Good News! Captain Marvel is NOT a Feminist Manifesto

If you’ve been avoiding Captain Marvel because you’re expecting to be thoroughly evangelized by the Church of Feminism, you can kindly stop that now. I know certain comments by the cast have caused an uproar and the liberal media is fawning over the film as if it’s their “precious”, but there’s really nothing to be concerned about. It’s honestly not a feminist film.

Well, if you define “feminism” in its actual definition of “equality”, then it is. If all you’ve been exposed to is modern third wave feminism where men are oppressing us with their toxic masculinity and no accountability can be placed on women at all, this definitely isn’t one of those films.

Carol Danvers is a strong, independent woman that has spent her life bucking against the trend. She’s got not quit in her. It didn’t matter if she were too small, too weak, or literally not allowed because she’s a woman; she never let any of that shut her down. She pushed on and fought. And during a pivotal part of the film, when the writers could have taken the time to push an “I am woman, hear me roar” moment, they decided to wisely praise the achievement of the human spirit.

Heroes should fight to do the right thing because it’s right, and they should never give up. It shouldn’t matter if your kid learns that from Captain Marvel or Captain America.

Were there some obnoxious men in the movie? Yeah, and there are also obnoxious men in the world. A dose of reality shouldn’t drag your movie experience down, even if it’s in a superhero film. Yes, Carol had a dysfunctional relationship with her father and her friend is a single mother (and that backstory wasn’t explained, so don’t judge), but there’s also an example of a nuclear family with a father that would do anything for his family.

Did men take the backseat? Well, Carol Danvers was clearly the star and her powers are off the charts, but men had their time to shine. Fury was an important ally for her, and plenty of people wanted to see a young Agent Coulson. There were other male characters that were aides and obstacles. The most generous male contribution took place in the writing process, because many of the more interesting elements to Carol are actually based around the original Captain Marvel, who was a defective Kree solider.

Truth be told, it was never really shown that Carol could compete with the boys or do physically what they could, but her strength and advantage came from her own willpower, bravery, and strong desire to do good. Fate and chance then gifted her with powers to match the strength of character she already possessed. Once she genuinely embraced herself, (emotions and all) she was unstoppable.

The important elements of Captain Marvel that I’d like everyone to take away is the destruction of the concept that someone has to give you something. You have to be strong within yourself and always push to the next level. Second, nobody can take what they didn’t give you. Third, don’t waste unnecessary energy trying to prove yourself to people that don’t matter. And lastly, don’t let anyone psyche you out of who you are or who you’re meant to be.

I feel like that’s really a lost concept on the generation of today. But, hey! It was a period piece.