Wonder Woman
Did you know that the creator of Wonder Woman was William Moulton Marston? This is interesting really so bear with me a minute! During the l940's he was an educational consultant for Detective Comics, Inc. (DC Comics). Seeing that the comic line was filled with male heroes, and images (Batman, Superman, etc.), he was left wondering why there was not a female hero. Max Gaines, then head of DC Comics, was intrigued by the concept and told Marston that he could create a female comic book hero - a "Wonder Woman."
Another tid-bit: Marston was the creator of the systolic blood-pressure test, which led to the creation of the polygraph (lie detector). Because of his discovery, Marston was convinced that women were more honest and reliable than men and could work faster and more accurately. During his life time, Marston championed the causes of women.
In a 1943 issue of The American Scholar, Marston said: “Not even girls want to be girls so long as our feminine archetype lacks force, strength, and power, Not wanting to be girls, they don't want to be tender, submissive, peace-loving as good women are. Women's strong qualities have become despised because of their weakness. The obvious remedy is to create a feminine character with all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman.” He designed Wonder Woman during the women’s movement to reflect his conception of an empowered independent female character.
Next, Wonder Woman's powers and traditional costume were restored in 1973. Gloria Steinem was a key player in the restoration. Steinem, offended that the most famous female super heroine had been de-powered, placed Wonder Woman (in her original costume) on the cover of the first issue of Ms. Magazine (1972), which also contained an appreciative essay about the character. Again in 1997 Wonder Woman made the front cover of Ms. Magazine. Just listen to the words of the theme song:
The last tid-bit: In most adaptations, Wonder Woman is Princess Diana of the all-female Amazon warrior tribe, based on Greek mythology. "Diana" being the Roman name for the Greek goddess Artemis on whom the character is based. The Amazon ambassador to the larger world, Diana was awarded several gifts by the Olympian gods, including the Lasso of Truth and indestructible bracelets/gauntlets that deflected bullets. Interesting...
Okay, so where am I going with all of this? Well, I am not lifting this Wonder Woman up as a role model. I do find it interesting that she was born (so to speak) out of the women’s movement and later feminist movement and presented to us as a role model. A super woman - come to save the day! Especially interesting:
She is called ambassador
She is from a world ruled by women
She has a lasso of truth
Her bracelets deflect bullets
Oh now - you know this will preach! THE Creator has a purpose for our lives. And, if we call ourselves Christ followers then we truly can "save the day". How? Well, we...
Are daughters of the Most High God (Romans 8:16-17)
Are called ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)
Have the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18) which includes:
Truth – the Word of God – the sword of the Spirit
The shield of faith that deflects all the flaming arrows of the evil one
We are protected by God’s mighty power (1 Peter 1:5)
Through the indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit, we have His mighty power at work in us and through us doing exceedingly abundantly beyond all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Superpowers!
Have been created in Christ Jesus for good works (Ephesians 2:10)
In other words, we are God’s wonder women - here to save the day. Women who rise up and fulfill our purposes according to our helper design and become spiritual leaders and mothers who understand what is at stake and rise up to fight for families, homes, community, nation - are God’s wonder women! Are you in? We can do it!
