Why is Wakanda Exceptional? (Part Two: History)
Another exceptional characteristic of a Wakanda is its ancient uninterrupted history having retained its sovereignty over its geography and resources within it. This is very important because we note in our history, most african nations have not been able to retain their sovereignty or experienced uninterrupted history. So for Wakanda to manage that epic feat as well as cultivate a culture of meaningful symbiosis with their environment is incredible.
That knowledge is what helped them in part to ensure their continuing survival and success when faced with internal and external conflicts. The accumulation of such vast knowledge leading to more straightforward advancement based on what they already know; which according to canon, is a lot.
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Wakanda’s history is checkered with internal and external conflicts spanning most of known civilization. The unification of the country taking place somewhere around 4-6000 years ago. Issues of internal sovereignty include the role of the Black Panther within Wakandan society, changing dynasties of ruling families and the role of the tribes; externally conflicts would include establishing their borders and protecting Wakandan way of life as well as their resources.
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Their success in the preservation of history, knowledge and sovereignty is in part due to the egalitarian norms present within Wakanda society. Some of the most effective tactics used by colonizers and imperialists governments are ones that separate or divide people. Wakanda’s cultural basis in meeting basic needs, communal propriety and reproductive health made them almost impenetrable, when it really mattered. The strife that normally made a group of people vulnerable is not seen to be present in Wakanda.
Finally by negotiating standards of living and equal access Wakanda and its governance decided what was most important to them. That being the continued survival of the state and continued advancement.
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- Writing Wakanda
This post is continued in Part Three.
Link to Part One
