Remember when we used to go around the classroom in elementary school and tell our teacher what we wanted to be when we grow up? Well I do, but I don’t ever remember responding saying, “Batman’s wife.”
Wal-Mart, Target and DC Comics have all received major criticism after some of their licensed superhero attire was deemed offensive and sexist. Store goers were appalled when they found sexist items not only in the teen section for females, but the children’s section in male and female onesies. The attire, as you can see from the pictures, makes it out as if women are limited to becoming superhero wives, girlfriends, and playthings.
The negative backlash caused by the attire has been brought to the attention of DC Comics, who apparently need to evaluate the companies they sold licensing rights to.
The comic company released a statement saying, “DC Comics is home to many of the greatest male and female Super Heroes in the world. All our fans are incredibly important to us, and we understand that the messages on certain t-shirts are offensive. We agree. Our company is committed to empowering boys and girls, men and women, through our characters and stories. Accordingly, we are taking a look at our licensing and product design process to ensure that all our consumer products reflect our core values and philosophy.”
After reading this statement, all I could think about was the way DC’s so-called “greatest female Super Heroes in the world” are dressed. Yes, they’re badass and they’re definitely heroes, but why do they have to look like they’re about to spill out of their top the minute they try to roundhouse kick The Joker? What types of subconscious effects will these sexist items and images have on children in today’s society? Are girls supposed to grow up thinking that they aren’t allowed to set their sights higher than becoming Batman’s size zero, double D homemaker? Further, are boys being encouraged to think that they are allowed to grope any woman they please, because they’re a considered a “great score?”
It’s time for DC Comics to make a change, because I know I’m not alone in saying I’d much rather be my own hero then stand on the sidelines.