Geekery + Feminism = WIN
Appologies to those of you getting this from all sides...
As you may know, I'm trying to put together a panel proposal for GGC, and I was wondering if I could get some input. Here's a rough of my proposal/abstract, and any thoughts are appreciated. I, for one, am not entirely in love with the word "demeaning" in the first sentence, but I'm having trouble finding a less charged word that also conveys that the term is, well, demeaning.
The world of superheroes may be the only place where “differently-abled” is more than a demeaning patronizing euphemism. But the behavior and treatment of superhuman heroes and villains can shed light on our own culture’s beliefs and values regarding ability and disability. In this open ended discussion, we will explore the juxtaposition and intersection of superpowers and disabilities. Topics will include heroes and villains with visible and invisible disabilities, superpowers that are themselves disabling in some way, the loss of superpowers as a metaphor for disability, and what the super hero comics tropes of miraculous healing, retro-active continutiy, and universe reboots might show us about expectations of health, ability, and those with permanent disabilities and chronic conditions.
I'm also looking for suggestions of a) superheroes/villains who have either 'traditional' disabilities, or who have powers that are disabilities in some way, or have been de-powered, or re-powered, or in some way might have something interesting to show about superheroes and disabilities. As you all know, I'm a Marvel girl, so my DC and indie knowledge is paltry as best, and even my Marvel is limited mostly to X-Men of the 60's, 70's and 80's. Also, b) potential panelists. People who write/draw/edit/blog comics would be great. Gail Simone and Jill Pantozzi are on my radar, and I'll be sending overtures and my panel proposal soon. Anyone else you think might be attending and interested?
Thanks!
As you may know, I'm trying to put together a panel proposal for GGC, and I was wondering if I could get some input. Here's a rough of my proposal/abstract, and any thoughts are appreciated. I, for one, am not entirely in love with the word "demeaning" in the first sentence, but I'm having trouble finding a less charged word that also conveys that the term is, well, demeaning.
The world of superheroes may be the only place where “differently-abled” is more than a demeaning patronizing euphemism. But the behavior and treatment of superhuman heroes and villains can shed light on our own culture’s beliefs and values regarding ability and disability. In this open ended discussion, we will explore the juxtaposition and intersection of superpowers and disabilities. Topics will include heroes and villains with visible and invisible disabilities, superpowers that are themselves disabling in some way, the loss of superpowers as a metaphor for disability, and what the super hero comics tropes of miraculous healing, retro-active continutiy, and universe reboots might show us about expectations of health, ability, and those with permanent disabilities and chronic conditions.
I'm also looking for suggestions of a) superheroes/villains who have either 'traditional' disabilities, or who have powers that are disabilities in some way, or have been de-powered, or re-powered, or in some way might have something interesting to show about superheroes and disabilities. As you all know, I'm a Marvel girl, so my DC and indie knowledge is paltry as best, and even my Marvel is limited mostly to X-Men of the 60's, 70's and 80's. Also, b) potential panelists. People who write/draw/edit/blog comics would be great. Gail Simone and Jill Pantozzi are on my radar, and I'll be sending overtures and my panel proposal soon. Anyone else you think might be attending and interested?
Thanks!