#im sorry if this was messily written its 6 am and i aint sleeped yet

[snikt111]

adding my words here because this is something i’ve been thinking a lot about for months; to the point where i adamantly ranted and explained the concept to my mother.

it’s not even just race science type of vibe like op said. they’re so right about pointing out the comparison with autism!! it is straight up eugenics based ideology. the xmen are a metaphor in for oppressed groups as a whole, with what oppressed group being specifically talked about depending on the character and the interpretation and narrative. they are not based off a set minority group or type or oppressed peoples— they are a metaphor for all of us. with that being said, it isn’t just racial science that comes into play with the “one gene makes these people non human”, its also extremely ableist ideals.

the canon cause of mutants is one thing and one thing only: the x-gene, a gene that is often passed down in families, but can sometimes appear randomly in a bloodline due to random mutation in the womb. (far enough back in families that have the x-gene commonly seen in them, you’ll still get the random mutation in the womb.) i think its super important to note that this gene is the ONLY difference between “normal humans” and mutants.

genes, by dictionary definition, are such: a unit of heredity which is transferred from a parent to offspring and is held to determine some characteristic of the offspring. within marvel canon, the x-gene fits that description— it is a gene that alters other genes in a remarkable way not otherwise seen in other medical conditions relating to genes. the x-gene is supposedly a scientific anomaly to such a degree that it isn’t just considered a just gene abnormality, but fully heightened evolution. one of the reasons the x-gene differs so much from what is considered gene abnormalities is that it grants “superhuman abilities” (in most, but not all cases) and because the x-gene never presents itself exactly the same, even in clones.

but besides that. we exist in the real world as people with (hopefully) reading comprehension and rhe ability to understand ignorance and the bases meanings of the x-men story.

by signifying that mutants aren’t human, you’re quite literally (and i seriouslt have to make this clear bc it’s just how it’s written— the mutants are metaphors for oppressed and mistreated groups) implying that people with genetics or appearances or traits or any other unchangable fact of themselves that “differ from the norm” are less than human.

and i think you (general you, not directed at op or anything) have a responsibility as the reader and consumer (or even writer, half the damn time) of this narrative to see it from a critical perspective. by believing the mutants aren’t human, as a writer or consumer, you are OBJECTIVELY FURTHERING THE IDEOLOGY OF THE IN CANON OPPRESSORS AND ANTAGONISTS OF THE ENTIRE X-MEN COMICS. YOU ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THE OTHERING OF OPPRESSED PEOPLES, THE FEAR FACTOR WHICH FURTHERS THAT OTHERING, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT THE WHOLE PREMISE OF THE X-MEN IS TRYING TO BATTLE.

the x-men is about dehumanization, identity politics, systemic and continual oppression. i cannot say it loud enough that half of yall “fans (and writers who cant fully understand what they’re implying in their own narrative)” are literally doing the exact opposite of what this iconic team stands for

all of this being said i would like to make a note that i think, when written and framed properly within the narrative, a mutant feeling a disconnect from humanity and considering themselves as non human in a social sense, in a relatively healthy way (or at least written with the care of handling bigotry and the effects it has on people) is totally okay. a well written, well researched story on how systemically oppressed groups can have trouble with their idenity as part of the majority or connection with humantiy is interestinf and a good topic that fits the xmen. but like i said. that doesnt mean your thoughts, as the writer or reader, should be agreeing with the characters themselves.

Have I talked about how much I hate "Mutants aren't human, they're their own species" stuff here? Because I hate it. I hate it so much.