Hacker News Reader

Quite an interesting read, though the Marvel tidbit left a sour taste in my mouth somehow. I suppose I'm somewhat glad that nsibidi is remembered but, as I understand, it's not what's actually used on screen in Black Panther? I'd much rather see these niche languages and pictograms immortalized in art than simply used as a base for the creation of new ones that are a one-and-done deal.

View on HN

Bear in mind not much is really known about Nsibidi, it's mainly the private domain of a secret society at this point. If they'd tried to use actual Nsibidi they probably get it badly wrong, which could be highly insulting or even seen as blasphemous as there are religious connotations, or get accused of cultural appropriation or both. I think creating something clearly separate but inspired by it and a homage to it strikes a pragmatic balance.

> it's mainly the private domain of a secret society at this point

It really isn't. But people outside Nigeria are generally barely aware of the existence of southeastern ethnic groups that are not Igbo, to talk of interested in their contemporary lives.

They could have tried to build a relationship/collaborate with (especially older) Ejagham or Annang people. But that would take time, effort and actually caring about bridging the gap, not simply aiming to make a buck.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com