We’re All Part of the Universe (Writing and Discussion Prompt)

RIP Stan Lee

Last week. we lost a creative genius who helped change the world with colourful characters and profound storytelling. Stan Lee created some of the best superheroes to ever grace the pages of comics, television, movies, and beyond. We will remember him and always treasure what we gave us. Rest in Peace, Stan Lee.

This video would be a great writing or discussion prompt for any classroom.

“Marvel has always been and always will be a reflection of the world right outside our window.  That world may change and evolve, but the one thing that will never change is the way we tell our stories of heroism.

Those stories have room for everyone regardless of their race, gender, religion, or colour of their skin. The only things we don’t have room for are hatred, intolerance, and bigotry. That man nest to you; he’s your brother. That women over there; she’s your sister.

We’re all part of one big family, the human family. And we all come together in the body of Marvel. And you, you’re part of that family. You’re part of the Marvel universe that moves ever upward and onward to great glory.

In other words, excelsior!”

Stan Lee created the Marvel style of storytelling. Stories that rejected bigotry and focused on heroism and sacrifice. This speech is directly from the back pages of the comics. Some of us remember reading these wise words when we were young. They have resonated with us and continue to do so.

Here are some discussion points for your class. They could also serve as writing prompts, or both.

  • What is Stan Lee saying is this video and how does it apply beyond Marvel comics and storytelling?
  • How can you show that you have no room for hatred, intolerance, and bigotry?
  • How are we all part of one big family? What implications does this have for how we treat one another?
  • What is Stan Lee’s main point?
  • Do you have found memories of Stan Lee or Marvel comics and characters?
  • The header image features a comic backpage from December 1968. How does this show how timely Stan Lee was with standing up for what he believed was right?
  • What Marvel characters or storylines best reflect the views Stan is talking about in the video?

Teaching Tip Archive – hundreds and hundreds of things to try in your classroom