Wonder Woman has been unceremoniously ditched as the UN’s honorary ambassador for empowering women after waves of feminist protest.
The ass-kicking superhero was unveiled as a United Nation’s role model as part of a deal with DC Comics two months ago, and provoked an instant firestorm.
Critics were upset that the organisation picked a fictional character for the role, who wears thigh-high boots and exposed cleavage.
An online petition, signed by 44,000 people, also complained that she was too white, closely associated with the American flag, “not culturally sensitive” – and therefore had to be fired.
Less than two months after the initial announcement – 53 days, to be precise – they got their wish.
Just for reference, here is the actual "current iteration" of Wonder Woman that "sends the wrong message" according to members of the UN. pic.twitter.com/SzPI5i5Fct
— Andrew Dyce (@andrewbdyce) December 13, 2016
SHE IS MORE THAN THAT @UN #WonderWoman pic.twitter.com/7uGmuoGyWp
— Louise (@loucifreud) December 13, 2016
A spokesman for the UN told Reuters late Monday that Wonder Woman’s association with the campaign will end Friday – despite earlier plans to continue her involvement into the new year.
The petition, widely cited in the media as the reason for the U-turn, said:
Wonder Woman was created 75 years ago. Although the original creators may have intended Wonder Woman to represent a strong and independent “warrior” woman with a feminist message, the reality is that the character’s current iteration is that of a large breasted, white woman of impossible proportions, scantily clad in a shimmery, thigh-baring body suit with an American flag motif and knee high boots –the epitome of a “pin-up” girl.
As well as opposition from outside, many UN staff objected to Wonder Woman’s association with their employer, and turned their backs during a presentation announcing her as an honorary ambassador:
The heroine has been a lightning rod for protest elsewhere, too.
The choice of former Israeli soldier Gal Gadot to play Wonder Woman in the latest Hollywood movie sparked its own wave of outrage because of the actress’ supposed Zionism.
