Marvel’s New Superhero “Blue Ear” Created for Deaf Boy

[kestrell]

Kes: It would be great to find more stories like this, perhaps with people creating their own superheroes with disabilities.

From the Daily Bits Web site
http://www.dailybits.com/marvels-new-superhero-blue-ear-created-deaf-boy/#more-6625

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Anthony Smith is a four-year-old boy who has medical conditions, including total deafness in his right ear and some hearing loss in his left. He has been using a hearing aid, but as things go with little boys, he just suddenly didn’t want to wear the device anymore.

His reason?
Superheroes do not wear hearing aids.

Parenting perspectives aside, how do you argue with a little kid about superheroes not wearing hearing aids?

Fortunately, Anthony’s mom seems to be quick on the ball. After hearing her son reason his way out of wearing his hearing aid, she got in touch with the guys at Marvel Comics via e-mail. To be honest, I am actually surprised that they got back to her. Just imagine the volume of e-mails they must receive!

In any case, the Marvel’s response is brilliant. They sent back an image of Hawkeye, who suffers from 80% hearing loss. This was in reply to Anthony’s mom asking for an example of a superhero who uses a hearing aid.

It gets better. Marvel created a new superhero just for Anthony. They call him Blue Ear, and guess what? He is named after Anthony’s hearing aid, Blue Ear.
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Comments

[capri0mni]

True, that. And one reason why (partly in jest) I've decided to start referring to crutches as "hand ladders;" after all, people have no trouble using the assistive technology of ladders as a positive metaphor for getting over a hurdle to some better place, but gods forbid anyone is caught using something as a crutch!

...But just from a tech point of view, crutches and ladders are really quite alike...

[kestrell]

Hey, I will be adopting that terminology! Actually, one of the reasons I love my white cane is that it helps me feel more balanced. Boston has a lot of uneven footing, and the curb height can vary widely, so it is often difficult to calculate how far down a step is going to be. Also, have you ever noticed how some people use the bottom step to make up for poor calculations, witht he result that it is a totally different height? You don't have a mobility impairment to appreciate having a third leg.

Also, I like to point out that it was using a cane which probably accounts for Oedipus solving the Sphinx's riddle. Can't you just see him, saying "No, no! don't tell me!" *tap tap tap* Three legs, three legs.... *tap tap* *double take* Wait a minute..."

[capri0mni]

Hooray! Cultural shifts in language happen so much more smoothly when more than one person takes part.

As for stairs, I'd often noticed the "Watch your step" signs at the bottom of them, but as I can't use steps at all, I usually don't notice subtle differences between them, beyond: "Oh, Yay (by which I mean "Boo")! A Barrier!"

I hadn't noticed that, about Oedipus; it has been so long since I read that portion of Greek myth, and back then, I was not yet conscious of Disability as a Literary and Cultural Thing. So thanks for reminding me -- I will now include Oedipus in my stable of figures for my "Plato's Nightmare / Aesop's Dream" Blog.