The new Marvel superHERo film Captain Marvel starring Brie Larson is flying into theaters this march, and carries the sobering task of being the Marvel cinematic universes first solo superhero film to be lead by a woman! It also has the large shoes to fill following up on the most excellent film that was 2017’s Wonder Woman. Disney and Captain Marvel star Brie Larson have been tarveling and speaking about the importence of a film like Captain MArvel for women of all ages.
With Brie Larson herself leading the charge in regards to diversity and inclusion when it comes to the reporting of the film. Larson has been an outspoken advocate for women and women’s rights these last few years and hopes that Captain Marvel can be an icon for women to look up to.
With the marketing in full we have seen lots of Captain Marvel merchandise, including toys and clothing. Most of these toys are aimed at younger individuals, which makes this latest toy so disconcerting and uncomfortable.
While the toy of Brie Larson itself is fine, it is the terrible placement of the dolls “Action button” that flies in the face of everything Captain Marvel stands for. The button in question is located in her chest, right on her breasts. In order for one to press the action button, one must “Push” and “Squeeze” on Captain Marvel’s breasts to get the lights and sounds. Now many toys have “Action buttons” that trigger sounds and light, however, most of them are located on the back of a doll or action figure so that it does not get in the way of play. So the question must be asked, who thought in this era when women must deal with objectification on a daily basis that it was appropriate to place the button on Captain Marvel’s breasts, forcing the player to press them every time they want to play the sounds and lights.
Objectification and consent is very important in this modern day, and Captain Marvel’s film is trying to empower women to be in command of themselves, a doll like this sends the wrong message and is disrespectful.