Thread by @AdielGavish

.@MohamedDiab678 and Layla’s Arab & Egyptian identity were taken into account and honored because representation matters. Oscar Isaac’s Guatemalan heritage was taken into account & honored because it matters. Why didn’t Marc Spector’s Jewish identity matter?#MoonKnight @Marvel

Representation matters. Inclusion matters. Why was the main character’s Jewish character arc all but erased? One shiva scene with a Yarmulke thrown on the floor do not provide context to Marc becoming the Fist of Khonchu. (And no, it wasn’t “just” because he was dying).

Oscar Isaac’s Guatemalan roots were taken into account and honored in the series because representation matters. We can all agree that this is beautiful, right?
#MoonKnight

https://twitter.com/oscarisaacinfo/status/1525153931428515845?s=21&t=8_qPMTPAVr_9mTbi--7jUQ

The character of Layla was created for the express purpose of rep. She was played by an Egyptian-Palestinian actress which is clearly v important. We all agree the moment she shared w/ a young girl asking if she was an Egyptian superhero was profound.

https://twitter.com/mohameddiab678/status/1522019765581082624?s=21&t=8_qPMTPAVr_9mTbi--7jUQ

#MarcSpector rationalized violence in defense of those who are weaker and cannot defend themselves because of his Jewish heritage. That part of his character transcends time. His Jewish ancestry are important here, because Jews have been persecuted for thousands of years and…

Because he saw his father be attacked and another rabbi attacked by neo-Nazis. These elements are crucial to his character arc and storyline.

Marc rescues a Rabbi fleeing a burning synagogue, finds the neo-Nazis responsible & says…

“I belong with the decent & innocent folk who can’t find a moment’s peace, not in the streets, not in their own homes so long as punks like you terrorize them. I belong with the persecuted.”

How and why was this omitted from his journey in the series?

Why does representation matter for everyone except for the Jewish people? An ancient tribe or tribes. With an over 4,000 year history.

“#MarcSpector is the son of a rabbi who fled Czechoslovakia for Chicago. Spector’s Jewishness is an important part of his character, not only informing casual personality traits, but adding depth and richness to his stories.”

…His Judaism is a reflection of his creators and the context they wove into his expanding mythology.”

ign.com/articles/moon-…

“We lost our homes, our land, we were enslaved, and then escaped out into the desert. And from then up till now, we took our licks from practically everyone.”

His Jewish ancestry and heritage are central to his character arc and storyline. It was all but erased in this series.

But when we ask for inclusion and representation, we are met with excuses.

https://twitter.com/rawbertbeef/status/1519235596102914048?s=21&t=8_qPMTPAVr_9mTbi--7jUQ

Instead, we accept breadcrumbs…

https://twitter.com/bluewoodkitty/status/1519358944975724544?s=21&t=8_qPMTPAVr_9mTbi--7jUQ

This is not a commentary on #OscarIsaac’s performance. Clearly he is a stellar actor & artist (and member of “the tribe” by patrilineal descent). There is hypocrisy in the way in which the writers, producers, directors, and actors emphasize inclusion for all— except for the Jews.

“We ended up re-understanding the character just from a character level.” How can that not include fighting antisemitism and that leading to his rationalization of avenging those who have been harmed?

So much thought was put into this series & I enjoyed it very much.
However, one people’s inclusion should not be predicated upon the erasure of another. Especially when our story matters. Especially when our story is worth telling.

@moonknight #MoonKnight @Marvel @MarvelStudios

Maybe one day there will be a Marvel character of Jewish ancestry and descent who’s story will be told. Who’s heritage will be taken into account and honored. Maybe one day an Egyptian superhero will read ancient Hebrew texts.

Maybe one day @Marvel will invest millions of dollars, construct vast, detailed, and historically accurate sets, and hire great actors to tell a story about a Jewish Superhero who swore to protect the travelers of the night and bring vengeance to those who would do them harm?

Maybe one day that Jewish Superhero will wear a remarkable and beautifully constructed suit that prominently features the Magen David, the Hamsa, the evil eye, and other Judean symbols that are thousands of years old?

And maybe that character’s name will be Marc Spector.

@threadreaderapp unroll please.