Anyone Can Wear the Mask

All of us could recognize that signature blue-and-red costume, shooting spider webs, and swinging from buildings in New York City. All of us could recognize the name of the infamous friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. In the franchise, Peter Parker gains spider-like abilities: climbing walls, shooting webs, strength, and a certain ‘spidey-sense’ after a genetically enhanced spider bites him. He uses those powers to aid the citizens of New York, all while living under the name of “Spider-Man”. In the films, his real identity is revealed only to a small number of people: Norman & Harry Osborn, MJ, Aunt May, Eddie Brock, and others. Showing the viewers how, despite the relentless praise Spider-Man gets, he does not desire recognition.

In Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the arachnid hero is portrayed by Miles Morales, who is of African-American and Puerto Rican descent, living in Brooklyn, New York. When hints of the new Spider-Man came out, the media was split into two different sides: those who applauded the cultural representation of Spider-Man and those who were angry that the iconic face of the franchise had been replaced. All the while, Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-Man, frequently stated that the best aspects of Spider-Man's design were that the full-body costume allowed anyone to imagine themselves behind the mask, regardless of race, gender, or background. He explained that because the costume covers the character completely, leaving no skin color or physical features exposed, it made Spider-Man a universally relatable hero. People of all ages looked up to Spider-Man, proving that anyone could wear the mask.

The current state of the world is leaving a huge cultural divide that largely sets us back. Immigrants and refugees caught in the crossfire of war and discrimination are at an all-time high of adversity. Political commentary from certain parts of the world shows their unfair targeting and discriminatory judgment solely based on a person's heritage, color, name, or ethnicity. In the United States of America, ICE raids have infiltrated schools, family-run businesses, and personal workspaces. They have unjustly taken, abducted, and hurt people without due process. The US President deports those who ‘violate’ and ‘do not cooperate’ with the law. Calling them names such as aliens, animals, and illegals. But despite this great obstacle, the community surrounding immigrants and refugees alike has been active in using their voices to help those in need. At the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny won album of the year for “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” and delivered a powerful speech defending immigrants. Beginning it with, “Before I say thanks to God, I’m gonna say: ICE out!” He then stated, "We're not savages, we're not animals, we're not aliens—we’re humans, and we are Americans.” In a similar situation in New York, the newly appointed mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, is the first ever Indian-origin and Muslim mayor of New York. Having taken the oath under the Quran on January 1st, 2026, in an abandoned city hall subway station just after midnight. Since then, he has made public transport more convenient, expanded childcare, lowered housing costs, and so much more. In his November 2025 victory speech, he said: "New York will remain a city of immigrants, a city built by immigrants, powered by immigrants, and as of tonight, led by an immigrant". And directly addressed President Donald Trump and critics, stating, "To get to any of us, you will have to get through all of us.” These events are only a whisper to the loud voices all around the world calling for justice. But even so, we are reminded of the unwavering perseverance of communities who are judged and belittled.

Through the small yet powerful steps of people who are not afraid to stand up, we are once again reminded of Spider-Man’s strength and perseverance despite all he has gone through. Despite saving thousands of lives, he does not get recognized for being a valiant savior for those who suffer. It directly reflects the small actions people take to help those who need it. Be it housing immigrants from ICE raids, organizing school protests, donating, and making petitions to release those unjustly incriminated,  we see the good people do without asking for anything in return. Spider-Man, a hero to the young and the old, is a reminder that good does not come in a preferred color or biased background. A helping hand should not be pushed aside just because of its physical qualities. Oftentimes, we forget the value of each person because we judge them based on those qualities. But let us be reminded of the resilience every person has. Spider-Man is a vision that shows us we can start again, that the good we give should not ask for anything in return. Being a hero does not have requirements; you become a hero by being kind to others.

-Athena Deiyz Anicete