The Wakanda Effect: A Protective Factor to Navigate Racialized Environments
Files
View the Research
Academic Unit
College of Health and Human Services
Publication Date
7-2021
Document Type
Article
Abstract
In 2018 the Afrofuturistic film, Black Panther, exposed a hunger for the portrayal of Black people in a positive light. Utilizing critical race theory, the authors conducted a mixed-methods study to explore viewers’ experiences with racial microaggressions, their means of coping with racial battle fatigue, and how the film impacted them. Viewers described the film as empowering, which elicited critical consciousness, and expressed an appreciation for the counter-narrative, introducing a “Wakanda effect.” Further, social validation and connection, centering, and counter-narratives were key strategies in resisting racial microaggressions. The authors provide a figure that describes the Wakanda effect and end with a discussion of resilience in addressing racial battle fatigue.
Journal Title
Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Volume
32
Issue
4
ISSN
1531-3204
Beginning Page Number
185
Last Page Number
196
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2021.1949776
Recommended Citation
McKay-Jackson, Cassandra; Grumbach, Giesela; and Campos-Moreira, Linda, "The Wakanda Effect: A Protective Factor to Navigate Racialized Environments" (2021). Faculty Authors and Creators Reception. 150.
https://opus.govst.edu/fac/150