The reemergence of Black male superheroes evokes victorious feelings for those advocating for diverse casts in the entertainment industry. However, there is an underlying malignant consequence. Some of the most prominent Black male superheroes are Black Panther, Luke Cage, Black Lightning, Cyborg, Falcon, War Machine, and Bishop. These men share a trait: Their special abilities are their bodies—that is, they use their bodies as weapons. Countless research shows that people typically view Blacks as more physically formidable than other demographics are, and that people are more likely to describe Blacks using superhuman terminology. There is a correlation between these phenomena and the fact that Black males are the least likely of all demographics to seek mental health services. Since the most prevalent Black superheroes use their bodies in combat, they contribute to the notion that Black males can successfully endure hardships with little to no aid, and that distressed Black males are less deserving of consistent attention. This research examines the relationship between Black male superheroes and the subconscious creed that Black males are practically invulnerable to anguish.
About the presenterRamal La Ron Johnson
Ramal earned his BA in Theatre/Film from St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina, and he earned his MA in Mass Communications & Media Studies from Norfolk State University. After completing a White House internship, he taught at Northern Virginia Community College before teaching at Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, and at Tidewater Community College for three years. He now attends UC San Diego for a PhD in Communication.