Name: Bring on the female superheroes!
Uploaded: 2016-08-30T15:00:57Z
Duration: 15 min 38 s
Description: Why is it so hard to find female superhero merchandise? In this passionate, sparkling talk, media studies scholar (and father of a Star Wars-obsessed daughter) Christopher Bell addresses the alarming lack of female superheroes in the toys and products marketed to kids -- and what it means for how we teach them about the world.

Christopher Bell: Bring on the female superheroes!

Bring on the female superheroes!

Why is it so hard to find female superhero merchandise? In this passionate, sparkling talk, media studies scholar (and father of a Star Wars-obsessed daughter) Christopher Bell addresses the alarming lack of female superheroes in the toys and products marketed to kids -- and what it means for how we teach them about the world.

Media companies dominate which stories and characters reach children, often sidelining female superheroes. Despite the presence of strong female characters like Gamora and Black Widow, merchandise and costumes overwhelmingly feature male heroes. A girl can be a Star Wars Jedi or comic book fan, yet rarely finds products that reflect her heroes. This imbalance teaches kids, through toys and media, who is valued and who is invisible.