Diversity and Disability
With the relaunch of the DC Universe happening next week, and the various promo and previews we have been subjected to, a lot of opinions of the relaunch has spread across the internet. From generally positive to virulent negativity, we have run the gamut of emotions. Without going into the business end reasons for this relaunch, we do have to talk about a few things. DC, and superhero comics in general, have always had a rather contemptuous relationship with diversity. Whether it be race, gender, sexuality, religion or whatever boat you are in, superhero comics rarely give you much to identify with if you are not a straight, white male. When a character DOES show up that is diverse, readers latch onto them, and identify and really become a part of the readership. But what happens when that changes? The DC relaunch has, according to imagery, given Barbara Gordon the ability to walk, after 20+ years being disabled. How has the readership responded?
I am going to give each and every one of the nerdiest-kids a challenge.Pick up and read Batgirl #1 when it comes out, and also read the various blogs, and podcasts that I am linking. Now ask yourself how you would feel if a character you identified with underwent such a change? Would you feel passionate enough to raise a voice? Our patriarchal privleged culture needs to wake up to these issues. Gail is aware of these, and is addressing them, and the opposing voice is (usually respectively) also voicing their opinion. Now its time for you to voice yours. Follow Gail Simone on twitter, read the comic when it comes out, and read these blogs and listen to these podcasts. Let the Nerdiest Kids know how you feel about diversity in not only comics, but all your entertainment. Its all our problem, no matter how much of a minority is there. No one should feel excluded and everyone should have a hero they want to emulate. Leave your comment below.
Facebook homepage https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbaras-Not-Broken/216306118404228
Bleeding Cool Article: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/07/17/give-batgirl-the-chair-by-eric-glover/
Reaction to the Above article: http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/08/14/confessions-of-a-sadistic-disability-fetishist-a-batgirl-story-by-eric-glover/
A blog about disability and pop culture: http://whereslulu.com/2011/07/20/reclaiming-batgirl/
Kevin Smith talking about it in a podcast: http://www.thefastertimes.com/politicallycorrectpop/2011/07/18/kevin-smith-mentions-tfts-batgirl-article-on-podcast/
