Marvel Receives Backlash For Introducing Israeli Character “Sabra”
The title of the figure serves as a chilling allusion to the 1982 Sabra and Shatila massacre, which claimed the lives of thousands of Muslims.
After revealing that it will revive the Israeli character Sabra, a racist and anti-Palestine figure featured in 1980s Hulk comics, Marvel has sparked outrage across the globe.
The news that Israeli superhero Sabra, who Israeli actress Shira Haas will portray, will make her Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance in the forthcoming Marvel movie “Captain America: New World Order” was revealed at the D23 Expo over the weekend, which sparked a backlash from online users.
Even though the term “Sabra” pertains to a Jew born in Israel, several social media users criticised the news on Twitter and TikTok, claiming the pseudonym was offensive in light of the 1982 Sabra and Shatila slaughter.
On September 16, 1982, Israeli troops who had penetrated Lebanon three months prior watched as Lebanese Christian militiamen began a 36-hour mass killing of Muslim men, women, and children that resulted in hundreds of deaths. The slaughter took place in the Sabra neighbourhood of Beirut and near the area of the Shatila refugee camp.
Some individuals on social media are questioning the superhero’s identity in the context of the incident.
https://twitter.com/jimzawiya/status/1569049947064135681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1569049947064135681%7Ctwgr%5E63e82c6f6dcea49e882eadb5b59ee462eecbb13a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.dawn.com%2Fnews%2F1190846
While some Twitter users maintained that the character’s name was Sabra well before the tragedy, others stated that it may have been altered because it now serves as a reflection of a traumatic past. Additionally, considering that the persona is being launched into the cinematic world more than 40 years after it was first developed, a more sophisticated strategy that didn’t take such a strong political view would have been possible.
It’s troubling because her entire character is anti-Palestinian. She works with Mossad, a security organisation, in addition to the Israeli police. Her abilities are also seen as a tool to harm Palestinians and Arabs specifically, whose dignity she finds difficult to acknowledge.
Internet users have only recently applauded Marvel for including a Muslim lead in Ms Marvel, but now, in their opinion, the company is turning around.
About Us:
Runway Pakistan is a complete solution provider for all your marketing communications-related requirements. The ultimate hub of infotainment – Runway composes of all the key offerings – Monthly Print Magazine, Digital Magazine, Media Production, Creative Agency, PR Agency, and Marketing Consultancy that a brand needs to be seen, heard, and known!
Like and follow our Facebook page:
Read our previous article: