Fabian Munoz

     My name is Fabian Javier Munoz. My name speaks and quickly tells you that I am a
Hispanic and I will personally tell you that I am a first generation American. What I am about to
write is not from a Caucasian perspective but from a Chicano that is tired of hearing and seeing
all this “reverse racism” unfold before us. The sad reality is that many people believe that since
this type of racism is directed toward the majority or the “dominant race”, it’s more than okay
to commit such act. I am also writing this post during a time where “reverse racism” and racism
in general is a hot topic. With the recent deaths of African Americans to the hands of White
Police Officers and Donald Trump’s run for the Presidency, it’s time we shine some light and
prove reasonable justification for an ongoing talk among comic book fans.
     It is believed by many that first generation comic book writers were merely white racist.
Throughout this post I will closely refer to the two giants of American comics which include
Marvel and DC Comics (just because they are the most popular and have lasted throughout the
ages.) To begin with these two giants were founded circa 1930’s-1940’s. This was a delicate
time for the regular American. This was around the end of the Great Depression and the start of
World War II. It is no mystery that if Americans were struggling so were the minorities in the
country but many of the early comics were used as propaganda and uplifting stories targeted
for the American population. If the authors of these stories used White American heroes, it
would not only bring in a healthy revenue but would also fulfill its purpose. Most of the early
comics also portrayed real life issues like Batman that fought a city full of crime, and Gotham
representing New York in the stages of the American Depression.
     When America entered the war so did the comic book giants. Used as propaganda and
hope comics began to portray and tackle the issues of war. Most notably Captain America was
created to fulfill a tremendous propaganda project to inspire young Americans to join the
cause. This is obviously why Captain was a White American, because the targeted audience was
young whites. Even though some African Americans and Mexican Americans among other
minority races joined the cause the majority of the population at the time was White
Americans. It’s a very well developed propaganda strategy. Yes, it is true that some of the
comics that were released during this time period included racist comments full of stereotypes
but let’s put ourselves in an American perspective. American’s were attacked first hand by the
Japanese Empire and this only started an overwhelming pride for the American Spirit and
resentment towards Asians in General. Yes, it is ethically and morally wrong but if you think
about it the American’s did not know how to justify the Japanese’s actions when they
attempted to avoid the war as much as they could have. When they were attacked this
obviously left scars that did not satisfy Americans.
     White women were also included in the early comics. When women began to hit the
labor force and fulfill manly duties it was no surprise that they were portrayed as heroes.
Wonder Women quickly came into the picture and inspired young women. She even became a
successful character that has lasted through the ages and keep in mind that even though
women had their voting rights they weren’t necessarily on top of the food chain.
These are just a couple among the other examples of American’s just being Americans in
comics. America has shifted and changed drastically over time. Its politics includes diversity, so
in modern time there is no reasonable justification if new comics for these two giants include
nothing but whites. Some of the new writers for the industries come from racially diverse
backgrounds.  We should just accept the fact that most of these comics targeted an American
Audience, just like if a Hispanic were writing for a Mexican Audience it would be wise for him to
include Mexican heroes.  In today’s world with today’s ideology I repeat that there is no
justification for a race supremacy, with the different talents and mindsets it should be almost
impossible. We have seen this shift in Marvel and DC movies that include a range of different
races as cast members, some famous examples are the X-Men and Fantastic Four that have
implemented different races even though the original stories portray whites.
     In reality it’s sad and terrifying that White American’s cannot be proud of being so
anymore. They are called many things among racist and Nazis. If we see an African American or
Hispanic being proud of his heritage, he is quickly praised and recognized but if a White
American does it he is quickly judged and looked down upon. The truth is just because they are
proud of being who they are does not make them racist, and just like the early writers of
comics, they were not necessarily being racist, they were just being American. “Reverse
Racism” does not exist, if you believe that you have good intentions for putting down a White
American because of their culture and history then in reality you are being racist too. Let them
be proud of who they are just like you are of who you are because if you begin to judge them
for doing that, by your own definition you are racist too.


https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html
http://www.cracked.com/blog/5-shockingly-racist-scenes-in-famous-superhero-comics/
http://www.history.com/topics/1930s
http://americasbesthistory.com/abhtimeline1940.html
https://books.google.com/books?id=n23M0Bn0JmwC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=who+could+af