The Superhero Genre: A Reflection of Disfigurement and Disability in Society
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Date
2023-12-10
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School of Humanities and Social Sciences
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English
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Abstract
“When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself” (Wayne Dyer). This quote applies to not only an individual, but also a society, one of which creates media and mass productions that emphasize the definition of the ideal on judging those that are different or those that have changed. One genre in particular takes those definitions, specifically focusing on the disabled and disfigured members of society, and brings them to the big screen and comic books. This genre, named the superhero genre, has discussed Disability and Disfigurement on many accounts, though the depictions are often stereotypical and repetitive. The necessity to depict such topics in a realistic, and aware perspective, that enacts the human ability to survive internally before surviving externally, is urgent. Through the use of such movies as Dark Knight, Hawkeye (2012), Uncanny X-Men, Star Wars and various disability driven articles, there will be an exploration of the disfigurement and disability topic expressed in the superhero genre as it relates to realistic perspectives, portrayals, and metaphorical ideas. Exploring this topic uncovers society’s stereotypes and assumptions of the disabled, whether physical, mental, or metaphorical.