Tag: marvel mutants

Marvel Mutants “M” Word: More Reality in Comics?

Jun. 28 Comics, News Comments Off on Marvel Mutants “M” Word: More Reality in Comics?

Kitty Pride made comments in this week’s issue of All-New Mutants which would point to a deeper statement which would lead us to believe that Marvel mutants are no longer going to be referred to as mutants. Using the term “The ‘M’ word,” is sure to be controversial with many readers, but I think it is time for Marvel to distance itself from the term.

Marvel's market share is dropping

Marvel’s market share is dropping

Marvel Mutants NOW

Remember, we are in a period right now called Marvel NOW in which our favorite characters are thrust into a Brave New World which is more reflective of the real world than ever before. Marvel mutants have been thrust into this modern world in more ways than one with the original X-Men living and breathing in the modern day. Figuring out different terminology for the Marvel mutants right now makes since it melds with the continuing trend towards being more politically correct.

The Goal of Political Correctness

The goal of political correctness is to eliminate words which exclude people from the rest of society and to eliminate words which might cause a feeling of discomfort of disenfranchisement. I am not going to list all of the terms here as you should know most of them on your own, but remember that the end goal is to make everyone feel like they are on equal footing regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or origin. If Marvel is going to continue to try to make the superhero world as close to the real world, why wouldn’t it make sense to extend political correctness to the Marvel mutants?

No Matter What Side of the Aisle You are On

In the end, it really does not matter which side of the political correctness aisle you sit on when dealing with Marvel mutants and “The ‘M’ word.” You might be upset that Marvel is trying to make some type of statement, or you might be upset that Marvel is trying to change a term which we have been using for decades. In the end, you should be happy that Marvel is dragging an issue out of the real world and exploring the implication in the Marvel Universe. You should celebrate the discussion Marvel is beginning and look forward to seeing both sides of the debate unfold in future issues. The Marvel Universe grows when it encompasses a little more reality in it.

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Term ‘Mutant’ Being Eliminated by Marvel In Uncanny Avengers #5?

Mar. 27 Comics, News no comments

An interesting move is made in Uncanny Avengers #5 and Marvel might be veering from the term “mutant.” As you read the comic this week, you might pass over the statement, but it is very important, and shows a step by Marvel to teach people to be more inclusive and accepting of others. While I have been critical of Marvel in the past, I have to give them special mention for this move.

Is Marvel getting away from using the term "mutant?"

Is Marvel getting away from using the term “mutant?”

Mutant Term

Without giving a spoiler, the suggestion is made in Uncanny Avengers #5 about doing away with the term “mutant.” At the same time, we should include the terms “mutie” and “genefreak” which have been used in the pages of Marvel Comics. In the comic, it is suggested that the term “mutant” is derogatory as it separates mutants from other humans.

Marvel Inclusion Through Mutant Statement

In the Marvel Universe, “mutant” may be on its way to becoming a term which is not politically correct. If the publisher is admitting the term separates and degrades a type of human, it is acknowledging all of the terms we have which separate types of humans from others. I am not going to go through a lineage of demeaning terms as examples, but you should know what types of terms will force people to feel different or excluded from society or a particular group.

Statement to Fans

If Marvel is eliminating the term “mutant” from the Marvel Universe vocabulary, it is a statement to all of us to eliminate demeaning terms from our own vocabulary. The business world has come down hard on people who do not understand the need for inclusive language, and now Marvel is stepping up to show its support of inclusion. Over the years, our the government and private organizations have tried to make a better place. Now it is time for Marvel to make the needed changes towards practicing what it preaches.

Thank You Marvel

Marvel has stepped up to the plate to take a swing at drugs, racism, homophobia, general hate, the oppression of women, and dozens of other social issues. By taking steps to suggest that the term “mutant” not be used in the future is a step towards eliminating hate speech which would make the world a better place to live. Good job Marvel. You reminded me why I have stayed a dedicated reader for so many years.

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