My daughter’s recent interest has lead us to rewatch all of the X-men movies back to back. They’re all mostly the same basic plot with the good mutants trying to stop the bad mutants from destroying humanity that fears and misunderstands them.

The central conflict is that despite the mutants’ efforts to fit in, they’re never really accepted and politicians gain a lot of mileage from denouncing, or trying to control, or destroy them. There is also an internal conflict for the mutants not wanting to hide their fabulous powers that make the majority fear them, and also wanting to be accepted and incorporated into society. The more they hide, the more they’re feared, but when they do present themselves, they are shamed or mistreated and their powers are misused for another’s gain. Instead, the mutants cling together creating either an virtual family for emotional support or a gang for survival.

What makes the movies still relevant is that the theme rings true: the majority is often afraid of the minority that is different. Whether the difference is language, color, religion, sex or culture there is a desire for everyone to be similar. Instead of appreciating and celebrating differences, the two populations are pitted against one another so the leaders have an excuse to pursue world domination. Minorities often create their own communities for survival and support, and those who try to fit in are often seen as traitors to their own. Every movie ends with a big show down, but no lasting resolution so there’s always room for a sequel.