Social Complexity, Luke Cage, and Civil Discourse
Martin, J. (2026). Powers for the people: Social complexity, Luke Cage, and civil discourse. Humanities,
15(4), 59.
The paper argues that one of the main purposes or functions of superheroes like Luke Cage is to highlight or make especially salient abstract concepts at the heart of the various considerations we bring to bear when discussing and debating important matters affecting our lives together.
Drawing on previous Luke Cage scholarship (2023 and 2024) and various media sources, the paper focuses on how two themes characteristic of his superhero mission, mutual trust and shared obligations, suggest a path forward in the midst of American civil disagreements.
“Luke Cage, directly and indirectly, frequently reminds people of why a foundation built on mutual trust and shared obligations is important….Regardless of the relation or interlocutor, the above comic and television examples remind us that to preserve the integrity of our social foundation, we need to (1) acknowledge we are all works in progress, (2) sacrifice for our literal and figurative neighbor, and (3) believe in second chances.”