Comics legend Stan Lee helped to launch Marvel Comics to unimaginable heights through his focus on his characters as every day people, as opposed to Gods seemingly above the day-to-day existences of those whom they protected. In this video, we're going to talk about how Lee and Marvel Comics showed progressive values.

One of the most legendary of Lee's progressive moves was taking on the Comics Code Authority, which imposed unflinchingly rigid rules on comics, banning a whole host of themes in the process. The United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare asked Lee to do a story about drug abuse, which the CCA refused to approve. Lee didn't back down and published the comic anyway. The organization ended up amending its code, allowing drug in comics, provided they were shown in a negative light.

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However, that's not the only way that Lee changed the world through his progressive values. The comics legend also had a strong belief in diversity and made that clear in one of the most famous entries in his "Stan's Soapbox" column, calling out those who displayed bigotry. Lee consistently had harsh words for those who expressed racist values. He refused to bow to the idea that his comics shouldn't have messages, saying, "nothing exists in a vaccum."

Check out the video below for more about the history of Marvel Comics and Stan Lee's progressive values.

Sadly, Lee passed away late last year at the age of 95. The beloved comics creator is responsible for creating some of the most beloved characters in all of history, and his loss came as a major blow to the industry and fans of his work. However, his progressive values helped teach a generation the importance of such things as tolerance, so he will certainly be remembered for a very long time.

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