What value can traditions uphold in a world of advancement with consistent rapid changes? Traditions are set firmly from the past; the value dimensions as the world advances. The film Blank Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, is set in a fictional utopian African country. Tradition is valued immensely alongside the high advancement in society adapting to improved ways. Throughout the film, T'Challa faces an internal conflict between traditionalism and modernism. During the entirety of the film, T'Challa's external conflict reveals the clarity of his internal conflict. The antagonist of the plot, Killmonger, is an extreme modernist. T'Challa wants to follow his father's footsteps and “be like'' his role model, keeping Wakanda hiding and away …show more content…
Traditions are placed by generations of fulfillment and hard work. There are core identites for many individuals; without traditions, many may feel lost or a loss of connection with ancestors before them. T'challa at the beginning of the film, wants to “rule like [his] father” to keep the traditions flowing. T'challa's influence from the role models in his life makes him obligated to follow a long-established way of ruling. Even with the consistent change within Wakanda and the world; T'challa's strike in going “old school” to keep the typical established ways of Wakanda going. Prior kings have paved the way to a stable country by keeping it “isolated” and “only fighting when necessary” in setting norms for generations of kings to come. T'challa expresses his confidence towards ruling Wakanda “without his father” as a guide mark. He wants the old traditions to go without changing, risking an unknown opportunity. Traditions in Wakanda have immense value as the set principles have favored the progress of Wakanda and endangered it from potential dangers of reality. Watching T'chaka growing up implies the historic practices of a king in him. T'challa hasn't had a different perspective growing up other than the safety of Wakanda through isolation. The role models in his life play an immense part in shaping his past and future. Growing up in heir of the throne, he's compelled to keep a long …show more content…
The differences can shape major perspectives on the life direction one paves. T'challa is part of the top privilege, being next in line to inherit the throne, while Killmonger lives in despair after losing his father at a young age. Both are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Becoming an adult figure at a young age, his upbringing poses brutality and revenge. Having no role model; there is no tradition he can call his own and fit within. No one took him seriously because he was a little child in Oakland “running around talking about fairytales”, contracting more hatred towards Wakanada. Through his lonesome he had no exposure to tradition and all aspects of his tradition were turned down by people due to the hidden ways of Wakanda. The people tormented him for “make-believe” stories he made up, raging his revenge on the world. The world's betrayal towards Killmonger made him a violent leader who wanted “Wakanda on top” through “sending out weapons” to avoid betrayal. Traditionally, people used to live in peace with one another. In today's society, power overshadows countries. Killmongers power towards dominating and showcasing Wakandas true powers exhibits his modernist ways and the blend towards him and many world leaders. The life direction of Killmongers has paved a power urging, in modernist ways of going against the world for taking everything away. His chance to show the world what he can do comes from a clean