he scores the winning goal against Chelsea and celebrates by using gestures from the very same movie? Or is it that you already have a preconceived notion about these Trinis you see dressing up? Are all these people riding the wave or has this movie genuinely struck a chord in some of them?
And the others? I think they deserve the right to live their lives and express themselves as they see fit. Remember that it is he who is without sin who shall cast the first stone.
In my lifetime growing up in my sweet homeland of Trinidad and Tobago, I’ve heard too many times statements like this: “Is only because he/she red-skin that he/she does look nice; if he/she was dark-skin, he/she would be ugly.”
Can anyone translate this for me? All I know for sure is that it made me feel very ugly to be black. When I compare that to the beauty I’ve seen in these very same dark-skinned people embracing their skin colour, dressing up in some of the most vibrant and colourful clothing I have ever seen, it makes me embrace this film as the best in my lifetime.
Mind you, I’ve travelled to more than 60 countries on all four continents. The limited knowledge I have of slavery is that “they” took everything from us; “they” stripped us of our names, our religion, our spirituality, our languages, our clothes, our culture and “they” gave us theirs. This, my friends, is not just my opinion; this is historical fact!
So why do we seem to not love ourselves and always fight one another? Maybe this letter from Lord Macaulay to the British Parliament, dated 2 Feb, 1835, may have some part of the answer. It reads thus:
“I have travelled across the length and breadth of Africa and I have not seen one such person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such high moral values, people of such calibre that I do not think we would ever conquer this country unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage. And, therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture. For if the Africans think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture, and they will become what we want them [to be], a truly dominated nation.”
(Copyright Polyp)
What you have just read are just the thoughts and emotions of someone who seeks knowledge and better understanding in life. I only ask us to think for ourselves, to always seek knowledge and to continue to grow mentally and spiritually if we are to rebuild our nation and to retake it from the hands of the criminal element that is causing havoc in what was once sweet, sweet T&T.
I also ask those of you who have always been “awake” to do your part to ensure that those awakened by the Black Panther film to never go back to sleep!
Remember: “Somebody somewhere is depending on YOU to do what GOD has called you to do.”
In 1958, the author, John Steinbeck, wrote an essay describing San Francisco as a city with “a golden handcuff with Read more
Last Sunday, the state of our national dialogue alarmed two Express columnists. Martin Daly described it as poisonous (‘The country Read more
“[…] It should be obvious to all that the most likely winner of a 100 metre race (no pun intended) Read more
“[…] We have bought into the Western, capitalist idea, that the individual bears sole responsibility for their success or failure—history Read more
Dr Kumar Mahabir: “[…] Despite the horrendous history of Columbus, his statue represents a tangible historical link to the Europe, Read more
As adopters of social media and smart phones, we reveal a lot about ourselves each day. We tell the world Read more
I am Indo trinidadian and wore my kinte kaftan….it is about loving yourself then you can love and appreciate everyone and all cultures…well almost…the crowds really turned out in Chaguanas….warmed the heart.♥️
Sounds wonderful to me.
Like hearing this
Yes Campion….it was really the rainbow effect in all its glory….a melting pot of all our peoples celebrating….
I saw young Muslim women attending the movie, draped in their Khimar and wearing tribal facial markings make up. beautiful!
Looooovely……
Live and let live nah. Jeez. Some people just can’t see other people happy and having somre fun eh. Setta rain ☔ on people parade.
people are focusing on the film. however I and several others have observed the recent racial tension coinciding with political development etc. in the US as well as home right here.its not just about the film. when a black child is gunned down callously after a racial profile by a white officer etc…it can never be just about a one day celebration and/ or movie. when the rights of the typical African and/or descendants of slaves are trampled upon…it can never just be about a few fickle opinions and our own personal agendas on the forefront.
Take your place, lead, teach, learn!
If my kids could have been excited since last year before they even saw this film, it says to me… should say to us, that this show is/was the spark that ignited what has been dormant in us for a long while.
Firstly we must calling our children KIDS. we are human the first people on planet earth we have PICKNEYS our children are not stupid, only goats have kids and as the saying goes a goat is a stupid animal.
The English language evolves and words take on different meanings. I don’t get worked up about such things either.
Where is this law so to do? if it is your belief that’s fine by me I have no problem using colloquial language to refer to my children as kids, as I do from time to time. It is quite acceptable to use the term kid in everyday speech and informal writing, To your other point as a mammal we have those traits too.
sooo…arrrm…what’s it mean if I go see #BlackPanther in a jeans and a t-shirt?
wah?
I ain African enough?
What if i accessorise with my white girlfriend? Does that mean I have to double-down on blackness by getting her butt implants and a Brazilian weave?
I got questions….
Dude… The gf is an accessory tho? ?
Alana Morton you wear Red Bottoms…i like white bottoms…
I’m guessing that Emancipation Day would have record number of participants in 2018. Because there might be hundreds of people in newly purchased African attire looking for another occasion to wear them…
I doubt all of them gonna just wait for Black Panther 2!
While I also watched the movie and totally enjoyed it from a comic book and cartoon fanatic perspective…. Totally worth the $90 TT for the 4d BTW.
But I hate seeing the bandwagons claiming Afrikaan pride in clothes made in China or from fabrics made in China and from non Afrikaan designers and companies…
Ask yourselves this:
Where was your pride when blood diamond was showing..? Where was the dashiki when Invictus was playing or when Leleti Khumalo died? Nobody was this hyped when the revamped ROOTS debut on the history channel… Why nobody wore red white and black to celebrate seeing two Trini’s in major roles in the movie? Yes I said two because it wasn’t only Winston Duke….
While I applaud my boy Jan for this piece but please don’t try to convince me that a movie about a fictional character living in a fictional country could instill and inspire black pride and awareness by driving ppl to purchase non Afrikaan clothes from non Afrikaan designers and manufacturers with the latest nike or jordan sneakers and tell me its black pride…. What it really is ,is that it was just another opportunity for vain people to show the true meaning of vanity..
People exhibit fear whenever black people decide to stand proud. I wonder why?
Because they know how powerful we are when ever we unity this is why they have us the way we are like crabs in a barrel but we must break that chain and star uniting for the betterment of the younger ones coming.
Well said. Ignore the naysayers. We could use a few more people selling African garb…they’re always soo expensive…but I can buy a $100 garment by the Indian wear place…smh Why indeed must only Chin Lee make a profit though? Please…just doh overcharge for the outfits eh 🙂
Reggae music is very popular in Africa. If an African is enjoying some Bob Marley or Buju Banton, would he be ordered to go to Jamaica?
There are many Brian Lara fans there too, should they have to go to Santa Cruz?
I don’t see why enjoying Black Panther means I’d have to book a ticket on the Black Starline
let’s face it…,we all cannot actually just ups and migrate to Africa without much deliberate planning which takes years of planning. besides this migration though, we can invest in Africa though. own brother &sister businesses in Africa that will provide jobs and boost the economy in the downturn areas? or other. but then again,some of us do not even know how to budget in our houses,far less strive to own businesses…
nice! do enjoy.
all those who wants to go to live in africa?
Why such a question? Are you disgusted that Trini people are feeling proud? What are saying then to Trinis of Indian and Chinese descent who share that pride?
These comments have been about the long outstanding issue of race in Trinidad. Although too many people think that they can get by with observer status on the subject, enough people have revealed they are capable of conducting reasonably functional roles in society from a base of radical Black thinking. The film has served its purpose then.
I saw the film in London in a full house of approximately seventy-five percent African diaspora, including Somalis, Ethiopians and Moroccans. There was a Premier-type screening in another cinema in Brixton with African wear but Black pride was very much on show everywhere.
It was a good film, easily pan African by design, for which I am grateful that Trinidad is included in the sweep of its attentions.
So just my humble opinion: I too feel happy that I can experience a movie where a black director directs a predominantly black cast with black leading roles shown as positive and heroes.
I am more excited that, as a “comic and sci-fi geek”, another character is brought to life on the big screen.
I hope, however, to see all these Afro-centric Trini fans in their Afro-centric wear for Emancipation celebrations, going to the Emancipation village and purchasing Afro-centric craft and outfits without complaining about the price.
Again, this is just my opinion and not a judgement of anyone.
Look who I spoke to smh
http://africasacountry.com/2018/02/i-have-a-problem-with-black-panther/
I am guessing that author rushed out of the cinema after half hour and started to write. Maybe he would have been better served watching the whole movie.
I see most of what was written there as the author’s own biases, which merely twists all the characters to fit existing hangups.
I am decidedly unimpressed with almost every inference of what they see from the characters. It is taken a sliver of truth and wrapping it tightly in BS, I think.
I agree with the third troupe about the CIA saviour. Also I am in partial agreement about the point that was made about Africans in the diaspora not being welcomed back. I dont agree with the use of technology for liberation. One major criticism of the movie I have after seeing it us that there is no representation of legal principles related to human rights and the sovereignty of indigenous peopled rights to their resources.
I agree with you on the last point. But the CIA guy was not a saviour. That’s a serious overreach. They saved him and he was only one of many components in the final war they were fighting in the end.
He was practically the token white boy in the way films have had token black boys in the past.
Also the bit about welcoming Africans back is very clumsy too. Because (1) the king was very upset that the American boy was not back, (2) the returning American was made king, (3) the tribes all unanimously agreed to accept him as king even when his decision making was against customs, and (4) down to before the American’s last breath he was still offered a chance to remain–albeit after paying for his crimes.
And that is why I say the author didn’t watch the movie properly or just wanted to twist the story to suit their own narrative.
Still the African American liberation fighter is the villain and the CIA operative is a collaborator which is a confirmation of the existing hegemonic arrangements.
The liberation fighter wanted to wage war on the entire planet at once. The whole world would have been in civil war.
Was that really sensible?
It is true that T’Challa’s preferred way in the end would better fit the status quo but you are talking Martin Luther King Jr vs Malcolm X all over again.
Or Mandela vs Mugabe.
Don’t forget the African American fighter was also CIA and the white operative explained to them how the CIA worked to destablise nations like theirs in times of crisis.
Did author intentionally leave that out because it didn’t fit his narrative?
So you are saying the African-American Liberation fighter deserves to be the villain and the CIA operative is a benevolent member of an agency that destabilize African nations?
Eko first they were both cia operatives. The Afro American and the white man.
Second you want a movie with no internal strife?
That is the basis for any good film.
So white Movie Stars always have non white protagonists?
Notice I have not divided humanity into white non-white categories. Who wants to be a colour anyway?
Eko Watts it is a movie. An internal power struggle means for a deeper more thought provoking film to me than say white assailants trying to breach their walls.
Up to the write, no matter what you do someone can always point to a different way you might have done it.
I understand some people would like others to have a more meaningful appreciation of Africa. But I don’t see a problem if some people just think it is fun to watch the movie in robes.
What’s the downside? That some African garment makers get an unexpected, unseasonal spike in sales?
So we only want Derek Chin and Digicel/IMax to make money off Black Panther? How ironic is that?!
Right?! Some people too woke for their own good, oui
Well I wore the African prints I already own and wear eh, so I suppose Chin got all my money. But I am convinced people just don’t like to see Black people have fun. Why allyuh happy, eh!?
I swear Indian people get so many more opportunities to put on ethnic wear. Apart from Indian weddings it’s anytime there’s a Bollywood concert or Kumar Sanu in town. But some haters want to begrudge us Black Panther eh?
Sometimes it’s best to ignore nay sayers.
Pride…
Great thoughts Lasana Liburd
Nice contribution from Jan Michael. ?
Or when people who never read the books dressed up for Harry Potter
They are very afraid to see us united.
As I said to one ex friend. “Ah never tell uh nothing when yuh went to see Planet-of de Apes dressed as yuhself”.
That’s how she became ah ex friend
You have me. She not necessary.
dize why ah was so hurry to run she after she soil meh inbox with one set ah arse talk
Let people live, nah.
Oh gosh boy….
My problem is after wearing the african wear what u learn?
What u know about africa
Some don’t even know africa is a continent steups
Its not their fault….its how they were thought to think….but i hear u
But ok u are so right.but ok how hard it is to learn about africa and its cultures the same ppl mamguying the african clothes now yes I call it mammaguying all because of BP. They can google information about africa no one hve to teach you I heard ppl saying they will like to go to the country africa …… what???????? Africa isn’t a country its a continent made up of countries. Some ent know that but all in african wear to.see a movie. All for show
The media does not promote Africa….and the dependency on the media is very high….so you see the shortfall
but aside from this…I wanted to learn at least yoruba or swahili or other…guess which schools are offering that course option? non…but I could learn german/french/hindu/chinese/Russian etc freely.
And I don’t like to throw politics in things eh but look how long we were govern by a black leader. But you know the hindu primary schools teach hindi my nephew attends a hindu school the date is written in English and hindi plus they have religious education which is of.course hindi so who do we blame ?
Evette L Santana while I hear you on this given the diversity of our origins I see a significant (but not impossible) challenge of determining which language should be offered. There are a few of them.
Evette L Santana…..how far back r u willing to go….so as to clarify what we consider shortcomings at present…..bcuz allllllllll what we r seeing and experiencing now is as a result of Colonisation….
True Nigel and I was speaking about that with someone we know there are a few we could start with swahili because it is the most spoken language in africa and Yoruba at least start with those two
I was thinking of how many arguments would arise. Who identified with particular parts of W. Africa would say Akaan, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and the list goes on. It would have to be a choice by particular schools I guess.
True but at least start somewhere I guess its not important to learn it as long. As they can dress up one day for a couple hours they happy
Good point, we had so called. African leaders and African political party and they continued in the foot steps of the colonizers up till today
A non issue…. because three months later when all the hype is done and gone everybody will move on with their lives…..the question is what are you as a black person doing consistently to improve yourself and the help other blacks survive in their little corner? Have you studied Marcus Garvey and understood what he tried to do? Watching one movie while dressed in an African garment will not change anything. When we can have a ‘Black Wall Street’ again and the triangular trade helps us to improve our standard of living, then we going somewhere……
Peter Lewis…remember that the system is not created for blacks to help other blacks when it comes to certain things….and the concept of Blacks helping others in their little corner….does not send the correct message….but i un derstand your overall concept and message
Blacks have enough spending power to help themselves…..I am not say be anti-white…..I just saying put systems in place to help yourself more.
You spoke about Black Wall Street….
Whats the real reason it got destroyed….
Everything was OK…until we built our first Bank….and started organising foreign trade….
Remember the system is not ready for that….but u r right…thats exactly what we need
And we need to do it again…..keep rebuilding it bigger and stronger everytime
If people don’t want to learn about their roots, that’s permissible too. Their life. I don’t see the harm anyway.
Thats a selfish statement Lasana…
Dexter how so? We can’t force someone to appreciate what we do. All we can force upon them is not to be menaces to society.
Would you enforce a cultural test before people can wear the garb? For all we know there are people in Africa wearing African clothes right now that know less about their continent than we do. Lol.
I fully understand what u r saying….but to force people is not my objective….but we must try….we must try because as Africans…it is alllllllllll our culture….if we try and we dont succeed…well so be it…at least we will sleep better at night…..
Dexter that’s why I am happy to put up the second piece on Black Panther from Dr Claudius Fergus. In the five or six articles we published from Dr Fergus on Wired868, I have already learned more about African history than I had previously in my 41 years on the planet.
I always wonder why people of African decent consider themselves African… Lol. I’m from Trinidad and Tobago tho so I guess I see things differently. It’s all a bit too deep for me when people start talking about Africa this n that. Dressing up for Black Panther is a choice. Let people have fun n let’s move on. Not everything has to be some deep thought piece of 1000 words.
There is a difference between nationality and ethnicity of origin
I think that’s obvious. Lol. I’m referring to people who speak of Africa as their home because they are black. Also Africans don’t even consider African Americans or those from the Caribbean African. People go too far with the race thing is what I’m saying.
I love it! as a former youth member of nyaac (youth organisation of njac) we were exposed culturally from an early age, not to mention my father used to make steel pan out of tins, make jewelry and tie die, carve images and sculpt wood. we bathed with calabash and truly did appreciate our mixed upbringing as our family is diverse and multicultural,multi ethnic. my sister & I used to model African gowns for a sister at times for UWI dinner. I love seeing that even if some are indeed falling on a bandwagon…they may adopt that sense of identity and/or at least appreciation for our culture & heritage. I don’t see why people are getting upset though…,when afro trinis decide to express and rep their culture etc.
Lasana Liburd….do you know that statistics prove that there are black families and bloodlines….that have not worn African wear for 3 to 5 generations….
Entire bloodlines that think Black History started when we were on the ships….
None having a clue that we came from Kindoms and Castles….fully functional societies and SELF SUFFICIENT support systems…
The blind acceptance of the learning methods that say….we hav to learn the way the coloniser says we must learn…..
What has us thinking that way…in steadfast and absolute belief that we must ACCEPT….so we accepted everything.. all be it forced upon us…
The worst acceptance was when we accepted their God and religious practices….
From the instance we married their way of speech….their way of dress….their behavioural patterns….their food…their way of learning….to their way of worship….we were no longer ourselves….we became the mirror image of the Coloniser in Black skin…..
For sure there is an aspect of bandwagonism at play here, but for many people it gave them an opportunity to unite behind a common theme. For a much smaller subset (from what I’ve seen) there was an element of cosplay. For a great many though, it was CELEBRATORY, For the first time Hollywood has really sat up and paid tribute to African culture on screen. Of course “this is just fantasy,” but Marvel didn’t have to go to the positive extremes it did in getting as many of the cultural details right.
This itself (paying close attention to detail) may not have been possible without them hiring a black producer and director and then trusting and supporting their vision. Part of that vision is manifest in the casting, specifically by drawing on talent from all throughout the diaspora.
This is key. I have no academic data to support this, but just observationally, no people have been dispersed from their homeland and distributed so widely across the globe as people of African heritage. Certainly no other people have had that done to them against their will.
So then, despite this unparalleled injustice against black people, 1) to see black excellence so prominently on display; 2) to have black beauty, culture and excellence, supported and celebrated by arguably the most influential medium and industry in the world; 3) to see the forced dispersal of our people acknowledged in such a powerful and deliberate way as the purposeful casting of talent representative of divers corners of the diaspora; 4) and having a front seat to what is effectively a global reunion of Africa’s orphaned sons and daughters reuniting and collaborating on such a powerful and transcendental film… that is a beautiful thing indeed worthy of CELEBRATION.
Nigel…i agree with everything u said….except the bandwagonism….reason being….everything has to start somewhere….
Black youths usually need to see a spark accepted by a group…and that in turn makes them respond as a group….we usually need to be lead into certain channels….wholehearted acceptance of Black culture married to Superiority….Self sustainability….Power…Wealth…Intellectual Prowess….Royalty Bloodlines…and we could go on and on….but the Black youth cannot connect certain dots….because of the strong dependance on the media…..
Dexter think about it …..if you see a spark and you don’t respond to it yet respond to it when a group responds to it ….. isn’t that the definition of bandwagonism? You jumped on the wagon because other people did …..that aside both you and Nigel made strong points. What I would add is part of the hype or “concern” is that the “other team” didn’t expect this response and as always insecurities has turned into resistance against the movie because of how well it was done an how well it resonated with the black community. Any form of togetherness or unity behind a common theme by the black community will always be met with resistance …… but that’s ok we don’t require acceptance and it’s on them to get the f*** out the way when our machine starts pushing through ….
Did anyone realize that flowtv removed the africa channel from its basic listing? Imagine we are here in TnT beating drums and singing songs to the ancestors while flow in the meantime decides shove our only representation on their cable listing down the drain. We can unite for a fictional movie but we cannot unite in reality when it really matters hence things like this will always happen
Lol. People still have cable tv?
I did not even notice.
And that is a channel I watched though program has changed drastically over the years.
I am going to check and see if Africa Channel us on my box line up. Sigh.
But then again, all the channels they removed…
Maven Huggins ok let me now ok
Maven Huggins TAC was there a few days ago, why don’t they remove zeetv or FOX!
You still have flow……Massy and Digicel Play……pick one…..fibre is ? ? ?
How does play stack up against net boxes, Peter Lewis?
“Are you all equally upset when young ladies decide to go half-naked for the very same ‘likes’ and attention? Or when young fathers neglect their children financially to pop bottles in parties while wearing the costliest shoes and jewelry?”
YOU GOD DAMN RIGHT! :/ Trying to encourage black trinis to have self esteem and not depend on capitalism and other races for validation is like teaching rocket science to sea moss.
Look Jesse Lingard celebrating his match winning goal today for Manchester United against Chelsea
i shared it twice on my timeline
Mavazi hadi Trini!
Fantasy bringing about cultural representation,pride and unity go back to when the movie was announced and look at where it really came from the urge to wear traditional African garments it’s a bit of a social trend that stemmed from a modern day “meme”.. “going to the black panther movie dressed like” was the caption then all of a sudden it’s something about pride and unity be serious it was all because of a meme that people decided to follow and now people have blown it out of proportion just enjoy the movie and know the difference between cosplay and fashion.
I remember that meme from Coming To America. It was hilarious. I think a lot of people are having fun too.
You cannot say why people are doing what they are doing. It may not be for the same reasons.
I think they can wear what they want “let people enjoy things ” is another meme all i’m saying it sparked the light.
Some people are doing it for cosplay, some people are deeply touched by the representative nature of the movie, some people have combined these things, none of these things is an actual problem. Blackness has longggggg been denigrated and eschewed as undesirable – if this is creating an opportunity for some people to love and embrace parts of themselves that society never truly taught them were of value then I genuinely don’t see what the problem is.
You don’t know what “sparked the light.”
“Blackness has longggggg been denigrated and eschewed as undesirable”by whom? the very people who suppose to celebrate it and that is not cosplay if i see someone dressed as black panther or some other character in the movie then it’s cosplay. I don’t need someone else to dictate how i feel about my culture that’s a problem created by yourself not society it’s a modern age. This movie has nothing to do with upholding the legacy of African culture. Enjoy the movie peace yo.
As Ive seen someone say this week… PPB- Policing People Blackness.. #LetPeopleLiveNah
I’m actually disappointed that I’ve lost the two minutes in my life reading that article lol
You disagreed?
Well I don’t understand the focus of it …it only became a topic of discussion because it was a black movie. Unwarranted attention and maybe a bit blown out of proportion …but wouldn’t say unexpectedly
Well the buzz is very real. He was just commenting on that.
I haven’t seen it yet but by all accounts the movie is just that good.
There is a movie like this ever few years. In recent times I think that would be Avatar and Matrix. Now Black Panther.
It’s good it portrayed black folks in a more positive, powerful manner as opposed to a slave or gangster movie. The hype is because of the support for it ….imagine a blackmovie killing? Slew demmmm!!!! lol
The hype is because the writing, acting, casting, directing and production were all top notch. That aside, the messages imparted during the movie (a function of the writing) were powerful, relevant and resonant.
Agreed!
I heard the movie bad. I wanna see it. People free to wear what they want. My only concern is when ppl start describing themselves as Africans vs Afro Trinbagonians. I think there are self esteem issues there
I wear both
Lord father why people cannot b proud that our beautiful black brothers and sisters are shown in a positive light of being kings and queens and not DRUG DEALERS, CRACK HEADS, PROSTITUTE, CRIMINALS, THUGS, AND THIEVES ETC? but instead mouthing people about wearing African clothes, look here let these people be who they are and what they chose to wear… BLACK PANTHER ALL THE WAY…..WAKANDA ME SAY
Went to south Park to buy a sandwich on Saturday and saw scores of people mostly young in African garb. I was so proud to see these young people identify with their ‘mother land’, so proud that at least for one day they were proud to be black, so proud to see unity among my people for a change. I’m sure emancipation day don’t have so many people wearing African garb so thank God for this movie. So I don’t see anything wrong with people dressing up for the movie, so good to see.
Our mother land is here in Trinidad and Tobago but it is good to remember our forefathers roots.
i saw the same thing on sunday at southpark…i even saw some east indian folks in the trend also
Trini Don we in Trinidad and Tobago… everybody in everything… only the few fools try to make it racial or start some stupidness.. #wakandaforever
Some people just can’t handle.fun
True, one set ah kill joy lol
?? True. Let people enjoy themselves. Life hard enough these days. And it is a positive trend anyway.
I love it! African clothes is lovely. Life is what u make it! Positivity all d way. Lasana Liburd u r a joy! Have a wonderful night!
This is lovely!If u go to a wedding u dress in your fancy clothes, not so?,U go to an all black movie in these times, u most certainly dress d part! Black Panther all d way!,, C meh inmeh gabs an thing! Yeah man!,D now is great!,, Enjoy it!Need clothes , go to Prindellas. Trincity
Excellent post Lasana, excellent post.
I wear African clothing any time anywhere.
Rachel , I wore this at one of your south shows at Sapa .
This is me as well. Any day, anytime, anywhere
My sister and I were talking about this yesterday. Although neither of us has seen the movie. We both agreed that if Black Panther could give Afro Trini an opportunity to wear African clothes other than that one day (Emancipation Day) then I real happy. I was happy to see the dancing and singing displays at the movie premiers. African culture in Trinidad is so underrated and unappreciated. As a child the only time we were exposed to it was watching Best Village on TTT. If the hype Black Panther was able to awaken African Pride in some people, enough to make them come out decked out in African wear that can only be a good thing. We got such a raw deal with slavery that our ancestors couldn’t celebrate their culture as opposed to the Indians whose culture is much more alive and celebrated here. 2018 and we still ashamed to show “Africanness”?
I agree with your last statement, many of us are ashamed to show Africanness
Denial is the word Kelisha David.
Colonialism and slavery have indoctrinated our ancestors to be ashamed of whom we are/were, to appreciate/embrace our slave masters’ culture and way(s) of life, to forget our mother-land languages and dialects, to look at our ancestery past-times and practices as devilish and ungodly, and to lose pride in whom we truly are/were… descendants of sons and daughters of kingdoms and royalties.
Lord that I serve, give. me. patience.
I have NONE for that level of foolishness
You didn’t educate her, the same people complaining and have an issue dress for other religious festivals in their ethnic wear and they see nothing wrong with it. Well I’m waiting on them this year.
Dianne Joseph you know why they act like that? It is because we have been to complacent as a people and allowed others to urinate on us when they feel like it. We gave them our resources, brilliance, and excellence just to make others comfortable and give us so called “love” and now the chickens are coming home roost.
I don’t know what to say. I dress in African wear as a matter of course, but not where I work at present…long or flowing garments are not recommended for a hospital environment. But in support of Black Panther i wore a head dress one day last week. A colleague felt the need to comment “so Ucill, what’s up with the head band” (she called it) then went on to say that she felt we were all going too far with ” this thing” and also that we should get over “It” because as far as she understands there was only 50 years of slavery in Trinidad.
Please tell me you didn’t let that rest… ?
Yuh colleague is simply ah imps
I blame the education system
Mya Alexander-Owen some things are better left alone..
I cannot help but wonder which demographic this person falls under.
I have been noticing something eh..but imma hush because i have done no survey
That is their own internal issue and conflict with loving or fewling comfortable with their own heritage being reflected in their statements
The one positive trend being followed and should be applauded some Trinis bashing.. we really blight yes..
Bash is our default reaction.
Leave the people let them be it’s their life , their right , people need to mind their own blasted business!!!!!!!
If they want to dress up let them… it’s their right to. And the same critics, complain and say the same at Emancipation Day..
Lasana Liburd I saw many people dress up as the characters in StarTrek and Star Wars and not a peep but when we do it it becomes a problem????
I don’t get it myself. Let people have their fun.
This was my tweet about this topic a few days ago…
Cherisse, my thoughts exactly.
When you meet and know so many black men that have no confidence in their own abilities and believe we can’t succeed without the help of the ‘man’ you get a sense of why our society is so warped.
Not only did people dress up for these movies but IMAX also had a prize giving for best outfit. Now I believe that Black Panther will not only accentuate the already growing Afropunk fashion trend worldwide but more importantly will help to transform the colonial perception of black skin, as the only thing you can associate with blackness after you see the movie is BEAUTY (yes, my friend every single man and woman were gorgeous, intelligent and funny). That said the movie has serious flaws
Yorley I want to ask about those flaws but I will wait until I see the movie. Hopefully by Wednesday. ?
Lasana Liburd I am thinking we need a proper forum to discuss this movie lol
It looks so! Haha
