Writing

My Superpower is a regular guest column on the Skiffy and Fanty blog where authors and creators tell us about one weird skill, neat trick, highly specialized cybernetic upgrade, or other superpower they have, and how it helped (or hindered!) their creative process as they built their project. Today we welcome Matthew David Goodwin to talk about how the power of passionate social justice relates to Latino/a Rising. —————————————————– If I had to be a superhero, it would be the Batman kind of superhero.  When thrown against a wall, I would break.  When cut, I would bleed.  Hopelessly human.  But I’m much more sympathetic to the 1960’s campy version of Batman than the Batman of late.  I wouldn’t erase the dark undertones, just splash them with color. Sometimes it’s hard to know what Batman’s superpowers actually are.  One is hidden (his passion) and the other is disguised as an accessory (the weirdly enormous bright yellow utility belt).  But together, his passion and utility belt make up for his lack of superhuman strength. Like Batman, I’m drawn into my work with a passion for social justice.  I worked many years in the Latino/a community in various non-profit organizations dealing with migration, domestic violence, and worker rights.  When I went to study for my doctorate in literature, I wanted to find a way to discuss the complex experiences of Latinos/as in the United States.  And I found that science fiction and fantasy is a potent way to express issues of race, gender, and migration.  And it is the best way for my daughter to imagine herself as part of the future.