Empowerment, Boundary-Setting & Consent in Pop Culture, Part 2 - Supergirl
Updated: Dec 16, 2020
Our second example of a positive example of empowerment and boundary setting comes from Supergirl.
Specifically, this scene where Nia Nal, a superhero "in training" defends her friend / romantic partner and ally Brainy:
What we can learn from this:
First of all, watch Nia's hands. Does that stance look familiar? I have rarely, or maybe even never, seen such an accurate portrayal of Empowerment Self Defense (even though they don't call it that) on television.
Second of all, besides being a great example of bystander intervention, the scene shows a woman (actually, a transgender woman, but hopefully someday that won't be as newsworthy) coming to the defense of a man.
How often do we get to see that?
Nia is a superhero. She could probably knock the pizza guy over with one finger. But she successfully uses verbal strategies before the physical.
And think about this. Nia is a superhero. She could probably knock the pizza guy over with one finger. But she successfully uses verbal strategies before the physical.
What I might change:
Personally, I'd think about removing the "Did I stutter?" line.
Nia's job is to de-escalate the situation and keep Brainy safe, neither of which require insulting the aggressor.
That said, Nia's superhero skills grow during each episode, and I do appreciate that the show makes a point of not fighting "for fight's sake."
That said, Nia's superhero skills grow during each episode, and I do appreciate that the show makes a point of not fighting "for fight's sake."
In the world of Supergirl, violence of any kid is always a last resort, and there are discussions about the difference between assertiveness and aggression:
"Well, I meant more 'hands on hips,' not 'screaming in face.'"
Well, I meant more "hands on hips," not "screaming in face."
I knew it! Supergirl "loves her hips!" (At least I like to think so.)
What are your favorite examples of consent in comic books / superhero stories?
