fbpx

Blog

Super Hero Reflects Diversity

August 9, 2011

Examining the relationship between stereotyping, the media, and violence is a major focus of SWOVA’s Respectful Relationships program (R+R). Our workshops examine how media stereotyping can legitimize and normalize inequality and treat generalizations about groups of people as social facts. In doing so, R+R workshops challenge students to critically analyze how media stereotyping can produce and sustain systems of power including racism, sexism and homophobia. Students are asked to think about how, when and why media represents particular groups and ignores others. In this setting, students often point out how super-heroes in comic book series are almost exclusively represented by white men. Countering this blatant stereotype, Marvel Universe has  recently unveiled a black-Latino Spider-Man comic book series that warrants attention.

Miles Morales, the new biracial Spider-Man character, is not the first minority super-hero, however, Marvel Universe is nevertheless making a positive step towards promoting media diversity.  In the words of Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief:

“What you have is a Spider-Man for the 21st century who’s reflective of our culture and diversity.”

This is important because comic books have and continue to play an important developmental role in many children’s lives.  As such, it is important for children from all racial and ethnic backgrounds to see both themselves and others diversely represented in media, arts and culture.  So, as artist Sara Pichelli, who played an important role in designing the new Spider-Man, suggests:

“Maybe sooner or later a black or gay — or both — hero will be considered something absolutely normal.”

 By Nicola Temmel, Summer Student at SWOVA

The lessons I Learned from my Mental Health Problems in my Youth

The lessons I Learned from my Mental Health Problems in my Youth

May 7th is National Child & Youth Mental Health Day. Willie MacPherson was impacted by mental health problems throughout his youth. He was addicted to sugar, video games, and drugs, but found healing. He shares the lessons he learned on the way. Talk Talking about...

Olivia Hayne: ‘Young People Often Think They’re Untouchable’

Olivia Hayne: ‘Young People Often Think They’re Untouchable’

Grade 11 students of the Gulf Island Secondary School are attending a P.A.R.T.Y. this week. No, it is not what you think, this is a different party. This party is to Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth. It’s about raising awareness and learning through...

‘It is Important to Talk about Consent’

‘It is Important to Talk about Consent’

The Circle Education’s Pass it On Girls Program has been running for more than ten years. Facilitator Kate Nash has created a safe space where young girls talk about topics like identity, body image, relationships and consent. The program helped Mia Oliveira (now 19)...

Using Restorative Justice to Find Healing

Using Restorative Justice to Find Healing

One of our former Pass it On participants was sexually assaulted when she was nineteen. It was an experience that caused significant mental and physical suffering. Many things helped her find herself again after this event. However, the most powerful remedy came from...

Natasha’s Journey from Pass It On to Restorative Justice Circles

Natasha’s Journey from Pass It On to Restorative Justice Circles

In high school, Natasha Wilson, was a participant in the Pass It On program from The Circle Education. Once a week, she gathered in a circle with other high school girls to engage in open and vulnerable dialogue about their life experiences. Before joining the group,...

6 Resolutions for 2023 that Benefit You and Your Loved Ones

6 Resolutions for 2023 that Benefit You and Your Loved Ones

Did you make new year’s resolutions for 2023? Most new year’s resolutions are meant to improve your life or lifestyle. These resolutions, based on the social-emotional learning principles that ground the programs we facilitate in schools, are less conventional. And...

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.