Erik Killmonger, the primary antagonist in Black
Panther (2018), is driven by a complex mix of personal trauma, a desire
for vengeance, and a radical vision for global justice. His motivations for
challenging T'Challa for the throne of Wakanda are rooted in both his personal
history and his deep resentment toward the systemic inequality he perceives
within the global order. Several key factors shape his decision to seize the
throne:
1. Personal Trauma and Loss
Killmonger's first motivation stems from his early
life experiences. Born in Oakland, California, Erik was the son of N'Jobu, a
Wakandan prince who had lived in exile and become disillusioned with the
monarchy. N'Jobu’s efforts to aid oppressed Black people around the world led
to a violent confrontation with King T'Chaka, which resulted in his death.
Killmonger was left orphaned, growing up in a violent, impoverished
environment. This loss of his father, combined with the abandonment by the
Wakandan monarchy, filled him with anger and a desire for revenge against those
he perceived as responsible for his pain.
2. A Vision for Global Justice
Killmonger’s challenge to T'Challa also arises from
his radical vision of how Wakanda should use its resources. Having experienced
the struggles of African-Americans and oppressed people globally, he believes
that Wakanda’s secretive, isolationist policies have allowed injustice to
flourish across the world. Killmonger sees Wakanda’s wealth and technological
superiority as a means to end global inequality and systemic oppression. His
plan involves using Wakanda’s advanced weaponry to arm marginalized people
everywhere, overthrowing imperialistic and colonial powers.
His philosophy is in stark contrast to T'Challa’s,
who prefers a more cautious approach, believing that revealing Wakanda’s
resources could cause chaos and lead to exploitation.
3. The Desire for Power and Legacy
At a deeper, psychological level, Killmonger’s
desire to claim the throne is also a desire for recognition and legacy. Having
grown up without the privilege of Wakandan royalty, he seeks to take back what
he feels was denied to him. His challenge to T'Challa is not just about revenge;
it's also about reclaiming his place in the world as someone deserving of
respect and power. Killmonger’s desire to reshape the world through Wakanda's
power is intertwined with a need to cement his identity and legacy as someone
who has the right to rule and reshape society.
4. Personal Justice and Revenge Against
T'Challa’s Family
Killmonger’s anger is also directed at T'Challa
personally, not just the throne. He blames the royal family for the injustices
he suffered, particularly the fact that his father was killed and that he was
left behind. His resentment toward T'Challa, the son of the man who killed his
father, is a central driving force in his desire to challenge the throne. The
personal nature of Killmonger’s quest for power is evident in his words during
the challenge, where he states that he’s “just a kid from Oakland,” emphasizing
his connection to both his personal past and his broader mission.
5. The Need to Fulfill His Father’s Legacy
In addition to personal revenge and global justice,
Killmonger is also motivated by his father’s ideals. N'Jobu wanted to use
Wakanda’s resources to liberate oppressed Black people around the world, a
vision that Killmonger fully embraces. To him, ascending to the throne of
Wakanda represents a way to fulfill his father’s dreams and to right the wrongs
of his family’s past. This personal mission blends with his political ideals,
leading him to believe that his rule would bring about a better future for
marginalized communities globally.
Conclusion
Erik Killmonger’s motivation to challenge T'Challa
for the throne in Black Panther is shaped by a mix of deep personal
loss, political ideals, and a desire for justice. His upbringing in a world
marked by systemic racism and his personal history of abandonment and loss fuel
his anger and drive for vengeance. However, his challenge also reflects a
desire to radically change the global order and rectify the historical wrongs
of the powerful, particularly the Wakandan monarchy. His conflict with T'Challa
is not just about the throne—it's about identity, legacy, and a vision of a
world where the oppressed are no longer sidelined.
