Post on 01-May-2018
transcript
Women in Comics Post Golden Age
An Application of Muted Group Theory
Dr. Anita K. McDaniel
University of North Carolina Wilmington
mcdaniela@uncw.edu
Muted Group Theory in Comics
Women in comics don't have defined roles let alone “lead.” At best, they “help” and “look
pretty.”
Why? Because the superhero genre
communicates in the language of men.
Muted Group Theory(Kramarae, 2005, p. 55)
Muted groups must change their language when communicating in the public domain, thus cannot fully
share their true thougths. Their speech is disrespected by those in dominant groups; their knowledge is not
considered sufficient for the public decision-making or policy making processes of that culture; their
experiences are interpreted for them by others;
And they are encouraged to see themselves as represented in the dominant culture.
How muted groups find their voice(Griffin, Ledbetter & Sparks, 2015, p. 465)
Assimilation—blending in with the dominant group
Accommodation—persuading the dominant group to incorporate the experiences of the muted group
Separation—minimizing contact with the dominant group
Women in Comics
Thesis• Often it has been stated that female superhero titles do
not sell. It is not surprising when superheroines (created by men) become two dimensional stereotypes, plot devices for the stories of male superheroes, and industry jokes.
• However, female editors, writers, and artists help superheroines reclaim their dignity and “super” status when they use accommodating communication strategies.
She-Hulk and Jan Duursema
Good comic art is creating a visual representation of
who that character is and not just generating a
composite of masculine or feminine features.
Unfortunately, the industry standard for
good comic book art has become drawing men to look strong and brave
and drawing women with large breasts.
Despite her superpowered
similarities to the Hulk, She-Hulk
became an industry joke as a hero due to her trademark tear-away clothing and
compliance with her exploitation.
Marvel Swimsuit Issue She-HulkSteven Geiger/Paul Mounts version
Commodified femininity
When media agents signify femininity by visually
emphasizing the line and curve of the female body along with
a code of poses, gestures, body cants and gazes. So little of She-Hulk’s identity exists in the drawing beyond the green
hair and skin, she could be anybody and, thus, becomes
recognized as no one.
Marvel Swimsuit Issue She-HulkJan Duursema/Tom Smith version
Accommodation
Duursema is known for creating strong women–physically
strong and strong in character. Readers are reminded
constantly that these women do something besides look
pretty. Notice how almost half of the space on the page is devoted to the character’s legs. This visual technique creates a balance between
She-Hulk’s feminine qualities and her superhero qualities.
Women in Comics
Conclusion
I feel that the post Golden Age superhero genre has benefitted from the contributions of women in comic
book production.
Hopefully, the feminine voice in the comic industry has helped readers of the superhero genre appreciate the
value of the female superhero.
Further Readings
• _____. Grand Comic Book Database [Online July 2006]. <http://comics.org/index.lasso>.
• _____. Who’s Who in American Comic Books [Online July 2006]. <http://bailsprojects.com/S(zrcnn255vtenj45jdzf45))/WhosWho.aspx>.
• Duursema, J., Duursema, J. & Smith, T. (1995). “She-Hulk.” MARVEL SWIMSUIT SPECIAL 1, 4.
• Lee, S., Kraft, D. A., Buscema, J. & Vosburg, M. (2006). Savage She-Hulk #1-25. New York: Marvel Publishing, Inc.
• Kramare, C. (2005). Muted group theory and communication: Asking dangerous questions. Women and Language, 28(2), 55-61.