Decoded Season 2 Episode 3 Can You Name 7 Superheroes of Color?

In season 2 episode 3 of Decoded titled "Can You Name 7 Superheroes of Color?" the hosts are joined by a guest, The Black List founder Franklin Leonard, to investigate the representation of people of color in superhero media. The episode kicks off with an exploration of the first black superhero to appear in mainstream comic books, Black Panther, and how he has paved the way for other superheroes of color.

Throughout the episode, the hosts delve into the lack of representation of people of color in the superhero genre, examining how the vast majority of superheroes portrayed in comic books and on the big screen are white. They discuss the impact this has on young people of color who are fans of the genre, and the importance of having superheroes who they can see themselves in.

Leonard shares his experiences as a black man working in Hollywood, discussing the challenges of getting diverse stories told and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. The hosts also discuss the recent success of Black Panther at the box office and the impact it had on audiences around the world.

To test their own knowledge of superheroes of color, the hosts participate in a quiz where they are challenged to name seven superheroes of color. They quickly discover that they struggle to come up with a list of diverse superheroes, highlighting the lack of representation in the genre.

The episode also explores how superheroes are often used to address social issues, with the hosts discussing how Wonder Woman was used as a symbol of female empowerment during World War II, and how the X-Men were created as a metaphor for the civil rights movement. This leads to a discussion about how superheroes of color can be used as a tool for social change.

Overall, "Can You Name 7 Superheroes of Color?" is an insightful and thought-provoking episode that brings attention to the lack of diversity in the superhero genre. The hosts and Franklin Leonard offer compelling arguments for why representation matters and highlight the importance of diverse voices in Hollywood. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of media, race, and representation.