Journey Into Awesome

Dazzler threatened by police in front of anti-mutant protesters

The following is the final in a series examining the validity of the X-Men’s mutant oppression metaphor. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 before proceeding.

I’ve previously discussed several ways mutants are persecuted in the Marvel Universe. Since the X-Men are superheroes, most of these systems of oppression tend to take the form of things that can be punched into submission. Unfortunately, most real world modes of oppression aren’t so easily overcome. Continue reading ‘In Defense of the Mutant Oppression Metaphor (Part 4)’

The following is the third in a series examining the validity of the X-Men’s mutant oppression metaphor. You should read Part 1 and Part 2 before proceeding.

Previously, I discussed the dissimilar treatment between mutant and non-mutant super heroes, the role fear plays in oppression, and how the X-Men aren’t really representative of the mutant population.

The X-Men are simply those lucky few born with badass powers and afforded the opportunities and training to effectively use them. They may be the most powerful mutants around, but power is relative Continue reading ‘In Defense of the Mutant Oppression Metaphor (Part 3)’

The following is the second in a series examining the validity of the X-Men’s mutant oppression metaphor. You should read Part 1 before proceeding.

Last post, I highlighted the difference in the public treatment of mutant and “human” superhero teams in order to establish the absurdity of fearing mutants over “normal” superpowered people. I also discussed how this fear is wielded by the majority in an effort to justify the hate and oppression of the mutant people.

But really, this argument needs to be taken a step further as most of the X-Men don’t represent the average mutant’s abilities, opportunities, or life experiences. Continue reading ‘In Defense of the Mutant Oppression Metaphor (Part 2)’

Triage arrested for using his abilities to heal an injured friend.

On two previous posts about the “M-word” and the mutant oppression metaphor, a couple commenters voiced concerns about the feasibility of using superpowered mutants as an effective metaphor for oppressed groups.

Readers have brought up some valid points, including the possibility that unlike real world oppressed groups, mutants really are dangerous, as well as the idea that their superpowers invalidate the comparison to real subjugated people. I think both points are interesting and deserve a larger exploration.

Do I still think that a group with super powers can serve as an effective oppression metaphor? Continue reading ‘In Defense of the Mutant Oppression Metaphor (Part 1)’