Introduction

There is a general perception in the audience that the CW superhero series, excluding Arrow, often give off a 'Social Justice Warrior' (SJW) vibe. This perception arises from a combination of diverse representation, social issue themes, and cultural shifts in storytelling. This article aims to explore the nuances behind this perception and the potential marketing strategies involved.

Diversity and Representation

The CW has made a concerted effort to showcase a diverse range of characters in its superhero series. This includes not only the visual representation of different races, sexual orientations, and gender identities but also storylines that reflect a broader spectrum of identities. However, this prioritization of diversity has sometimes been perceived as a political agenda rather than a genuine commitment to authentic storytelling.

Social Issues as Themes

Contemporary social issues such as racism, sexism, LGBTQ rights, and mental health are frequently tackled by these series. While these themes are a natural reflection of our society, some viewers find them overly emphasized, leading to a perception that the shows are overly focused on social justice issues.

Character Development

Characters in these shows often undergo significant arcs that challenge traditional gender roles, religious beliefs, and societal norms. This can lead to characters being perceived as 'SJW' or politically correct, which may not sit well with all viewers.

Target Audience

The CW's target demographic primarily includes younger viewers who are more socially conscious and open to progressive narratives. Consequently, the network's programming often reflects the values and interests of this audience. While this can cater to a larger, more engaged fanbase, it may also contribute to a perception of a cultural backlash among other groups.

Cultural Backlash

Beyond the network's programming, there is a broader cultural conversation about representation and social justice in media. Some viewers react negatively to changes in established characters or narratives, viewing them as forced or disingenuous efforts to appease social justice movements.

Marketing Tactics: Bait and Switch

It's worth noting that CW's marketing strategy for Arrow and its spin-offs employs a classic marketing psychology tactic known as 'bait and switch.' This approach was designed to first attract fans with the promise of a beloved comic book series. Once the momentum was built, subtle inclusion of SJW themes was introduced to showcase the potential of the series. However, the Arrow spin-offs quickly diverged into more fantastical and diverse storylines, effectively switching the narrative as the fanbase grew.

For instance, while Arrow initially focused on fan-favorite characters from the Arrowverse with a more grounded narrative, subsequent shows like The Flash and Batman Beyond, among others, quickly integrated elements of woke SJW content, magic, portals, and other fantastical concepts to keep viewers interested and engaged.

This dual strategy allowed CW to maintain the core fanbase of Arrow while expanding its audience with more diverse and complex storytelling.

Conclusion

The perception of CW superhero series, except for Arrow, giving off a SJW vibe is multifaceted. It stems from a combination of diverse representation, tackling social issues, character development, and targeted marketing strategies. Understanding these factors can provide a more nuanced view of the content and the networks' intentions.