Who approved these ridiculously sexist “Avengers” T-shirts?

[redqueen]

Apparently Marvel thinks boys are heroes, and girls need heroes.

http://feministing.com/2013/04/15/who-approved-these-ridiculously-sexist-avengers-t-shirts/

And depressingly, I'm sure many people don't even get why this is a problem.

Or others who do see its a problem would simply rather women shut up about it.

[sufrommich]

1. Boys- "Be a hero", Girls- "I need a hero".

Who could have a problem with that? Cue the "why are you so touchy" and "where's your sense of humor" comments that will inevitably follow in the articles comments section.

[redqueen]

2. Yeah.

I got raked over the coals in GD back in the day for pointing out that comments like 'you throw like a girl' were hurtful.

People seem completely oblivious to all the messages that girls get which inform them that they're 'less than'... then when girls grow up and say things like 'I'm not like other girls' or 'I get along with boys better' or in some other way demonstrate their self-hatred, people act oh-so-surprised. WTF...

[gaspee]

3. Disgusting

How anyone could think this is a good idea is beyond me. Well, maybe if they like the whole - keep them dependent and helpless thing. A lot of men like that.

[seabeyond]

4. it hurts men, a lot. really? ya. lets be selfish

and look at it from a mans perspective. having to be the hero.

he is not trusting the woman. she is incapable. ect... bad for relationship and his health. more pressure. more expectation.

not needed. so it is a waste of time.

bad all around.

[redqueen]

5. Yeah, the negative is the pressure.

Some still try to spin it as an intrinsically male characteristic, ignorantly avoiding any deeper reflection.
'Masculinity good! Men heroes and protectors! Look! Admire heroic actions!'
(we need a wanking smiley)

[seabeyond]

6. lol lol. goodness,

do we ever.

(we need a wanking smiley)

[ismnotwasm]

7. Women in the comic world are fighting things like this

Therefore receiving death threats, rape threats, hate mail on-line stalking--the usual round of responses. Not this specific example, but it's yet another male dominated arena where women are entering in numbers, taking a look around and saying "what the fuck is this shit?"

[redqueen]

8. *ahem*

Ladies...

http://www.missrepresentation.org/media/nbi/disney-store-removes-i-need-a-hero-shirt-in-response-to-notbuyingit-petition/

[MadrasT]

9. Just saw that on Facebook.

[redqueen]

10. Still more to do...

Though they continue to sell the “Be a Hero” t-shirt only for boys (and a “I Only Kiss Heroes” t-shirt just for women) the removal of one t-shirt is significant in that it shows our voices are being heard. And that when we come together to talk back to sexist media we have tremendous power to influence change.

But yeah...