Skip to main content

More Minority Superheros are needed By Mel


I have to admit that Batman is my favorite comic book superhero of all time.  The man is intelligent and unlike other heroes does not have any superpowers constantly outsmarting his foes.  But imagine if he was a minority.  Will American Society view him as a legend or a role model?  I bring this topic up because a few years ago a controversial issue occurred when creator Brian Michael Bendis who created a Black/Hispanic teenager name Miles Morales who donned the Spiderman suit came under attack.  Brian was inspired by President Barack Obama and actor Danny Glover to have a non-white superhero that minorities can look up to.  One where we can relate to.  However this character gained mix reaction from the mainstream media.  Lou Dobbs a conservative pundit was outraged that a biracial kid replace the original Spiderman.  Little does he know that this character can be a role model for little Trey and his peoples who can provide a positive message.  One where every Halloween they tell their parents to go to Party City to purchase the Miles Morales Spiderman suit overlooking Ironman and others.  This was not our first rodeo because truthfully one of the first black superheroes before Brian's Spiderman was The Falcon who was Captain America's sidekick and had little name recognition.  The Falcon's abilities were pretty impressive as he had the capability to control a Falcon and had mechanical wings attached to his back but sadly that’s all he had and was not in the trenches getting down and dirty like the badass Captain America.  All the Falcon did was follow orders, swoop in and swoop out.  Ironically, African Americans fought in every known American war that you can think of however the focus was always on The Cap during the 1960s.  This was during the civil rights era which brings me to today's society which is changing due to the political landscape.  It's more diverse, more technologically advance and more acceptable.  Hell, as Brian mention we even have a Black president along with women in very powerful positions.  So the question goes back to why are there not enough minority superheroes?  Does society as a whole want more kids to look up to minorities?  Do they want the entertainment field to be truly equal?  Some of the biggest blockbuster movies like “The X-Men", "The Dark Knight", and of course “Superman" were all huge mega hits. Beyond their movie status they cross over to cartoons and TV abroad.  Actors who portray these roles gain plenty of name recognition, financial status, books pertaining to their careers, etc.  Clearly we had a good run, "Blade" who was portrayed by Wesley Snipes A.K.A. Nino Brown gave us little hope.  Here are some of the issues with our current minority heroes just to name a few.


  • Wesley Snipes Blade was extremely violent and not kid friendly
  • The Falcon was Captain America’s Robin to Batman and never got the recognition he deserve
  • Black Green Lantern play the back character to the ever popular Hal Jordan’s Green Lantern who was white.
  • The War Machine Sadly still lives in the shadows of Ironman.

Just with these few examples I think the World is ready to put the spotlight on more minority superheroes.





    Comments

    Post a Comment

    Popular posts from this blog

    Single Fathers should get more exposure By Mel

    Father! - To God himself we cannot give a holier name by William Wordsworth is such a powerful quote.   I would like to say single and non-residential fathers are portrayed in the media as irresponsible and non-supportive to their kids.   Well, I’m here to share with you through some research that it is not entirely true.   Even though single and non-residential fathers as a whole are an understudied group there’s still some truth that single and supportive non-residential fathers do exist.   Some fathers are working 2 part-time jobs and are unable to get government assistance.   The media rarely report positive fathers working 7 days a week with no days off, struggling paycheck to paycheck.    For myself as a non-residential father, I still support my daughter in every aspect, however the role of a father is never recognize or acknowledge for my continuous involvement.   ·          A Non-residential Father is a parent who does not live in the same household as his child. A
    2 comments
    Read more

    BE who you ARE, not who the World wants you to BE By Mel

      Life is full surprises.   When you’re out there in the field you get a sense that all eyes are on you.   That oil to your engine is confidence .   Every ounce in your body engages you to stay well groomed, sell your image, build your vocabulary and practice on your art or goals in life.   That’s a very attractive trait to have and I will tell you why.   The love you put inside yourself shines externally which creates this invisible aura.   It creates offensive projections defined as the way you carry yourself or how you interact with people combine with defensive measures such as keeping your guard up and not allowing people to take advantage of you.   We all have our moments when we navigate in unfamiliar territory.   For example, giving your time and effort to someone who shortchanged you or getting laid off from a promising career just because you challenged the status quo.   Sometimes you feel betrayed but let me share something with you.   To succeed in life you must fa
    2 comments
    Read more

    Attack of the Clones, Brothers Be Yourself By Mel

    Yes, this is very true.   Brothers who violate this rule prove that they are insecure within themselves.   They worry about what the next brother is wearing, how much money he makes, what kind of car he drives, etc.   Meanwhile their mind is fixated on you and wonders why your format is not the same as theirs.   Why are you not following the latest trend in fashion?   Why are you not driving the latest car?   This makes me sick to my stomach.   If you come across one of these “ Clones ” do not panic, get nervous or be embarrassed.   Instead their opinion of you should be irrelevant because deep down inside they wish they WERE you. Let me explain, a “ Clone ” is a person who does not have a mind of their own. Within this cultural landscape he will follow his flock of sheep and they are not hard to find.   Just go to the latest club, take a walk downtown or even look out your window. For example, Little Trey may wear skinny jeans with his pants hanging off his ankles displaying his
    1 comment
    Read more