The anticipated movie “Supergirl,” recently came out in theaters. Viewers quickly realized the pressing message behind all the fight scenes. Revolving around Supergirl’s theme of “be good”, showing girls they don’t have to be people pleasers to be kind.
Contrary to what society suggests, sometimes doing the right things means upsetting others. Many left the theater pondering on the thought that society still expects girls and boys to express strength in completely different ways.
Last summer “Superman” debuted. David Corenswet’s more comic-accurate portrayal of Superman embraces qualities often dismissed as “too soft” for male heroes. Again, opposed to society’s standards, he pushed the message that boys can be compassionate without being any weaker because of it.
After watching both films, it is clear both are having the same conversation from opposite directions.
The emotional divide
For generations, society has always assigned emotions based on gender. Girls are praised for being patient, accommodating and self-sacrificing, while boys are encouraged to suppress vulnerability, not cry, and always be tough.
We applaud women for being “nice” and men for being “strong,” as if these traits cannot coexist.
We have become so accustomed to these expectations that they almost seem normal. When a woman is angry, she’s seen as being too emotional, dramatic or difficult. But when a man is angry it’s justified, often viewed as confidence and part of his nature. The same double standard exists with vulnerability. If a man is seen crying, he would often be told to man up or say he’s too soft. Whereas if a woman cries, it is brushed off as simply being “in her nature.”
Somewhere along the way, unfair stereotypes were created where anger became masculine while compassion became feminine.
Beyond the labels
That is what makes Supergirl and Superman so refreshing.
Supergirl rejects the idea that women have to be agreeable to be considered good. Kara is introduced as the carefree, party girl cousin, who jumps from planet to planet. But really she’s compassionate, confident and willing to challenge people when she knows something is wrong. She doesn’t just see the good in people, she sees the truth.
The film is a reminder that kindness is not the same as obedience. Women should not have to sacrifice their boundaries or change who they are just to be seen as good people.
At the same time, Superman pushes back against a different stereotype. Corenswet’s Clark Kent is hopeful in a world that constantly questions him. Even when people turn against him, he chooses to stay because he believes in humanity despite its flaws. He is empathetic, emotional and openly cares about the people around him. These are all characteristics that are often labeled as feminine. But rather than treating those qualities as a weakness, the film showcases them as his greatest strength. Neither character abandons strength nor do they stay confined to the boxes society has built for them. They simply redefine what strength looks like.
Off the screen
For years, pop culture has celebrated male heroes who are emotionally distant and praised female heroes who are endlessly nurturing. As if those are the only ways for each gender to exist. Although these portrayals are slowly starting to change, the expectations behind them still exist beyond the screen. Boys are still told not to cry. Girls are still expected to be agreeable. Even as society progresses, we continue assigning emotions to genders as if they naturally belong there.
But emotions have never belonged to just one gender. Compassion is not feminine. Anger is not masculine. Confidence is not aggression and vulnerability is not weakness. They are all just parts of being human.
Emotions are simply human
Both of these films surpass the superhero genre. They are not just stories about defeating villains and saving cities. They challenge the quiet rules many of us grew up believing and blindly followed. Instead of teaching girls to shrink their emotions and boys to hide theirs, we should be teaching everyone the same lesson. To care openly, feel deeply, stand up for yourself and others and embrace every emotion without shame.
Because at the end of the day, emotions don’t belong to one gender over another.
They are simply human.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
