Wonder Woman – envoy no more
OOPS, it looks like there are some things even superheroes can’t overcome; like the public outcry against a sexy costume and history of violence that led to Wonder Woman being “fired” from her role as an Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls.
According to wire reports, UN head of press and external relations Rheal LeBlanc said in a statement that Wonder Woman’s appointment will end this week, less than two months she was given the role.
The DC superhero was appointed during a major ceremony that included actresses Lynda Carter (who played Wonder Woman in the 1970s TV series) and Gal Gadot (who plays the character in next year’s Wonder Woman movie).
However, the move was heavily criticised by those who feel that a Western superhero in a skimpy costume and with a penchant for violence was hardly the best role model for women. An online petition against the appointment drew more than 40,000 signatures.
The role of Honorary Ambassador is usually given to fictional characters; for instance, in 1998, Winnie the Pooh was chosen to be the Honorary Ambasador of Friendship. In a report by The Associated Press, UN spokesman Jeffrey A. Brez said that this sort of campaign usually doesn’t last more than a few months, and that the campaign was “ending because it’s ending”.
Created by Charles Moulton and H.G. Peter, Wonder Woman made her debut in 1942’s Sensation Comics and went on to become one of DC’s top “Trinity” of characters (together with Superman and Batman), as well as one of the most iconic female superheroes of all time.
Gadot played the character in this year’s Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, and will reprise the role in next year’s solo Wonder Woman movie as well as Justice League.
– Michael Cheang