[SPOILER] This movie really touched my heart as a Haitian Marvel Fan

As a Haitian Marvel fan, Haiti’s inclusion in the movies genuinely brought me to tears. I’m so used to media only portraying Haiti’s poverty and corruption, that seeing Haiti portrayed even neutrally is surprising to me. But this movie even took it a step farther and showed a glimpse of the country’s beauty from the adorable children in the school and the colorful tap tap truck, to the emotionally moving beach scene at the end. I honestly didn’t think we’d see Haiti or any Haitians in the MCU until Brother Voodoo, but this made me extremely happy. Especially since young T’Challa was born and raised there. And the fact that he was named after such an important figure and in Haiti’s history makes it even better. I can’t believe that I can say that young T’Challa, the future Black Panther, is Haitian.

I also think Haiti’s inclusion in this movie is very symbolic and intentional. Out of all the black countries in the world and even in the Caribbean, Coogler chose Haiti. Why? Well, look at Haiti’s history and compare it to Wakanda’s plight in the movie. A country inhabited by African (descended) people people who’s land is extremely abundant in natural resources that powerful countries (namely the U.S. and France) seek to steal by any means necessary. Haiti was nicknamed “The Pearl of the Antilles” for a reason. The fact that France was the one that tried to send mercenaries steal these resources in the beginning only to be outclassed by the Dora Milaje is reminiscent of the Haitian slaves defeating the French during the Haitian revolution, so France’s inclusion was definitely intentional. The cherry on top of the cake is the reveal that the US was plotting to destabilize Wakanda in hopes of taking over their resources (vibranium), an act that the US is no stranger to in real life, especially to Haiti.

All in all, this movie really does feel like a love letter to Haiti and an acknowledgment to her struggles, because as a Haitian person, I really do wish we had a figurehead like the Black Panther and an army like the Dora milaje to protect our country and go toe to toe with the world’s most powerful countries to do it.

submitted by /u/Zaharizaka
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