Pop culture and Superheroes

Extract

[...] Superheroes are by their very nature romanticized versions of humanity. Clad in vivid attire, these figures are characterized by their exceptional strength, unmatched intelligence, and often, supernatural abilities, rooted either in mythical or divine origins (Dale, 2014). Moreover, the Golden Age of Comic Books from the late 1930s to the late 1940s, superheroes mirrored certain societal ideals, being predominantly white, youthful, and appearing around the age of 30, with impressive physiques (Bonadè, 2019). According to Umberto Eco (1972), superheroes perform a mythological role within the larger cultural fabric. [...]

[...] Within superhero narratives, there's a recurring theme where males shield females (Stabile, 2009). Even when women are vested with powers, there's a tendency to depict them as being subdued, frequently placing them "on trial" in scenarios that seem to regulate or "sanction their power" (O'Reilly, 2005). Gilpatric (2010) contends that such representations are not isolated to superhero domains; women with physical strength in media often face retribution or selflessly yield their power for others' benefit. This problematic treatment of female characters was critiqued by writer Gail Simone through her pivotal 1999 concept of "Women in Refrigerators." This term highlighted the prevalent comic book trope of inflicting violence against women to further male heroes' story arcs. [...]

[...] Their narratives, set against dynamic backdrops, serve as battlegrounds where media producers and audiences grapple with evolving perceptions related to race, gender, and the very notion of heroism (Brown, 2000). As their stories are continually retold, especially with the expansive reach of television and blockbuster films, interpretations and meanings attached to these characters will invariably shift. However, the audience's reception to these narratives, as Duggan (2000) suggests, is often unpredictable, reflecting the fluidity of cultural narratives. Within popular culture, the concept of heroism has traditionally been portrayed as a masculine endeavor, reinforcing gender stereotypes. (Powers, 2000). [...]

[...] Pop culture and Superheroes Pop culture plays a pivotal role in shaping societal perceptions, especially in the realm of gender representations and superhero narratives. In the vast expanse of popular culture, which encompasses mediums such as television, films, video games, and print, representations of gender often gravitate towards entrenched societal stereotypes. Bandura (2001) postulates that media, given its widespread appeal and influential power, serves as a significant modeling agent. Superheroes in comics and films Superhero comics, as highlighted by Brown (2001), act as arenas for discussions on culture, society, and politics. [...]