The Significance of Cultural Inclusion: A Look at a Potential Sikh Captain America Character in the Comic Book Realm
Unfiltered Article
Captain America rocks a beard and a turban, and he's not even white.
Meet Vishavjit Singh, a self-proclaimed Sikh Captain America. When a young kid told Singh that a real Captain America wouldn't wear a beard and a turban, Singh didn't take it as an offense. Instead, he saw it as an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and educate the next generation.
In a world where the representation of non-Abrahamic religions and spiritual traditions in mainstream comics is scarce and often inaccurate, Singh's crusade for inclusivity and authenticity is a refreshing departure. The attacks of Sept 11, 2001, triggered hate crimes targeting Sikhs, and Singh, who had faced discrimination for much of his life, decided to channel his love for comics and superheroes to spread a message of kindness and inclusion.
Enter the scene: Captain Sikh America.
Suiting up for the first time in Manhattan in summer 2013, Singh found instant acceptance. Strangers hugged him, police officers wanted photos, and a couple even asked him to be part of their wedding ceremony. But this recognition came with a sense of responsibility that Singh embraced wholeheartedly. He now dedicates his time to educating youth about Sikh culture and values, focusing on equality, justice, and the universal light present in every speck of creation.
Meanwhile, the landscape of comics has begun to change. Marvel's Black Panther brought a more authentic representation of Africana religions to the scene, but characters like Brother Voodoo, created in the 1970s, were the pioneers in this space. Haitian American comic book writer Greg Anderson Elyseé is dedicated to shining a spotlight on Black mythology, deities, and spirituality, hoping to challenge the colonialist narratives that have long demonized Indigenous spiritual practices.
Journeying through the pages of comics, one finds echoes of religious traditions from far and wide. Zen philosophy has infiltrated the works of John Porcellino, a comic book artist who has been creating and self-publishing his mini-comic series, King-Cat Comics and Stories, for over three decades. Porcellino, who found solace in Buddhism during a period of intense mental suffering, views his comics as a healing presence in his life, a tool to help ground him during difficult times.
In an industry that has long overlooked the rich tapestry of global religious traditions, the evolution towards a more culturally diverse and inclusive space is long overdue. And with characters like Captain Sikh America at the forefront, the journey towards greater representation continues.
- Vishavjit Singh, often referred to as the Sikh Captain America, utilizes his time to educate youth about Sikh culture and values, focusing on equality, justice, and the universal light in a world where representation of non-Abrahamic religions is scarce and often inaccurate.
- In the changing landscape of comics, Marvel's Black Panther promotes a more authentic representation of Africana religions, but characters like Brother Voodoo, created in the 1970s, were pioneers in this space.
- Greg Anderson Elyseé, a Haitian American comic book writer, is dedicated to highlighting Black mythology, deities, and spirituality, aiming to challenge the colonialist narratives that have long demonized Indigenous spiritual practices.
- Zen philosophy can be found in the works of John Porcellino, a comic book artist who has been creating and self-publishing his mini-comic series, King-Cat Comics and Stories, for over three decades.
- With characters like Captain Sikh America leading the way, the evolution towards a more culturally diverse and inclusive comic book industry, long overlooked in terms of global religious traditions, is long overdue.
