UN Staff Object Decision To Make “Sexualized” Wonder Woman An Ambassador

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Published

October 22, 2016

United Nations staffers are seriously concerned at the organisation’s decision to make the very fictional Wonder Woman an Honorary Ambassador for the Empowerment of Women and Girls, with some criticising the UN for selecting the comic book icon over real women.

The UN claims the campaign “will highlight what we can collectively achieve if women and girls are empowered – along with examples of women and girls who have made and are making a difference every day by overcoming barriers and beating the odds to reach their goals.”

Still, a large group of UN personnel turned their back during the announcement, which was attended by current on-screen talent Gal Gadot, legendary lasso-wielder Lynda Carter, and Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.

via J. Countess / Getty Images.

Those opposed to the decision also held signs including slogans like “I am not a mascot.”

#realwomen protest appointment of #WonderWoman – @UN‘s newest “ambassador” for the empowerment of women and girls @pass_blue @amgoetz pic.twitter.com/7RwnNS5Brd

— Ourania Yancopoulos (@niayancopoulos) October 21, 2016

A petition denouncing the selection and calling for current secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon to reconsider the appointment has already garnered 1,500 signatures.

Its anonymous organiser claims “it is alarming that the United Nations would consider using a character with an overtly sexualized image at a time when the headline news in United States and the world is the objectification of women and girls.”

A similar sentiment has been expressed in the broader community, with Twitter users hijacking the #WithWonderWoman hashtag to voice their disapproval.

Sad day when @UN picks #wonderwoman over countless real inspirational women for honorary envoy.

— Stephanie Lynch (@stephers_l) October 21, 2016

@UN @DCComics terrible idea. So many real women heroes in this world and UN chose a comic character? zero creativity, opportunity lost

— hadi (@hadikoob) October 21, 2016

SMH United Nations. Not cool at all. I’m NOT #WithWonderWoman

— Bonnie Branyon (@3bteach) October 21, 2016

The selection of Wonder Woman for the ambassadorial role also comes shortly after the UN appointed another man, Portugal’s Antonio Guterres, as the organisation’s next secretary-general.

This announcement coincides with the 75th birthday of the character, and it comes shortly before the release of DC’s next blockbuster. Still, it’s apparent not everyone is confident a totally fictitious character adequately represents half of the world’s population.

Source: ABC / DC Comics / United Nations / New York Times.
Photo: Zack Snyder / Twitter.