"Black Panther" movie was great for many reasons. The representation of black people was immense, the album was lit, Black Panther is a dope superhero, etc. Yet, I left the theater uneasy because I wasn't sure how to greet people anymore.
All of a sudden saying hello or hey just wasn't doing it for me anymore.
Personally, I am an avid fan of the "nod." The "nod" being just a quick upward motion of the head which signaled to people, "I acknowledge your presence." Personal handshakes are awesome, but I don't have that type of time or interest to create one for every person I meet. I even considered going foreign and just kissing everyone I encounter. It should be pretty self-explanatory why one shouldn't be going around kissing random people (especially a black man in America).
After a long time of soul searching and the trending of "Black Panther" on Twitter I found out the "Wakanda Greeting" is a thing that is done now.
At first, I thought it was a joke until I was sitting at a gas station with a friend. He went inside the store a regular man and came out the happiest person alive. He described his life-altering experience as a random person greeting him as one would in Wakanda.
If you are unsure how to do the Wakandan greeting, that means you have not seen the movie and I don't feel comfortable around you.
For everyone else in the world who has seen "Black Panther," I hope to share an intimate moment with you. Especially if you're a stranger if our eyes lock and a wave of emotion overcomes me and I'm in a good mood expect to catch this Wakanda greeting.
Yes, of course, I will feel some type of way if the person doesn't return the greeting. Yet, this is more about spreading the influence of the film "Black Panther." Personally, anything which makes "Black Panther" bigger than just any other film I am all for.
#WakandaForever