Compare Hiccup’s story to Disney’s Hercules, and you’ll see two types of masculinity. Hercules goes from Zero to Hero in a training montage. Hiccup doesn’t gain notoriety from killing dragons like everyone else. Instead, he changes their minds and is valued for that strength.
How to role model masculinity Read More »
The “disabled guy” has to overcome his disability is an inspiration before he becomes a man. To be a man, I have to be stronger and more assertive or to be disabled, I have to be less independent and so subordinate others speak for me when I’m in the room.
Balancing Male Stereotypes and Disability Read More »
Why is it pride month and not awareness month? Awareness is acknowledging a diagnosis, and pride is a celebration.
Disabled pride vs. awareness Read More »
In reality, intersectionality can make unity complicated. Being from more than one minority group, you may face more prejudice.The X-Men comics strived to show that persecution of any minority stems from feelings of hatred and bigotry.
How discrimination leads to unity Read More »
In the X-Men Universe “X gene” gives mutants a diverse set of abilities. Shapeshifting is a power that mimics invisibility because you can look and sound like anyone. Mystique is prominently shown in her iconic scaly blue skin and wide yellow eyes. She is confident in who she is and doesn’t use her power to be invisible.
How to make confidence your superpower Read More »
Professor X is Jewish and intentionally embodies the trope that Jews are clever but physically weak. Nonetheless, he is a leader, his powers aren’t connected to his wheelchair, and he has hope that humans will change despite history.
X-Men: Using disabilities as a source of pride and power Read More »
The X-Men first appeared in 1963, during the time of the American Civil Rights movement. Real-life events heavily influenced the fictional storylines. The X-Men can be interpreted to represent almost any minority, the fear and discrimination against people who are seen as different and othered in society are universal.
X-Men Allegory: Disabilities and Dehumanization Read More »
Science Fiction storylines often parallel current political or social issues through superheroes. Having disabled superheroes helps to provide role models for the disability community, and also exposes “normal” people to disabled protagonists like Matt Murdock/Daredevil, who’s blind, or Professor Charles Xavier, who’s a wheelchair user.
History of Disabled Superheroes Origins Read More »
Halloween is, of course, the holiday to pretend. But I have also had experiences where friends have assumed something wrong if I chose my wheelchair over crutches.
What Halloween costumes are there for minorities? Read More »
