The Masculinity of American Superheroes

Abstract

Comics often have an explicitly progressive message about equality. The X-Men, for instance, have often been used as an analogy for race and homosexuality. Esther De Dauw investigates how, despite this message, comics fail to present a narrative that is anti-sexist and anti-racist when examined beneath the surface. The looks, actions, and design of the characters can inadvertently reinforce toxic ideas surrounding gender and race, especially when it comes to white masculinity.