Jimmy Ma

Computer Science Student @ the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I've lived in China, Canada, and the United States and been all over Southeast Asia.

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@ptrckrios @orto4276 @_chrishaynes Comics are generally lower budget and don't get as much publicity so yes they are an effective means of test running a new hero. I think that is why Ms Marvel was made a comic character, to test if the American public would accept such a hero. #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes Now though through the work of Kendrick Lamar and also comics such as Ms marvel I can see how such art forms that I considered as ineffective forms of activism can help to rally certain demographics that have been marginalized in politics #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @JeaLeeENGL3246 However making Ms Marvel a Muslim superhero increases the stakes because many in the united States do have a negative perception of Muslims and therefore the comic is trying to send a message that Muslims can also be the figures of justice that Americans look up to #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @JeaLeeENGL3246 I don't necessarily think that being Muslim is the important aspect, I think any minority group would in general have had the same effect. Superheroes in the US are generally white males with the occasional white female, so it is important to break that trend #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes There were aspects of media that I didn't really know were powerful symbols of activism, so the course introduced me to new aspects of media. Historically I held a negative opinion towards rap music and thought that comics were too condensed to communicate a message #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @annalisaboulder I don't think it is actually encouraging everyone to be their "best self" because I think that implies that people should be striving for perfection. Instead I think it is simply calling for people to be contentious/helpful to others #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @bedtimetoaster I think art and fandom inspires unification because they act as effective symbols that represent a movement. That is why nations all have beautiful crests/flags as something that they can identify and unite around. #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @mide6086 #deets I believe there was an unsanctioned study and a movie based on that study where a teacher created a club at school devoted to himself and what began as fandom became much more dangerous when the teacher tested how far students would go for him. #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @mide6086 art and fandom can empower people because they make us feel like we are part of something greater. This has been shown in psychological studies where people band together for a purpose though this isn't always positive as it has lead to the rise of authoritarian leaders #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #claim The fandom also reflects the principles of Ms Marvel shown in the excerpt where it implies that saving anyone is a heroic action. Therefore the fandom shows that they are all in a way like Ms Marvel, they can all be heroes. #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #claim Like I elaborated on in a previous post Ms Marvel is more of a global hero that represents universal ideals. This image represents the fandom of the comic, which is diverse due to Ms. Marvel's wide appeal. #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes Ms. Marvel is a figure that represents universal principles and can be respected around the world. On the other hand heroes such as Iron Man, Captain America, Hawkeye etc. have ideologies and motivations that don't seem like those of a superhero for many groups. #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @monicapatten_ Many Americans believe the ideal superhero is one that is patriotic and puts American values and interests above all, yet other Americans view the ideal superhero as someone who benefits the whole world and is objective. Due to these conflicts America has no ideal hero #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @monicapatten_ There are superheroes everywhere for every culture, after all current superheroes who are mortals with powers mirror pagan gods very closely. The relationship between American and the ideal superhero is mixed... #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #synth the concept of modern superheroes remind me a lot of ancient gods such as the norse and roman gods. They are all ideal figures that we are supposed to live up to but instead of worship we realize modern superheroes are fake and follow them for entertainment #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes @melCUboulder I don't believe it is an ideal we can live up to, there is no way to always get the perfect results like a superhero and consistently save the day. Humans have dilemmas and need to make decisions that will hurt certain people/groups. However it is a good ideal to pursue #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #synth From this excerpt I believe Ms Marvel is similar to Captain America in mindset (more heroic and not as "flawed" as other heroes). Yet they also represent different values. Captain America is a patriotic figure and defends the USA yet Ms Marvel is a global figure #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #deets Human are generally willing to call those who kill heroes, after all post war we honor those who have the most kills as heroes of their respective countries (aka hero of the Soviet Union). Yet we associate superheroes with nonviolence, which I find to be strange #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #claim the segment captures the essence of a superhero by saying that every life taken is a tragedy (superheroes don't use lethal force) but every life saved is monumentous (save as many lives as you can) all of which are core superhero principles #engl3246

[Jimmy Ma @P_Jim2]

@_chrishaynes #claim the quoting of the Quran signals inclusion due to the negative perception that many have towards muslims and the view that muslims are "violent". Therefore it is inclusion because a marginalized group is in a role that many don't associate with the group #engl3246