Homelander for President

We now know all-too-well how fear and spectacle shape decisions and divide communities. So how can we harness the power of pop culture to challenge harmful narratives, reshape beliefs, and ignite action for justice?

On November 14th, The Opportunity Agenda hosted “Homelander for President,” an artist and activist chat exploring how storytelling can break down biases, foster empathy, and mobilize audiences. Together, we examined the striking parallels between the real world and characters like Homelander from The Boys who manipulate public opinion and thrive on division.

Porshea Patterson-Hurst, TOA’s Research Manager, spoke with fellow social justice creatives including:

Maytha Alhassen, Co-Executive Producer, Writer, and Social Impact Advisor for Hulu’s award-winning series Ramy, Faculty Lecturer at Stanford University, Creative Change Retreat Alum
Gan Golan, New York Times bestselling author and artist, co-author of 1/6: The Graphic Novel, Creative Change Retreat Alum
Alan Jenkins, Founder of The Opportunity Agenda, Professor of Practice at Harvard Law School, co-author of 1/6: The Graphic Novel

We discussed how fictional properties, like The Boys, Ramy, and 1/6 hold up a mirror to society and challenge the status quo. Watch the recording below to learn how to use pop culture in defiance of real-world populist propaganda!