The Batman Comes Under Criticism for Insensitive Scene
I'm Hoping For A Batman
I’m half Asian and my mom has been assaulted verbally and physically in public. I actually took the opposite pov…I wish someone had intervened (white or otherwise) when my mom was by herself being cussed at by groups of people…heroes are meant to stand up for the bullied.
— Andrew (@BABAADOOAB) March 7, 2022
Some viewers saw Batman's intervening as the sort of fantasy wish-fulfillment the character is based in: A shadowy guardian angel in the night.
prevnextThat's The Choice?
That’s the only role for one yeah? And THAT’S their choice for representation? Seems a bit yikes. Don’t you think?
— thisisappa (@appacuseme) March 7, 2022
Here's a prime sampling of the divide in opinion here: some see the Asian man's scene in The Batman as representation – others question why that particular depiction would be what is ostensibly the only Asian character role in the whole film.
prevnextThis Wasn't Made In A Bubble
Were going on at this time as well as irresponsible blame towards Asians about covid. I was just happy he wasn’t actually struck. SMH.
— Hugo R. (@harosa) March 7, 2022
This viewer correctly points out that The Batman was made in the crucible of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting increase in Asian hate crimes it inspired. Did this subtext of this scene not resonate with those changing times?
prevnextIt Was Heroic
I would also say that I disagree with your interpretation of that scene. What’s wrong with what Batman did there? Those were horrific thugs, and Batman’s intervention was heroic. Are you saying the film is condemning Batman’s actions there? I do not see that at all.
— Ez Konigs (@EzKonigs) March 7, 2022
Some viewers simply view a scene of Batman saving a Gotham citizen from being horribly murdered as being classic heroism.
prevnextReal Life With Benefits
Taking a real life scenario but adding a protector. Surely it makes it more grounded and real. If The Batman wasn’t there he would have been severely beaten.
— Adam Lambie (@adamlambie) March 7, 2022
I agree with your thought.
Others are going so far as to argue that Matt Reeves is in fact speaking to real-life struggles of the Asian community by depicting the threat they're under – within the more comforting framework of superhero fantasy.
prevnextIt Definitely Stood Out
If the film had several Asian characters then it might not be as noticeable.
On the whole, this is one of the only things that didn’t sit right with me about the movie.
— Peterson W Hill (@petersonwhill) March 7, 2022
Others came away from The Batman feeling like there was more subtext to that sequence – that the race of the man on the train was a big (if unspoken) factor in the gang's choice to target him. At the same time, it being the ONLY Asian presence in the movie made it awkwardly distinguishable.
prevnextTotal Cringe
That moment def felt a little cringe and its probably an unfortunate mixture of the scene was already shot and they couldn't retool it but it did feel unfortunately too timely with all the violence towards asian Americans. couldn't unthink about that during that scene.
— Dan Hacker (@danhacker) March 7, 2022
Even fans who understand why Matt Reeves and co. may not have altered the scene still feel the cringe of it all.
prevnextMy One Negative
I found the scene to be VERY triggering given the current state of safety for AAPI people in cities. I know the film started almost 3 yrs ago & I hoped they filmed b4 the rise, but then thought about how they didn't add more in editing or additional filming, it was my 1 negative
— Kevin Harrigan (@kjh11222) March 7, 2022
Really? The ONLY one? Okay.
The Batman is now in theaters.
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