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English 481: Special Topic — The Literature of Comic Books, Graphic Novels, and Superheroes — eJournal: “Gifted” Issues 4-6

eJournal Questions

Please answer the questions below.

To: pagnucci@iup.edu

From: your email address

Cc: your email address (always keep a copy of all your course emails!)

Subject: 481 Comics eJournal: Gifted Issues 4-6

Body of the Message:

(Copy the questions below into your email message. Type your answers after each question. Then send your completed eJournal to Dr. Pagnucci. Write answers that are as complete as possible. Note also that grammar and spelling will not be counted for eJournals, so just do your best.)

Your Full Name (include your full name at the top of EVERY EMAIL so I can give you credit for your work)

  1. The mutant cure gets nicknamed “hope.” Discuss the various implications of this naming process.
  2. To develop the cure, Dr. Rao works on a dead mutant’s body as well as live mutant bodies. This calls to mind the real world debate about using stem cells (parts of human embryos) for research. Beast calls Rao’s research monstrous. How should research be conducted when it clashes with “human” values and belief systems? Should there be a code of ethics for scientists to direct what can and cannot be studied? Why?
  3. Frost links Rao’s work to Oppenheimer’s (issue 5). Oppenheimer helped developed the atomic bomb. Is the comparison justified? Is one of the two research projects worse? Were both projects noble? Is science done for its own sake ok? Are scientists responsible for the consequences of their discoveries? Why?
  4. Mutation and homosexuality are compared in the graphic novel. Is this comparison realistic? Are the biases against the two things on a par? Rao says homosexuals don’t kill people whereas mutants like Tildie do. Is she right in pointing out that difference? Is a cure for homosexuality (some groups claim to have developed this, though the research is questionable) just as dangerous as a cure for mutation?
  5. Is discrimination inevitable? Is it always linked to fear and what we don’t know?
  6. How would you rate Giftedas a work of literature?
  7. What other issues would you like to discuss related to the X-Men story?