I assume that you all are aware of the oppression metaphor in X-men, but in light of tumblr’s toxicity, perhaps it needs to be rehashed.

(I just watched first class again and it gave me feels and now i’m going to rant)

We all have a basic understanding of the premise of the mutants, right? They have evolved from humans to have special abilities—they are born different, and there’s nothing they can do about it. The collective human reaction is to immediately brand them as outcasts, to fear them for their differences, and to attempt to remove them from mainstream society by any means necessary. As usual, they fear that which is different.

Now, at the time when mutants become commonly known, there are two who rise to the top as leaders, two who start working to band the mutants together to protect them from society: Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr (or is it Lehnsherr? sources seem confused). On the surface, the two seem to be fighting for the same goal—they want to see mutants unified and safe, and no longer oppressed by the humans. Yet, as time goes on, we see the disparity between their approaches grow until they are almost entirely opposed.

Charles believes that mutants should integrate into human society. He believes that mutants (while different and perhaps better) are fundamentally the same as humans, and that by showing that to the humans, integration will someday be possible. He doesn’t agree with the fact that he and others like him are oppressed, but he also doesn’t think that makes their oppressors inherently evil. They simply need to understand.

Erik believes that mutants should take over human society. He believes that mutants (while fundamentally human) are different and better, and that by showing this to humans, they can eventually crush them under their collective heel. He is angry that he has been oppressed, and believes that those who have oppressed him are truly irredeemable. They need to be eradicated.

Charles becomes the face of the innocent mutant, the one who people go to for protection. He makes them feel safe, and they consider him wise. When we look at their story, Professor X is a kind of hero.

Erik becomes the face of the militant mutant, the one who lets them fight. He makes them feel powerful, and they go to him because they cannot contain their anger. When we look at their story, Magneto is a kind of villain.

Magneto is who we become when our hatred of oppression translates into blind hatred of our oppressors. Magneto is the one who calls those who do not conform to his minority names, who stages violent protests, who demands that they bow before him. When we turn our oppressor’s behavior back on them (saying “it’s only fair”) we are Magneto.

Magneto’s story ends sad and alone, with those he has cared for hurt and his cause lost. Professor X’s story ends with hope for a brighter future.