The Necessity Of Female Superheroes | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Necessity Of Female Superheroes

Gender equality in cinema and why it is important.

10
The Necessity Of Female Superheroes
HD Wallpapers

Lately the super-hero movie genre has been the pinnacle of cinematic entertainment. Every year, throngs of movie-goers wait with baited breath for trailers, teasers, leaks, and announcements regarding the next release of the next super-hero movie. Afterward, social media and websites fill with reviews of said movies. One of the most reliably found complaints about these movies is the almost non-existent role of females.

One could argue that the inclusion of characters such as Black Widow, Scarlett Witch, Harley Quinn, and Wonder Woman balances out in the end, but what I find wrong with that argument is that over the years we have seen countless solo movies for male superheroes. But we have not seen a solo movie dedicated to a female super-hero. Marvel and DC have taken a step forward with their shows “Jessica Jones” and “Supergirl” respectively. However, this is not a complete fix. Whether it’s the need for more diverse characters, the need for female role models on screen, or the need for gender equality in society as a whole, female characters must be featured more often.

Currently we have a Wonder Woman movie confirmed, and Harley Quinn and Black Widow movies are being rumored heavily. These movies can potentially do wonderful things for the societal view of women. And the weight of these movies will be dependent on their content. If the movies portray the characters as strong, independent, women who are not dependent on male counterparts to do their hero (or villain)-ing. By doing this, they will empower women and show that Hollywood is not as sexist as they have seemed for decades. And all my hope goes into this outcome.

Another possible outcome is that they use these characters as pinup-esque sex objects used to cash in on the one-dimensional appeal of an attractive female. However, that is very ignorant and exclusive of the majority of potential viewers. At that point, you are only appealing to viewers that are attracted to the female physique and are okay objectifying women. At this point you are leaving out anyone that is not attracted to females, is not okay objectifying women, or is okay seeing women without their personalities, or intellect, or thoughts.

I have been trying to avoid the comparison to male counterparts because this is why characters, namely Harley Quinn, Wonder Woman, and Black Widow, are constantly being put in subpar roles in relation to their male co-stars. That is also another illusion perpetrated by Hollywood. We throw around the word “co-star” implying that the roles are equally as important. However, if you compare the utilization and importance of female characters compared the male characters in their movies you see that they are not co-stars. Female characters have become consistently supporting characters. This is something that needs to be changed. The result of this being that these movies have a lot riding on them. They can make or break the perception of Marvel and DC and their perception and portrayal of female characters.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

20212
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8533
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6175
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5342
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments