When you think of Aquaman, what image comes to your mind? You might imagine that he looks like the traditional superhero: tall, thin and blonde with a bright orange one-piece suit. Now, what if I told you Aquaman has long, black, wavy hair, a body reminiscent of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s and is loaded with tattoos. You’d probably think I’m crazy. The truth is that DC Comics created a new version of Arthur Curry (aka Aquaman) with the actor Jason Momoa taking on the role.
Momoa portrays Aquaman very differently from the traditional superhero. In the latest film, the hero appears openly embracing his flaws and emotions; he shows his fears and isn’t afraid to acknowledge them. Aquaman isn’t a “perfect” hero. He shows up at his best but also at his worst, and goes through his ups and downs throughout the film. Curry tries to give his heart, even at times when he has nothing left to give, which makes his persona beautiful. A major characteristic of Aquaman is his sensitivity. During the movie, he exhibits distress as he cries, and this human quality touches our hearts. In today’s society, young boys are taught to be tough, not to be a cry baby and bottle up their emotions. This version of the superhero shows how to openly emote and not “mask” what we are going through, whether it be bad or good. He is a role model for the youth of all ethnicities and walks of life.
When people talk about superheroes, people usually talk about Captain America, Ironman or Batman but you rarely talk about a ethnic superhero. That’s why it’s important for the youth to see heroes of different ethnicities, to say, “Hey, they look like me.” This gives those kids a chance to relate and have hope. These new movies that are coming out, such as Aquaman and Wonder Woman, show kids powerful role models and leaders. Superheroes are not just a bunch of cartoons or simply movies, but a symbol of how to be a “super” person. When you talk about superheroes, people usually talk about Captain America, Ironman or Batman but you rarely talk about a black or brown superhero. That’s why it’s important for the youth to see heroes of different ethnicities, to say, “Hey, he looks like me.” This gives those kids a chance to relate and have hope. These new movies that are coming out, such as Aquaman and Black Panther, show kids a role model and leader. Most kids of minority backgrounds have this conception of “Black, Brown” males as a negative component in their lives because they might have absent fathers. Superheroes are not just a bunch of cartoons or simply movies, but a symbol of how to be a “super” man.