Popular right-wing political commentator Benny Johnson has recently come under fire from DC fans after he posted an AI-generated video of himself as Batman. Here, we can see him playing the role of the Caped Crusader and beating up an illegal Latin immigrant.
Unreleased footage of my weekend with ICE in Chicago… pic.twitter.com/AOkblhh7Kg
This has prompted many from the fandom to urge DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn to come in and take legal action against Johnson. The fans say that the video’s context is highly tasteless, as well as highly defamatory towards the character itself.
Benny Johnson’s Batman Video Is Defaming a Beloved Character, Says the Fandom
With the tumultuous times in the Donald Trump administration that the US finds itself in, many political influencers and even politicians have their ways of getting their points across. But it seems like in Benny Johnson’s case, his method of relaying his belief in the deportation of illegal immigrants had the opposite effect.
Since the Caped Crusader is often depicted as the harbinger of justice and order, this AI-generated video of him beating up an immigrant just because he’s illegal has struck a nerve with many die-hards of the superhero. Not to mention, Batman is one of the biggest IPs of DC and Warner Bros., which, through this video, is being defamed.
Thus, fans online are urging DC Studios and its parent company to take action against Johnson’s video.
.@DCOfficial call up the lawyers! https://t.co/0CWCVdIVgA
@DCOfficial
Hey guys, y'all cool with this garbage? Batman attacking the innocent? Maybe you wanna sue?
// Unreleased footage of my weekend with ICE in Chicago… //
Dressing up as Batman to beat up an immigrant isn't satire, it's dehumanizing, dangerous, and deeply irresponsible. If you feel the need to mock or attack the vulnerable for likes, maybe it’s time to ask what that says…
https://t.co/4lUAukKtDX https://t.co/tasTazeoH6
While people like Benny Johnson are blaming the illegal immigrants for many problems that the US faces, stars like Mark Ruffalo are claiming immigrants aren’t the problem, but US billionaires are. As for any updates about this video, we will have to wait and see if WB and DC Studios do anything about it or not.
How Fictional Characters Represent Ideologies and Beliefs Among the Populace
One of the reasons people start associating the happenings of the world with fictional characters and scenarios is due to their relatability with the real world. Fictional characters representing real human values and going up against fictional odds that represent actual struggles are something that people can connect to on a deeper level.
Precisely why the Jolly Roger of the Straw Hat Pirates from One Piece was used as a symbol of overthrowing the Nepalese government, which was said to be suppressive and unjust.
Since the entire theme of the anime is related to freedom and adventure, with the World Government being a flawed body of maintaining law and order, people connected to it when they felt it for themselves. Accordingly, Superman is seen as the symbol of hope and order, which is why he’s a symbol of the people for unity.
Therefore, fictional characters have the power to invoke a sense of sentiment and emotion in a person through their stories.
What are your thoughts on the actions of Benny Johnson? Tell us in the comments below.
