Who Gets to Be the Hero?

When we think of superheroes, we usually picture people with incredible powers, dramatic costumes, and some kind of villain standing in their way. But who gets to be the hero? For a long time, Hollywood gave audiences a fairly narrow idea of what a hero looked like. Representation has changed significantly, but there is still value in paying attention to who gets the spotlight.

The success of characters like Miles Morales from Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse shows how powerful representation can be. Miles is a Black and Puerto Rican teenager who becomes Spider-Man while navigating family, school, friendships, and his own identity. His story allows young people from different backgrounds to see themselves represented as the person saving the day rather than always being the side character.

Representation can affect how people see themselves and the people around them. Imagine being a kid who rarely sees someone who looks like you as the main character in a movie. Then you see someone who shares your background become the superhero. That moment may seem small to an adult, but to a young person, it can send a powerful message. People like me can be the hero too.

Anti-racism and racial equality are not just about correcting the past. They are also about thinking about the stories we create today. Who gets to be the hero? Who gets to be the love interest? Who gets to be the leader? Who gets to tell the story? These questions matter because entertainment can influence the way we understand race, identity, and belonging.

The next time you watch a superhero movie, look beyond the action scenes. Pay attention to who is represented and how they are represented. Pop culture may be fictional, but the messages it sends can have very real effects.