Chapter 1: The Disappointment of Ant-Man

In Tananarive’s view, the film was “a sad, sad mess,” and I concur. Yet, the issues extend beyond an over-dependence on CGI, narrative excess, and poor editing; it fundamentally feels like a film too grand with stakes that are disappointingly low.

When entering a movie with a tentative curiosity regarding how a character (or characters of a specific type) will be portrayed as asexual, the outcome often leaves one feeling bleakly satisfied.

Warning: Spoilers for "Ant-Man" and other films ahead!

As we know, Michelle Pfeiffer's character was stranded in the Quantum Universe for three decades. During that time, she had “needs” that she fulfilled with Bill Murray—something the film explicitly noted. However, she also spent significant time isolated with Jonathan Majors, sharing intimate moments. “It was good to have a friend,” she remarked, as they shared platonic companionship.

Later, it becomes evident that Kang, portrayed by Majors, hails from a species that reproduces asexually, featuring an abundance of males and no females. While, in isolation, there is nothing inherently wrong with this choice, it becomes troubling when you observe a pattern where no black man in any of the thirty MCU films or Disney+ series has even shared a kiss with a woman. This presents an evident trend.

What is the root of the issue? I simply cannot accept this fictional world. I can suspend disbelief enough to accept characters who turn green when enraged, shrink to ant size, fly by swinging hammers, or gain powers from radioactive spider bites. However, I struggle to believe in a group of humans, seemingly on Earth, who exhibit no interest in the opposite sex. This disbelief parallels my skepticism about portrayals that suggest one group suffers excessively for the sake of another’s narrative triumph.

It undermines my ability to engage with the film. In the past, I could watch numerous Westerns devoid of black cowboys, despite historical evidence suggesting that around 20% of cowboys were black. I could even read "The Handmaid's Tale," observing a total genocide that garnered no commentary from the author or the audience. This disregard makes it difficult to accept that those who created such narratives are, in any sense, allies.

I can only rationalize it as a manifestation of cultural tribal warfare—a psychological need to perceive one's own concerns as central to reality, relegating others to lesser status. Throughout my life, I have witnessed this pattern, and I was misled into believing that we had moved past it. While progress has been made, I remain vigilant. Total exclusion may no longer be permissible, but the notion of a "breeding circle" persists. Black men are often depicted as either too young, too old, overweight, gay, asexual, or deceased to pose any reproductive threat.

The MCU has eliminated the two only black characters who ever kissed a woman: T’Challa and Killmonger. They even attempted to kill the King of Wakanda five times before finally succeeding.

The intimidation is palpable: if you refuse to accept this narrative, you risk being labeled as someone who “hates women.” Truly astonishing.

I am accused of harboring hatred toward women when I protest the emasculation or eradication of the warriors of their tribe—the protectors of feminine energy. What’s disheartening is the number of men who have embraced this narrative.

Consider this from a tribal warfare perspective: Tribe B has eliminated or weakened the men of Tribe A, while Tribe B’s women pressure their men to disarm and place themselves at the forefront of the conflict. Meanwhile, Tribe B’s men remain armed and ready for battle. The potential for conflict in such a scenario is unimaginable.

This cultural tribal warfare is evident. One could analyze mortality rates, incarceration statistics, and infant mortality, and if one believes in equality, it stands to reason that all human beings share a basic desire for life, freedom, and the survival of their offspring. If fundamental capacities are equal, external factors must be the cause of the issue.

This simplicity has been obscured throughout my life, with claims that a lack of representation in media, politics, law enforcement, or industry is inconsequential. Shouldn’t we all be able to relate to everyone? Are you a racist, Steve?

What a cruel deception. We see these lies unfold as soon as circumstances shift even slightly. Tilda Swinton can portray The Ancient One without backlash, while a black actress as the Little Mermaid incites outrage.

In essence, the objective is to exchange pawns for kings, distort fundamental patterns of survival and reproduction, and intimidate anyone who dares to dissent.

Men will use direct threats—either through force or the withholding of support. Women may resort to shame, imply the withdrawal of affection, or threaten social ostracism. I have experienced this from both ends of the political spectrum.

Yes, I believe this behavior is widespread, almost universal. While different individuals may connect with varying issues, fundamentally, there are three primary concerns that encapsulate approximately 80% of these dynamics: Personal survival, sexual reproduction, and tribal survival.

Observing how these elements play out is enlightening, and I can trace a significant amount of racism and sexism directly back to these three. "Wakanda Forever" serves as a poignant example of how a community’s grief can be weaponized to harm that very community while attempting to shame any dissenters into silence.

Ant-Man: Quantumania, while not particularly egregious, simply adds another layer to this ongoing issue. Now that I recognize the patterns, predicting future developments becomes straightforward. Perhaps we’ll eventually see a black character finding love in the next installment. Surely, they must be aware of the growing discontent and will want to alleviate some of the pressure.

However, statistics—the very last thing they would want examined in this context—remain what they are. I am convinced that substantial changes will not occur until the executive ranks are fully integrated, both racially and in terms of gender.

I have witnessed executives subtly pushing for desired results while pretending it’s your choice. They apply pressure, promising it’s your decision all the while. If you resist, they withdraw interest, seeking someone more compliant.

This is an age-old game: there are only two ways to influence something—push or pull; the carrot or the stick; the yin and the yang.

They are deeply invested in ensuring that you do not focus on objective assessments. If you intuit something is amiss, you become the problem.

Awaken. Steve www.steven-barnes.com

Chapter 2: Insights from YouTube

The first video provides an entertaining critique titled "Everything Wrong With Ant-Man In 19 Minutes Or Less." This video highlights various flaws in the film while using humor to engage viewers.

In another analysis, "Everything Wrong With CinemaSins: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in 24 Minutes or Less," the creators examine the shortcomings of the sequel and discuss its implications within the larger MCU context.