Text

theses

Mythology is arguably the most powerful source of influencing and shaping society’s gender roles and beliefs; additionally, mythology provides an accurate reflection of society’s gender roles, general attitudes, fears, and preoccupations. Young boys and girls learn how to negotiate a complex world of possibilities, as well as manage gender expectations through observing gods, superheroes, and other notable characters found in mythological stories. American mythology, to include comic books, the superheroes upon which the literature is based, and the associated cartoons, motion pictures, merchandise, and fashion, contributes to an historical foundation of misogynistic entertainment and serves as didactic material for children and adults. The misogynistic nuances of the comic book story line are not overt attempts at relegating women; instead, the influence is much more subtle and older than American mythology; rather, this debilitating feature is embedded in our psyche. Although the first comic book was printed in 1938, American mythology is largely influenced by Greek mythology, a major influence on western civilization. Overt and subtle misogynistic nuances have always existed in the patriarchal narrative of mythology, American, Greek, and beyond. Misogyny, sexism, and inequality have a deeply embedded history in the collective psyche of American society and its Greek antecedents. These qualities can be found in comic books from their birth in the early 20th century to present day. Comic books are generally considered lowbrow entertainment and usually reserved for a juvenile audience. However, comic books have accurately captured American attitudes, values, and most importantly, the roles of men and women. While young boys and girls learn about gender roles, adults’ attitudes are reinforced and reflected in the material; thus, perpetuating a cycle of misogyny, thinly veiled as entertainment but highly influential on gender development. The typical story line, characterizations, and seemingly juvenile nature of comic book literature is robust material for perpetuating stereotypical roles and expectations, as well as perpetuating a sexist archetype in the psyche of American society. Although inequality is being rectified by seminal changes in American policy, laws, and regulations, and even comic books, it could take generations for changes to resonate in the American psyche as our current paradigm was forged over thousands of years of practice. The Damsel in Distress story line resonates with young and old people alike. The story of Superman, for example, empowers men and appeals to women while reinforcing the idea that men are the more capable sex and women need to be rescued. The entertainment value of this story overshadows the underlying and deep-rooted misogyny.

ETD_7831

M.A.

Includes bibliographical references

by Michael A. Solis

doi:10.7282/T37M0BD0

ETD graduate

The author owns the copyright to this work.