Buckle up, it’s a long one.
This is a topic I’ve been meaning to get to. A few weeks ago we linked to this article on Facebook. It brought a couple of questions to mind.
My first question was, “Am I sexist?” First, I don’t have many issues on being an anything-“ist”. Well, except maybe an elitist. I don’t have enough concern for other people to hate them based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or creed. So the idea of me being sexist surprised me.
I like some classic uniforms of female comic characters, but does my holding fast to a character’s current “branding” mean that I condone things like this? No. No, I do not.
So okay, I’m not sexist. I am brand loyal. Despite what others might tell you, the clothing on a hero or heroine is as much a part of the character as their powers. You can’t just change them arbitrarily. We’ve seen how that works out.
That brings me to my second question, “Can we be open to change?” We need to accept some changes in order for comics to grow. More importantly, so comics will continue to get made.
I’m going to use Rob as an example. Rob is a typical geek. He is often resistant to change. He knows his cannon, and sticks to superhero comics. He’s not being sexist. He is accustomed to seeing Emma Frost in a white corset and stockings. Changing her might lose Rob as a reader. However, if he can let go of the past and be excited about the future, he will still read the comic. (Rob is not sexist and will read a comic as long as it’s good.)
This change is a group effort. The creators should make changes that fit the character, are practical, and are good for the story. The readers need to be open to change and not jump ship when something gets altered. The people that want to see changes in comics need to pick them up and support the changes with their dollar vote.
This movement has given me a lot to think about. I hope it has made you think a little too.
One last note: all of this includes supporting women creators. If we want to see changes and growth in the comic book industry, we need to support those who can offer unique ideas. Check out Surly Queen and Renae De Liz in the links to the right. Support these talented ladies.
