Can the Black Panther Movie encourage African kids to take-up STEM?

Can movies influence a generation? I am thinking that it can. The Black Panther movie has been very successful at the Box office. More so as back in africa, where many radio stations are encouraging young people to go watch the movie. The movie’s effect has also made way into Political debates where for example, Nigerian Presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar gave his own take on how he believes Nigerians can learn from the Movie.

Source
I was initially dismissive about it. I felt it was just “feel -good” fantasy. But I remembered how the Blaxploitation movies influenced a generation of black musicians and artists by selling a profoundly Afrocentric image, as well as spawning a broad legacy that can be seen in everything from hip-hop to today’s stand-up comedy. As I walked out of the cinema, I saw how awestruck kids are with the movie. I now believe an entire generation of African children will now know that a black superhero, society, imagination and power can exist right alongside Peter Parker and Bruce Wayne.

Source

Michelle C. Pautz, an associate professor of political science at the University of Dayton published a study that suggests films can act as an influence to change people’s view on subjects like their Government. She got a surprising feedback when she asked undergraduates at a private Midwestern college to fill out a questionnaire regarding their views on government before and after viewing the movies “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Argo”. Pautz found that after watching the films, 20 to 25 percent of the participants changed their opinion and they were generally more favorably towards the government.
Michelle believes “movies can be a great mechanism for conversation and reflection. “ She said:

Younger people, particularly teens, are much more likely to be impacted than older adults because they are still developing and shaping their worldviews. Since they are still being socialized politically, they are more likely to absorb all sorts of influences, including influences from film.

In the movie, the City of Wakanda with its Space was thriving in its own technological advanced World. Shuri, T'Challa's 16-year-old sister was responsible for designing new technology for the city. Girls I spoke to are inspired by a “Woman Head Engineer”. I think this Movie has planted a seed in their minds. Maybe a fantasy Movie can influence a change in thinking. It is now left for the African Government to support these dreamers.

Thanks for reading