This is a very exciting and timely course topic! You’ve laid out a great foundation for exploring the intersection of pop culture and African American identity, focusing on two incredibly impactful films: Get Out and Black Panther.

Here are some thoughts and questions to help you engage deeply with the material:

On the Objectives:

• 1. Analyzing Pop Culture’s Role: You’ve set up a strong framework for discussing how these films challenge the myth of a post-racial America and offer a crucial counter-narrative.

  • Questions: How does Get Out use horror to expose the insidiousness of racism? How does Black Panther go beyond simply portraying Black characters and actively celebrate African culture and heritage?

  • Connections: Can you connect these films to broader historical context, like the Civil Rights Movement, the Black Arts Movement, or the current Black Lives Matter movement?

• 2. Understanding Cultural and Social Significance: You’ve highlighted the important themes of race, identity, and empowerment, which are essential to understanding these films.

  • Questions: How do the films’ portrayals of Black characters subvert stereotypes and challenge the traditional ways Black people have been represented in mainstream media? How do they address issues of representation and visibility for Black Americans?

  • Discussion: How can these films be used as a starting point for conversations about racial justice, equality, and cultural understanding?

• 3. Drawing Connections: You’ve emphasized the power of pop culture to reflect and shape societal attitudes.

  • Questions: How have these films influenced public conversations about race in America? Can you connect their popularity to broader societal shifts in the understanding of racial issues? How have they sparked a conversation about the need for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood?

  • Examples: Can you identify specific instances where the films have sparked dialogue, sparked protest, or challenged traditional views?

On Developing Critical Thinking and Analytical Skills:

• Engage with Multiple Perspectives: Encourage students to consider different viewpoints on these films. Are there criticisms or counter-arguments to the analyses presented in the articles?

• Encourage Deep Thinking: Prompt discussions that move beyond surface-level interpretations. How do the films’ use of symbolism, genre, and character development contribute to their impact?

• Explore the Films’ Impact: Consider the broader impact of these films:

  • Box Office Success: What does the success of these films say about the changing demographics and preferences of audiences?

  • Cultural Influence: Beyond the box office, have these films influenced other forms of media, music, fashion, or even political discourse?

Additional Considerations:

• The “Post-Racial” Myth: It’s important to deconstruct the notion of “post-racialism,” as Get Out so effectively does. How does the film reveal the ongoing impact of systemic racism and the ways it manifests in everyday life?

• Black Representation in Hollywood: How does Black Panther contribute to the growing movement for more diverse and authentic representation in Hollywood? What are some of the challenges and opportunities associated with this trend?

• The Power of Storytelling: These films demonstrate the immense power of storytelling to educate, inspire, and spark social change. How can we use these examples to understand the potential of pop culture to influence social and political agendas?