Part 7/9:
The Impact of Community Backlash and Cultural Sensitivities
Given the sensitive nature of African history and the legacy of slavery, such distortions evoke strong feelings and reactions. Many critics and community members argue that rewriting history to portray Dahomey as solely a heroic or inspiring society erases its darker past and ignores the pain associated with the Atlantic slave trade.
The backlash appears to have had a tangible impact on ticket sales and perceptions of the film. Viola Davis’s push for vocal support likely aimed to counteract this criticism, though it also risked politicizing the film further.