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If you read the Black Panther comics growing up or watched the recent Civil War Marvel film, then you've probably heard of the fictional African country, Wakanda.
The thing is, though, not everyone knows the country is fake. Like the time British Airways thought the Mexican-Kenyon actress, Lupita Nyong'o, was from Wakanda.
She's not, obviously, because again, Wakanda isn't real.
But writer Sara Benincasa is banking on other people not knowing this little fact and is offering some cash to any journalist who asks President Trump, deadpan, how America's relations with Wakanda are looking.
I am offering $300 to the journalist who very seriously asks Trump his opinion on our nation’s relations with Wakanda and gets the question and answer recorded live on video. I know $300 doesn’t sound like a lot to some people but I also know what most reporters make so...$300.
Benincasa divulged the inspiration behind her unique proposition: It all started with a tweet, like so many things do when it comes to Trump.
Mr. @franklinleonard just tweeted at him earlier about Wakandan immigration I laughed so hard and then my vision became clear. Thank you sir for this inspiration.
If you succeed, you are guaranteed the $300 from me. However, should you actually complete this feat, I will set up a crowdfunding or Venmo situation whereby any others who wish to thank you for your bravery can add to the purse. People are already offering money. We shall see...
And she even offered some tips on how to go about asking the question without arousing suspicion.
Now you’re going to want to practice your poker face. I mean you’re going to be so excited when you get the opportunity to do this and also you’re going to want to laugh really hard. I would suggest that you begin staring at yourself in the mirror immediately and saying it aloud.
And she came up with worthwhile charities the money could go to, as well.
And of course you always have the option to keep the money or donate it somewhere like @pressfreedom. And anybody who finds this thread amusing or this idea entertaining really ought to go follow @pressfreedom immediately to learn more about what they do all over the world.
There are some stipulations to getting the cash, though.
Now remember, you must be a journalist who gets both the question and the answer on video. You can’t just be some kid who shows up shouting shit about Wakanda at one of his Triumph of The Will cosplay events. And it’s not my fault if you didn’t read this far. Now go do the work. pic.twitter.com/LVvtOe8Sch
Along with stipulations for those who pledged some cash.
A lot of beautiful people are offering money and I certainly appreciate that but here’s the thing… A lot of you work in the media, and we all know how fortunes change, so if somebody does this in eight months but your news job has been axed I don’t want to hold you to it.
Thus I believe the fairest way to do this is to guarantee you that sweet sweet three hundo from me, a lowly author/screenwriter/comedian/dork, and promise to provide a way for other fans of Wakandan reportage to tip you with a donation. But really, you should do it for justice.
She also highlighted just how big of a potential opportunity this could be.
I love you, hardworking reporters. I believe the person who wins this prize could very well be a national star already, but I also believe in student journalists and small town reporters with gumption, grit, and a working knowledge of Wakanda sociopolitical issues. Yay news! pic.twitter.com/VpSdXSS77X
Benincasa offered up some strategies of sneaking in a "Wakanda" in the question.
Now I’m going to help you out even though I know you have a lot of ideas. There are many ways you could ask the president his opinion on Wakanda. For example, you could casually drop the name of Wakanda in among a list of other things he’s never heard of, like Estonia and Ethics.
You COULD straight up ask him ONLY about Wakanda, but you run the risk of a media-savvy aide rushing forward to interrupt you. JK that won’t happen, ask away! pic.twitter.com/w0PlebcLCz
I’ve decided this thread needs a hashtag and that hashtag is #wakandagate. Use it, educate your journalist friends. The people need answers and I hope one brave journalist will make the inquiry on camera and get an answer on camera. This is your Frost/Nixon moment my babies! pic.twitter.com/dhQFiEFITh
I’m serious about the money offer but quite frankly I just wanted to make you all laugh today because I know we are under stress every time we look at the damn news, much less try to lead our lives. Thanks for cracking me up with your #wakandagate comments...you are hilarious.
And even though they *mainly* tweeted about Wakanda as a joke, people are really hoping it happens.
If you follow this up with a question (that he answers) about whether Wakandan/American relations are complicated by them granting asylum to the terrorist fugitive James Buchanan Barnes, I will double the offer. https://t.co/tUxrI0qcYS
I love @SaraJBenincasa 's idea. I'd love to get Trump's opinion on countries like Wakanda & Zamunda. Does he have a good relationship with king Jaffe Joffer? Who is the ambassador to Wakanda? Do we have an embassy there? Does Trump even know? These questions keep me up at night.
