[TheBlueMarvel]

Seeing that "FA" Storm reminds me of how many negative African stereotypes were imbedded in the character (intentional, or not) from the very start. Outside of her long shock of straight white hair and her blue eyes (I still chuckle at that), her introduction as barefoot and topless harkens to some of the worst depictions of native cultures made all too familiar in antiquated tomes like National Geographic.

The tropes don't stop with just her physical appearance, or her liberation from a 'primitive' existence by savior Charles Xavier, but extend to writers retconning her cringe-worthy backstory further to include a past that featured her as a poor orphaned child who was manipulated/trafficked into becoming a street-thief. Now I understand there was some small effort to demonstrate that she came from loving parents, but when you juxtapose those slight nods with the other grating elements, well, it becomes hard to justify.

Funny how a title heralded for its allegories to elements and figures from the American civil rights struggle, with themes revolving around acceptance/tolerance of differences - all of which being true about the X-men - can still represent some ugly silliness at the core of character creation. Now don't misunderstand, I dig Storm very much as a character and have celebrated her throughout the years. However, as a person of color with a sense for both history and perspective, certain things just can't be unseen.

Not bashing, nor am I trying to stir up shit as I'm a firm believer in accepting the pop-culture I've consumed throughout my life warts and all. I'm just expressing a viewpoint that I want better, more organic character creation that doesn't rely on off-putting devices.