In the Endgame now: the politics of protest and postmodern play
From Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War to viral memes and movie references, Gen Z has transformed protest into a language of humour, creativity and defiance. As students take to the streets demanding accountability, this movement raises a larger question: has India entered a new era of democratic resistance where laughter itself becomes a political act, challenging fear while keeping the struggle for justice firmly at its core?
At a very critical moment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s 2018 film Avengers: Infinity War, Doctor Strange, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, remarks— We are in the endgame now. The phrase, since then, has gained currency in Popular Culture and found a fertile space of further popularity amongst the Gen Z’s—from memes on social media to quotations on apparel merchandise.
India might not yet be standing at the doorstep of their Endgame moment, but the events of the last few weeks have certai...
