A review by oliviak07
Why Wakanda Matters: What Black Panther Reveals About Psychology, Identity, and Communication by Sheena C. Howard
4.0
A single epiphany in Phillip Boutte Jr.'s forward, in Howard's "Why Wakanda Matters: What Black Panther Reveals About Psychology, Identity, and Communication", perfectly spoils the reaction most readers will experience throughout and at the conclusion the collection of essays: "I am firmly convinced that people must be able to 'feel' in order to change," (xx) .
One must not, and cannot, be passive while immersed in the topics covered throughout the fourteen chapters. While each of the four parts and their collection of chapters offered to challenge and expand my own environment and perspective, it was parts three (Psychology of Intergenerational Trauma and Resistance) and four (Psychology of Cognition and Identification) that struck my chords as a future educator and growing advocate. Additionally, the brilliance of how the various authors of each part cast light upon the individual (of any gender and background) and how it can compete with/complete the collective cannot and should not be ignored.
I have never taken a psychology course in my long academic career, nor one on identity. However, my experience with the inspiration for and influence of communications and the media has assured me of how powerful it is on those who consume it. While diversity and inclusion are on the rise in media, the journey cannot end here.
There is just too much as stake to become comfortable with the bare minimum when it comes to representation. My hope is that those who come across this book will walk away humbled and brave enough to know where they have erred, and then turn the past into the very fuel that ensures the pride and love of Wakanda is never viewed as purely fictional.
One must not, and cannot, be passive while immersed in the topics covered throughout the fourteen chapters. While each of the four parts and their collection of chapters offered to challenge and expand my own environment and perspective, it was parts three (Psychology of Intergenerational Trauma and Resistance) and four (Psychology of Cognition and Identification) that struck my chords as a future educator and growing advocate. Additionally, the brilliance of how the various authors of each part cast light upon the individual (of any gender and background) and how it can compete with/complete the collective cannot and should not be ignored.
I have never taken a psychology course in my long academic career, nor one on identity. However, my experience with the inspiration for and influence of communications and the media has assured me of how powerful it is on those who consume it. While diversity and inclusion are on the rise in media, the journey cannot end here.
There is just too much as stake to become comfortable with the bare minimum when it comes to representation. My hope is that those who come across this book will walk away humbled and brave enough to know where they have erred, and then turn the past into the very fuel that ensures the pride and love of Wakanda is never viewed as purely fictional.