Mutants as Metaphors: What X-Men can teach us about Prejudice's influence on Identity

         Following the end of World War II, consumers were not seeking the same escapist and nationalistic entertainment that superhero comic books provided. The end of the Golden Age of Comics allowed for new and experimental comic genres to emerge. In the Silver Age of Comics (1956-1970) companies began rebranding the superhero comics of the past as more complex and varied than their original Golden Age counterparts. Creators found that superheroes that faced real issues with forming a personal identity and accepting the sociopolitical views of their society resonated with teenage audiences, who were turning to the countercultural movement in hordes because of dissatisfaction with government, politics, and social injustice.

Reflective of the counterculture ideals of the 1960s. Source

            Marvel’s Jack Kirby and Stan Lee first created the X-Men comic books in 1963. Centered on a rag-tag group of extraordinary mutant-humans that are loathed by non-mutant humans, the X-Men comics continuously explore themes of discrimination and identity struggles. 

God Loves, Man Kills--showing the prejudice the X-Men face. Source

Though the X-Men represent a diverse group of people (different ages, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, nationalities, and powers), they are all subject to the same exact bigotry and prejudice. However, the reactions of each X-Men to their expected prejudice vary. Through a close examination of the X-Verse, we can see three specific ways in which widespread societal prejudice of a certain group influences identity and self-actualization; the minority individual will either 1. Believe normal society is better, and will attempt to rid themselves of markers that identify them as different, 2. Believe in their superiority to society, and will attempt to destroy those who oppose them, or 3. Believe in their unique worth and importance to society, and attempt to foster wider acceptance and understanding of differences between “normal” and “abnormal” groups.

     1. The Rogues

   Many mutants in the X-Men world choose to conceal the markers that make them “abnormal”. For example, mutants with unnatural hair colors choose to dye their hair, so as not to attract attention to the fact that they are different. Others use technology from the Marvel universe to conceal skin discolorations, or extra body parts that are not easily disguisable by regular human means. (Brewer 144). These strategies never work for long, as the mutants are unable to deny their true natures. Many are disappointed when their covers are blown. They have been brought up in a world that views their differences as abominable, and not useful, and have begun to internalize the social ideal that things that are not “normal” are unwanted. For readers it can be difficult to understand why people who have amazing and unique abilities would choose to hide them. Even some X-Men do not understand why their fellow mutants would not want to be honest about who they are. In the third X-Men movie, The Last Stand, a cure for genetic mutation is discovered that can reverse mutants into regular humans, and Rogue excitedly signs up, while Storm asks why any mutant would be so cowardly to accept the cure (Housel 5). 

Called the "Hope Serum," the cure for mutanism attempts to inspire hope in those who fear mutants. Source

Patrick Hopkins writes in X-Men and Philosophy that the lure of the abnormal, or what some may view as the unique and desirable, is only appealing to those who do not have to worry about the ostracization that is associated with being physically different or limited in popular society. He writes, “there can be great comfort in being normal, even if it is sometimes at the cost of never standing out” (Housel 15). The extreme comfort of normality and fitting in with norms and ideals can be so appealing to ostracized groups that they become increasingly willing to reject all aspects of their individual identity to be accepted. In addition, when continuously told that the very qualities that make an individual who they are are weird or wrong, many believe that rejection of self for normality’s sake can offer them greater happiness than acceptance of self.

2. The Magneto's

            Completely opposite to the view that those who are different are lesser than those who are normal is the belief that those who are different are better than the mainstream. X-Men’s Magneto is the forerunner of this ideology in the X-Verse. He says to Charles Xavier, “We are the future, Charles, not them. They no longer matter” (Housel 99). Magneto cherishes his, and other mutants’, supreme abilities, and considers them to have more to offer than non-mutants. A deeper look into Magneto’s background reveals that he was a victim of the persecution in Nazi concentration camps, and fears that he will later face similar physical persecution at the hands of humans on account of his mutantness (Brewer 143). He also is distrusting of the “mutant cure”, believing it to be a secret attempt to exterminate mutants once and for all, “No one ever talks about it. The just do it… They will force their cure upon us” (Housel 180). Magneto is often the heads a group of mutants who are intent on fighting prejudice with prejudice, and extreme violence with extreme violence throughout the comic books and movies (Housel 216 and Claremont 10). 

Believing himself superior to humans, Magneto seeks to destroy in God Loves, Man Kills. Source

This type of resistance and hostility towards oppressors is not unique to the X-Verse; it is responsible for the Black Panthers creation in opposition to the KKK, and for several extremist political organizations. When prejudice does not decrease individuality, it amplifies it. Rather than creating a sense of self-loathing and dissatisfaction with individuality, continual prejudice can spark resentment and dissatisfaction with society. Within that resentment breeds more hatred and propensity for violence and destruction of mainstream society.

Film Magneto, addressing a mutant who has yet come to terms with his difference from society. Source

3. The Charles Xavier's

            Through Charles Xavier we see the third type of response to widespread societal prejudice: peace and acceptance. Charles does not allow the societies distrust and distaste for him and his fellow mutants to negatively affect his personal feelings of self-worth. In fact, Charles views the extreme prejudice as a simple obstacle in the way of a more accepting future. The original purpose for Xavier to gather the X-Men together at his special school is to teach the mutants how to “foster better relations between mutants and normal people—to be agents of social change” (Housel 143). 

Xavier explains his desire to create a school for mutants. Source

Unlike Rogue and others like her, Xavier does not wish to rid himself of his powers or his unique mutant identity. He believes that he has the capacity to help humankind. Unlike Magneto and other like him, Xavier does not wish to use his powers to exploit or hurt others. Rather Xavier asks, “When an individual acquires great power, the use or misuse of that power is everything. Will it be used for the greater good, or will it be used for personal, or for destructive, ends?” (Housel 209). Charles acknowledges that he possesses something different from what is “normal” (in his case, telepathy and telekinesis), but refuses to get rid of it to conform to society. He views his individuality as a tool that can be used for the greater good. In many ways Xavier represents the ideal sense of individual identity—a unique understanding of his difference, but a love and acceptance of himself all the same, and a strong desire to help others overcome their prejudice through peaceful means.

Xavier continually boosts the moral of other mutants, in an attempt to get them to see things his way. Source

            The X-Men comics have been long regarded for their portrayal of complex social, political, and emotional themes. Because the series is so heavily based on concepts of ostracization and prejudice, they are a source of guidance for those who feel unloved, unappreciated, and unwanted by their own social worlds. Within the comics and movies we see several instances of characters positively and negatively reacting to their prescribed prejudices. It is through the actions of characters like Rogue, Magneto, and Charles Xavier that we better understand how deeply out identity is shaped by the prejudice we receive from others. In turn, we better understand why it prejudging or unfairly excluding certain groups of people because of uncontrollable physical, mental, and emotional characteristics is wrong and damaging to self-worth and the overall societal climate.

Works Cited

Brewer, H. Michael. Who Needs a Superhero? Grand Rapids: Baker, 2004. Print.

Claremont, Chris. God Loves, Man Kills. New York: Marvel Comics Group, 1982. Print. X-Men.

Housel, Rebecca, and J. Jeremy Wisnewski, eds. X-Men and Philosophy: Astonishing Insight and the Uncanny Argument in the Mutant X-Verse. Hoboken: John Wiley and Sons, 2009. Print.