Ava DuVernay, Supergirl and Permission

 “Women have been trained in our culture and society to ask for what we want instead of taking what we want,” she continued. “We’ve been really indoctrinated with this culture of permission. I think it’s true for women, and I think it’s true for people of color. It’s historic, and it’s unfortunate and has somehow become part of our DNA. But that time has passed.”

It's nice to say, and it might even be nicer if it was the case - but is it?  Has that time passed?

"People of this city will die.  You have to let me stop it." (5:40)

That's a quote from the new  Supergirl, talking to some human dude who thinks he has the answers and doesn't trust outsiders.  A guy who told her to go back to fetching coffee.

Compare that exchange this this one (1:37) - Supergirl's cousin Superman similarly being marginalized by an official military-esque guy (gritty black men in both cases, which on screen always means they don't mess around).  What's Superman's response?  He doesn't ask for permission - he makes it clear he's humouring the human because he's nice that way.

Supergirl - passive hero, needs permission.  Make sure you win, Supergirl, 'cause you wouldn't unless a man-figure gave you that push!

Superman - "you're scared of me because you can't control me.  You don't."  It works out, though, because he's like a titan.

Alas, we're not there yet.