Superheroes

A big craze for years has been turning popular comic books into to television shows and major motion pictures. For example Batman, Superman, Spiderman, X-Men, and Iron man among many others I am sure most people have seen. These examples represent different types of heroes for example Bruce Wayne in Batman and Tony Stark as Iron Man was able to manufacture their powers to save and defend with their finances while others were born mutants or underwent genetic changes. However in all of these examples from successful movies and comics they were white men. Is there are reason that is the stereotypical superhero? Is this a message that DC comics and Marvel and Hollywood are trying to send? I do not think that is their motivation, but it is unfortunate that this is the image they put off. Just because the ones that most people are familiar with, does not mean that is all there are.

According to Gray, a positive representation in culture is necessary to show the progress that a minority group has gained. Often times those representations are out there, you just need a closer look. So while these heroes are not all necessarily part of the same media, they are still being represented. It is a visibility issue. However Walter’s brings up (not necessarily in regards to race) that this still is not enough.

I agree with Walters, there should be more mainstream and well known representations of minority groups. However it is good to know that there are other superheroes out there that do not fit this stereotypical mold. Some that I can think of include Storm from X-Men and Green Lantern. Female superheroes like Wonder Woman are also a break from the mold.

However Superheroes are just one example of this is an issue, extends far beyond to other areas of popular culture in film, televisions and books.