If someone were to create an all-black team with new characters, thereby broadening the stable of black heroes in the MU, that could easily be done in a manner that is natural and unforced. I could think of a dozen ways an all-black team could be created without raising an eyebrow from me if the characters were new creations.
But when you talk about cramming every existing black character you can think of into one book with the rationale that "they're all black and therefore friends," that's another story.
Why'n't you say that from the beginning?!
I watched this exchange there have been a number of valid points (even Action Jackson). So let me make some points here.
1. It may seem wrong to specifically create a team based on the fact that they are all black, however, real world dynamics shows that this type of thing happens all the time. Whether it is meant to be racist or not, it happens. Sometimes it just has to do with cultural comfortability. An example would be how at some predominantly white schools, most of the balck kids may sit in a group in the cafeteria while the white kids sit on another. In fact all the different ethnicities do this occasionally. The basketball example, if a coach picks intentionally picks all black players. Is this racist? Possibly. However, he may just be going on the talent he sees. In fact, A white coach may end up picking the same all black team and the main thing in his mind is the skill level of the players. I don't think the choice is necessary racist. In fact, later down the line a white player of skill could be added to the team if his skill level is proved to be adequate. This is how I view all these majority white super hero teams when they do have one black hero. Luckily, we see more teams with more than just one black character but they are still too few.
2. This point was already made and I think it needs to be stressed, that people who interact amongst one another through certain events tend to come together an many times form groups. It could be all white, black brown or polka-dot. The interactions maybe because of where they live, work or save the entire planet. IF all the heroes are white or black this IS a realistic possibility. The MU and DC universe is full of mostly white teams. Yes, you have your teams with the one (or if your lucky) two black or brown persons on it but they do not make up the majority. The should NOT be a problem if the reverse is true. THAT would be a hypocritical stance to take. I will not insult anyone by even bring up the race issue on that though it could possibly be applied.
3. This is the most important point really even if the other too are dismissed. ANY team created in the comic books would be put together by choice. The writer decides who is going to be on that team. IF it is all white, all black, white with one black, black with one white, it doesn't matter. Someone consciously put the team together. Is it racist? Again, what if the writer is looking at skill levels he wanted group together or other dynamics as to where all the heroes were located. If they all came from East Side Detroit, or Nigeria, chances are their all going to be black. If the heroes were put together from Ireland or Moscow, chances are they are all going to be white. And if the idea WAS to put a team together who is all black, who is to say it isn't to create more balance in the MU since, as everyone as pointed out ad nausea, that the MU is made up of mostly white teams? BTW, a white writer may do that. In fact, I would expect a all gay/lesbian team to show up or at least be proposition soon too (I could see Judd Winick pushing for this judging by his work and ideology).
And as the point about is being okay if the characters are not MU but all new ones? That doesn't fly either because, once again, the MU and DC are made and have been made up since there birth, of all white or majority white current teams. These are not new characters we're talking about here.
The real issue is about taste. If you don't like the idea about an all black team than fine. I respect your opinion. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that and more power to you. In fact, there are both white AND black folks who wouldn't like that. But understand, to say it is wrong for an all black team to be intentionally created based on the current climate of the comic book scene or saying that in real world situations that would not happen is absolutely false.
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