X-Men and the lie of diversity.

When people say that the X-Men are a good example of a franchise focusing on minority and marginalized groups, I agree—but only if you’re white.

I’ve noticed a long-standing issue with this franchise: the illusion of inclusion and diversity. Sure, you have characters like Storm, Bishop, Forge, Sunspot, and Jubilee, but the problem is that they exist merely to tick the diversity box for the team.

When we consider the experience of being a mutant of color in the X-Men universe, it’s virtually non-existent; the narrative focuses almost entirely on white characters, who invariably step up as the saviors. Do writers do this to prioritize their personal favorites, or does Marvel demand they prioritize the characters who sell the most comics? I honestly don't know.

A recent example involves a comic where Ms. Marvel discusses mutants with Emma Frost. Emma claims that being a mutant is more dangerous than being a Muslim woman of color in Western society. Prejudice against mutants is treated as the ultimate issue—and this conversation took place between Emma Frost (a beautiful white woman who, even without her mutant powers, wouldn't be feared) and Ms. Marvel (who could still face persecution simply for being a Muslim woman of color).