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[NotTheGuyYouKill]

Where the punjabi representation at tho? That's the real mystery.

Foggy apparently speaks Punjabi

Yo, where my Punjabi heroes at, motherfuckers. That's what I wanna know.

Foggy's a total bro though. He's alright.

But that would kill Don Cheddles chance to do something

Cheadle's totally gonna be in Captain Marvel cause Captain Marvel's gonna be a romantic comedy.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

It would be smart to make Captain Marvel gay. I could dig that.

What a token twofer minority.

But asides from her thing with Don Cheadle, I know nothing about Captain Marvel, so hey why not.

 

[HeisenbergLannister]

Getting kinda annoying that if something doesn't have somebody gay/black/Asian/nocturnal, some throw a hissy fit parade.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

Getting kinda annoying that if something doesn't have somebody gay/black/Asian/nocturnal, some throw a hissy fit parade.

It isn't necessarily unreasonable. Gay/black/Asian/nocturnal people all deserve a hero to look up to, one that mirrors them in some way, maybe one that they can somewhat identify with more. Heroes are, after all, aspirational figures.

So yeah, black people deserve to have black heroes and gay folks deserve to have gay heroes cause no matter what, being gay/black/asian/nocturnal doesn't define your heroicness, but it's something that you notice.

 

[Can Crusher]

What a token twofer minority.

But asides from her thing with Don Cheadle, I know nothing about Captain Marvel, so hey why not.

It's going to be a big character and the most "powerful" super hero character. I don't see how it's a "token twofer". Making Hawkeye gay would mean less.

But I guess when people talk "LGBT" and gay, what we are really talking about is a gay male character. White gay male, because I guess there are more white male gays than any other kind.

 

[Razmos]

Getting kinda annoying that if something doesn't have somebody gay/black/Asian/nocturnal, some throw a hissy fit parade.

Yeah, all the hissy fits I threw as a kid growing up feeling that I was somehow lesser than other people because I wasn't like all the people I was seeing on TV and in Movies.

We're finally starting to see things change and we are pushing for more representation, but nah, we'll stop if it's annoying you. Sorry to bother you

 

[IndoAssassin]

Brown people won't matter to hollywood for atleast another 15 years.



May isn't super-powered, but she isn't called "the Cavalry" for no reason either.

We'll always be taxi drivers in hollywood

 

[Hige]

Getting kinda annoying that if something doesn't have somebody gay/black/Asian/nocturnal, some throw a hissy fit parade.

Thank you for taking the time out of your busy life to make such an insightful, thought-provoking, quality post. Great job!

But seriously, do you think the lack of minority representation should be addressed at all? How? And how should attention be drawn to the lack of representation so as to not offend your sensibilities and be construed as a "hissy fit parade?"

 

[Shaanyboi]

We'll always be taxi drivers in hollywood

We've also got the 'terrorist' and angry fundamentalist roles cornered. That's preeeeetty great. Downside is that they aren't exactly, uh... recurring roles.

 

[betterhalf]

She doesnt count cuz Psylocke is not lead.

:x

Psylocke is more known than the chick who teleports in x-men lol

 

[YesNOnoNOYes]

Psylocke is more known than the chick who teleports in x-men lol

STILL NOT LEAD THO

And Blink is not part of the offishul MCU...... i have corrected myself ~~~~~

 

[Kevyt]

It's a 2 hour movie about people in spandex punching the shit out of each other. Being gay doesn't equate into that.

"This post was brought to you by bro1!"

Of course, perfect dude-bro logic! Bravo!

Look bruh, last time I remember Tony Stark has a girlfriend who is very prevalent in the Iron Man films. Heck, their relationship is used as a plot device throughout those films constantly. The same with Captain America and Agent Carter, there's obviously some tension there. As far as the Avengers films, we have Natasha Romanov who is very much sexualized. Then with spiderman we have this whole complicated story with his lover interest Mary J. There are many more examples of Marvel films where we are presented (indirectly) with a character's sexual orientation. But we don't notice this nor do we bat an eye about it (i.e. "Wtf why does spiderman has to kiss with Mary J. that's gross, I don't want to see it!!"). We call this heteronormativity. Heteresexual relationships are always present 99% percent of the time in most of the media we consume, films being a prime example of this.

So yes, it's a two hour film about "heroes punching the shit out of one another" but there are other aspects about the characters that are revealed to us, intentionally by the directors as a way to drive the plot. When we are aware of this we realize that sexuality (in this case heterosexuality) are present and important to some degree in Marvel films.

So if being gay should be out of the question because it's an action film then I don't want to see characters being straight either. I don't want heterosexuality being shoved down me either. I don't want to see Spiderman falling in love with Mary J, I don't want to see or know that Iron-Man has a girlfriend. I just want mindless action with big explosions on the big screen a la Michael Bay.

Yes I'm being sarcastic, and I think the above is a very faulty logic. But I'm using this to illustrate my point.

Also, why do we need to have gay character? If gays are 10% of the population then what percent of superheroes would be gay? Is this to make gay kids feel better?

Again, dat dude-bro logic!

Getting kinda annoying that if something doesn't have somebody gay/black/Asian/nocturnal, some throw a hissy fit parade.

Oh, I'm so sorry that OP, many others and myself included are criticizing Marvel films for not having enough sexual diversity. Clearly this is a terrible thing we shouldn't do!

I am so extremely sorry that it bothers you so much.

 

[MisterHero]

Daken is bisexual. Fox should use him if/when Hugh Jackman retires

 

[Paxem]

Just stop this shit. Directors have the right to choose whatever actors they want and no one should question it. It's ridiculous that some people are sensitive about these things just enjoy the thing no one cares about sexuality in the MCU.

 

[NotTheGuyYouKill]

Just stop this shit. Directors have the right to choose whatever actors they want and no one should question it. It's ridiculous that some people are sensitive about these things just enjoy the thing no one cares about sexuality in the MCU.

Well, clearly some people do.

Not sure if joke post.

 

[Razmos]

Just stop this shit. Directors have the right to choose whatever actors they want and no one should question it. It's ridiculous that some people are sensitive about these things just enjoy the thing no one cares about sexuality in the MCU.

Best post in the thread, so insightful.

Clearly nobody cares and there is nothing more to discuss here.

 

[kirblar]

I'm not sure why the lbgt community is caught with demanding representation. It'll happen when those characters are introduced.!

HBO put a show with mostly gay characters.

Immediately people started complaining that there wasn't representation of ethnicity/subgroup X/Y/Z.

You can't win.

 

[Shaanyboi]

Just stop this shit. Directors have the right to choose whatever actors they want and no one should question it. It's ridiculous that some people are sensitive about these things just enjoy the thing no one cares about sexuality in the MCU.

lol uhhh

 

[StalkerUKCG]

Did you just accuse me of pushing "the gay agenda"? Ridiculous.

Did you just misquote what I said to make me sound like a right wing anti gay bigot and dismiss the rest of my post? Ridiculous.

For the record I'm an openly bisexual male. (to avoid any confusion)

My point is that a gay character doesn't have to exist in every medium. I'm entirely for the advocacy of gay relationships but force injecting a gay character into a show isn't a good way to do this.

I don't see what benefit a gay character could have in the marvel world in all honesty. This isn't serious drama exploring the depth of humans it's shootbang popcorn action movies or gritty crime action show or .. agents of shield what ever that is.

None of the mainstay avengers are gay. None of the characters in AoS are gay and Daredevil isn't either.

There is this agenda of pushing gay characters into media for no other reason than to tick a box on the diversity chart. It's entirely pointless it doesn't benefit the LGBT it just keeps the PC crowd from making statements like " The one thing you can't be in the Marvel Cinematic Universe -- Gay"

Why does it matter? Honestly?

 

[braves01]

I'd rather they develop new characters or expand on existing but underused ones if they want to pander to certain groups, rather than further complicate already complex and overly-developed back stories.

 

[Paxem]

Best post in the thread, so insightful.

Clearly nobody cares and there is nothing more to discuss here.

It was clearly meant to say that it's silly to care about this in movies not that no one cares unless this 8 or 9 pages are nothing. Why would people even care about this again? Or should we now put restriction on every director to include a black, asian, gay, democratic, republic, alien conspiracy supporter, anti-alien conspiracy man in every movie?

 

[IndoAssassin]

I watch these movies to see them beat the hell out of each other not for romance. If I wanted to watch love conquer quantum theories or magic, I would watch Interstellar or a chic flick.

The whole Hulk and Black Widow thing is stupid, but hollywood always gotta cater to the romantics of the world.

 

[YesNOnoNOYes]

I'd rather they develop new characters or expand on existing but underused ones if they want to pander to certain groups, rather than further complicate already complex and overly-developed back stories.

How about future stories though? How do you feel if the writers explore the current big-title characters' sexualities in up-coming arc?

 

[KmA]

Getting kinda annoying that if something doesn't have somebody gay/black/Asian/nocturnal, some throw a hissy fit parade.

It's not like we live in a continually homophobic/sexist/racist society. But since you're annoyed I'll shut up. Like I did my entire life because I'm gay/POC. Jackass.

Just stop this shit. Directors have the right to choose whatever actors they want and no one should question it. It's ridiculous that some people are sensitive about these things just enjoy the thing no one cares about sexuality in the MCU.

If no one cares, then why do you have such a strong opinion on this? Writers aren't Gods, they can be criticized for many things. And that includes poor representation.

 

[braves01]

How about future stories though? How do you feel if the writers explore the current big-title characters' sexualities in up-coming arc?

If you're only looking forward, then it seems even more natural to me to just use a new character. Write them into story lines with the proven franchises until they can sell well enough to stand on their own if necessary, but then cut them loose and let them do their own thing. I don't think grafting all this onto existing properties is the best way to create a more diverse portfolio of characters.

 

[Razmos]

It was clearly meant to say that it's silly to care about this in movies not that no one cares unless this 8 or 9 pages are nothing. Why would people even care about this again? Or should we now put restriction on every director to include a black, asian, gay, democratic, republic, alien conspiracy supporter, anti-alien conspiracy man in every movie?

Have you been reading the thread? or did you just read the OP and chime in your opinion?

It's because of representation, showing that the world isn't entirely made up of straight, white people, which it isn't.

 

[DarkFlow]

I'd be okay with 3.4% of the MCU being gay, since that would be a fair representation of the actual population.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...he-u-s-population-is-gay-lesbian-or-bisexual/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...b9f4b0-092f-11e4-bbf1-cc51275e7f8f_story.html

 

[StalkerUKCG]

It's not like we live in a continually homophobic/sexist/racist society. But since you're annoyed I'll shut up. Like I did my entire life because I'm gay/POC. Jackass.

Honest questions. Do you think that will stop if a MCU got a gay character?

I mean sure the argument could be made because of it's massive appeal that a gay character might soften homophobia but the effect of that would be tiny if anything.

Homophobia and Racism come from older generations teaching their kids the views or from social clusters never having outside input and from lack of understand. By not having a gay character the MCU isn't being homophobic.

MCU having a gay characters makes no difference to anything.

The one positive effect I see it having is convincing younger children who are having a harder time with the whole "coming out" process that it's normal because even superhero X is gay. But that problem needs to be treated at its core which is obviously the negative impressions young people adopt about gays from peers.

 

[Platy]

I'd be okay with 3.4% of the MCU being gay, since that would be a fair representation of the actual population.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...he-u-s-population-is-gay-lesbian-or-bisexual/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...b9f4b0-092f-11e4-bbf1-cc51275e7f8f_story.html

238 "homosexual or bisexual" marvel characters them

Also, I bet that the MCU has more than 200 characters (considering 21 movies, ignoring tv stuff), so can we round up to 7 "homosexual or bisexual" characters ?

 

[Paxem]

It's not like we live in a continually homophobic/sexist/racist society. But since you're annoyed I'll shut up. Like I did my entire life because I'm gay/POC. Jackass.



If no one cares, then why do you have such a strong opinion on this? Writers aren't Gods, they can be criticized for many things. And that includes poor representation.

I wrote a reply above and clarified what I meant by that. Yes writers aren't gods but they have and they should continue to have the full freedom to write whatever they want to write about. If we're going to start this poor representation then when are we going to draw the line on what to represent and what not? there're infinite number of people with different religious, sexual, political believes and there is no way you will be able to represent all of them so let's be clear here I believe that forcing a writer or a director to include something he doesn't want to include is exactly like if the government got involved in a movie and changed something because it expose bad stuff about it all if them are against freedom of speech and if you force someone to change his idea about his film you will the quality down. Bit the end what actually matters is one thing: Writers and Directors should have the right to do whatever they want unless it encourages violence against certain kind of people and no one should force them to change something.

 

[Razmos]

Honest questions. Do you think that will stop if a MCU got a gay character?

I mean sure the argument could be made because of it's massive appeal that a gay character might soften homophobia but the effect of that would be tiny if anything.

Homophobia and Racism come from older generations teaching their kids the views or from social clusters never having outside input and from lack of understand. By not having a gay character the MCU isn't being homophobic.

MCU having a gay characters makes no difference to anything.

The one positive effect I see it having is convincing younger children who are having a harder time with the whole "coming out" process that it's normal because even superhero X is gay. But that problem needs to be treated at its core which is obviously the negative impressions young people adopt about gays from peers.

A tiny effect is better than no effect, and of course it isn't being homophobic.

saying:

MCU having a gay characters makes no difference to anything.

and then following it up with a positive effect kinda negates your point.

And while yeah, it might help with social stigma and stuff, it's also a personal thing. It's hard growing up with no role models like yourself, especially when you are different and treated differently. I can personally attest to that.

I wish I had the representation we had now when I was a kid, it probably would have helped tremendously with my attitudes towards my sexuality during high school.

 

[DarkFlow]

238 "homosexual or bisexual" marvel characters them

Also, I bet that the MCU has more than 200 characters (considering 20 movies), so can we round up to 7 "homosexual or bisexual" characters ?

The MCU doesn't own all 7,000. I also wouldn't be mad if they had 7. It would be fair and line up with the real population so no one could cry about it.

 

[Paxem]

Have you been reading the thread? or did you just read the OP and chime in your opinion?

It's because of representation, showing that the world isn't entirely made up of straight, white people, which it isn't.

I read it and the rest of my reply that you quoted is a clear evidence of that. As I said if marvels directors want to include all white male cast then that's fine because it's their choice and they think it fits their movie better. Movies are meant for entertainment not for representation. If you want to represent your self then there is one million other way other than forcing a director to change his movie for your own representation.

 

[YesNOnoNOYes]

If you're only looking forward, then it seems even more natural to me to just use a new character. Write them into story lines with the proven franchises until they can sell well enough to stand on their own if necessary, but then cut them loose and let them do their own thing. I don't think grafting all this onto existing properties is the best way to create a more diverse portfolio of characters.

Thanks for reply Just curious.

Btw, I'm not overly fussed about representations. Even if I'm bisexual. I have too little faith in mainstream media .____. But I totally understand why it is important to my fellow minority sisters/brothers.

Grafting is an interesting word to use, here. But basically, you're not in favour of exploring things for established character, right?

I can also understand that. I'm sort of a canonical fan, for most titles. Except if the hints are strong.

 

[bro1]

I'd be okay with 3.4% of the MCU being gay, since that would be a fair representation of the actual population.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...he-u-s-population-is-gay-lesbian-or-bisexual/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...b9f4b0-092f-11e4-bbf1-cc51275e7f8f_story.html

That's give a sample size of a large swath of people. Now take a sample size of gamma radiation scientists, WW2 veterans, Viking Gods, Russian spies, etc and it gets much smaller.

If they make a hero gay for the sake of being gay then that's pandering.

 

[Kevyt]

I read it and the rest of my reply that you quoted is a clear evidence of that. As I said if marvels directors want to include all white male cast then that's fine because it's their choice and they think it fits their movie better.

And that's fine.

But that doesn't make them immune to criticism. We can talk and discuss about the director's choices and think about the underlying socio-political reasons for their choosing.

Why is this wrong?

 

[Abounder]

I haven't watched the TV series but I thought Agent Coulson was gay in a "don't ask don't tell" kind of way. He seemed just a little too excited to meet his mancrush in Captain America.

 

[sn00zer]

Dude the Avengers main group is entirely white....there arent even close to ethnic group percentages

 

[Kurdel]

I'd be okay with 3.4% of the MCU being gay, since that would be a fair representation of the actual population.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...he-u-s-population-is-gay-lesbian-or-bisexual/

http://www.washingtonpost.com/natio...b9f4b0-092f-11e4-bbf1-cc51275e7f8f_story.html

You're right, anything more than 3.4% would just be unrealistic.

 

[Sai-kun]

I read it and the rest of my reply that you quoted is a clear evidence of that. As I said if marvels directors want to include all white male cast then that's fine because it's their choice and they think it fits their movie better. Movies are meant for entertainment not for representation. If you want to represent your self then there is one million other way other than forcing a director to change his movie for your own representation.

this is a horrible post

how are we not allowed to criticize them?

 

[YesNOnoNOYes]

I haven't watched the TV series but I thought Agent Coulson was gay in a "don't ask don't tell" kind of way. He seemed just a little too excited to meet his mancrush in Captain America.

:O

He has idol crush, I think. IDK.... I thought how Captain America was lost and confused and purposeless until Bucky returned to his life was more homoromantic than Coulson and Cap....

 

[DarkFlow]

You're right, anything more than 3.4% would just be unrealistic.

So you want overrepresentation?

 

[kswiston]

There are plenty of younger gay characters in the Marvel comic universe, and most of them are handled pretty well as opposed to being Will and Grace level stereotypes. Eventually some of them will make their way over. Blockbuster movies are just about the least progressive form of media though.

I haven't watched the TV series but I thought Agent Coulson was gay in a "don't ask don't tell" kind of way. He seemed just a little too excited to meet his mancrush in Captain America.

They talk about his girlfriend in the Avengers movie. You see her in Agent of Shield.

 

[Koppai]

Well, I guess it didn't happen in the MCU, but there actually was a hint of bisexuality for an MCU character - Howard Stark, father of Iron Man and compatriot of Captain America (and famed womanizer). It happened during the "Agent Carter" series, and while the script can definitely be read in a more platonic way, it was emphasized enough to give some viewers pause, and for the actors to acknowledge that was one way of interpreting Howard's feelings toward Captain America:

Can't guys love other guys in a close way without being gay? That was his best friend...

 

[border]

If Only Once, It Would Be Nice If Hodor Said ‘Women’s Rights’

 

[Paxem]

And that's fine.

But that doesn't make them immune to criticism. We can talk and discuss about the director's choices and think about the underlying socio-political reasons for their choosing.

Why is this wrong?

I'm sorry if you felt like I tried to block the discussion here in a bad way. but trying to build some momentum to enforce some changes in movies for the benefit of one group of people is wrong. If a director included a gay cast in a movie then that's his decision and no one should question it or try to change it. Some people believe that a representation in a movie is a right for them which is not by any means. All what is in the movie is the right of the writer he makes the universe and then people judge it. It's not a movie for everyone to get involved in and change some stuff to the way they like it's a movie created by a set number of people and they have the full right to do any cast or plot they want. At least that's my opinion which I believe is right.

 

[Shaanyboi]

I haven't watched the TV series but I thought Agent Coulson was gay in a "don't ask don't tell" kind of way. He seemed just a little too excited to meet his mancrush in Captain America.

Idolizing the world's first superhero doesn't inherently mean straight...

And Coulson is into women. Even in The Avengers, they mention a 'cellist' he's partially involved with. We finally see her in AoS, which also inspired this poster

 

[Paxem]

this is a horrible post

how are we not allowed to criticize them?

Criticizing them because they didn't include a certain kind of people? If the director were to choose between a gay and straight man and he choose the gay or the straight because he believes he the right one for the role is this something that is logically can be criticized just because of the sexuality?

 

[StalkerUKCG]

this is a horrible post

how are we not allowed to criticize them?

I'd find it difficult to criticize them for not sexuality / race bending. The main avengers all happen to be straight and white. I think Disney has realized it's not an ideal image to propagate because AoS has a diverse cast in them of ethnicity and characters like Black Panther and Falcon are now making their way in also.

The directors are using source material for this.

I think the argument would be stronger is this wasn't the MCU and was something original that they decided to go with a fully white straight cis cast.

 

[DECK'ARD]

Criticizing them because they didn't include a certain kind of people? If the director were to choose between a gay and straight man and he choose the gay or the straight because he believes he the right one for the role is this something that is logically can be criticized just because of the sexuality?

You do realise people are talking about the sexuality of the characters and not the actors?