Why It's Time to Let White Guys Be Heroes in Stories Again Without Feeling Guilty

In recent years, there’s been a noticeable shift in storytelling across movies, TV shows, and animation. Modern narratives have leaned heavily into addressing diversity, which is a commendable and necessary step toward broader cultural representation. However, for many white guys, this shift has felt like an exclusionary pendulum swing—a cultural overcorrection that sidelines the stories they’ve traditionally identified with. Let’s talk about this situation, unpack the legitimate concerns, and explore how Soaring Song Studios is creating stories that welcome healthy diversity without losing sight of what makes storytelling universal and timeless.

Affirming the Concerns

First, let’s acknowledge the frustration. Many white guys, regardless of age, feel as though they’ve been quietly (or not-so-quietly) told they are no longer allowed to enjoy stories where they are usually the main characters or heroes. The media landscape’s push for “modern-era diversity” often leaves them wondering, “Where do we fit in?”

This frustration isn’t baseless. Some creators and critics have been vocal about deliberately moving away from white male protagonists, sometimes framing this shift as “reparations” for decades of underrepresentation for other ethnicity groups. This approach can inadvertently send the message that white male characters are less deserving of heroic roles—a sentiment that, understandably, doesn’t sit well with many fans.

At Soaring Song Studios, we believe this is not an either-or situation. Celebrating diverse stories doesn’t have to come at the expense of stories featuring white male heroes. Both can coexist, creating a richer tapestry of narratives for everyone to enjoy.

Criticism of the Pain Point

While the frustration is real, it’s important to approach this issue with nuance. Some criticisms that white guys voice about modern storytelling are completely valid. For instance, it’s undeniable that certain trends in media feel more like lectures than entertainment, and no one enjoys being preached at while trying to escape into a story. Similarly, there’s a legitimate concern that some character archetypes—like the classic hero—have been unfairly discarded in favor of new narratives.

However, not all criticisms are created equal. There’s a subset of voices that stumble into unproductive territory, rejecting any story that doesn’t center on white male protagonists. These voices often fuel online echo chambers, perpetuating baseless claims that all diverse storytelling is inherently “anti-white male.”

At Soaring Song Studios, we’re not interested in feeding these divisive narratives. Instead, we’re committed to crafting stories for the fans who simply want to enjoy great storytelling—whether the hero looks like them or not. That said, we’re also aware that in western media, white guys have historically been the protagonists of countless beloved stories. That’s not something we believe needs to end; it’s something we want to celebrate alongside other perspectives.

Cultural Overcorrections and Their Roots

To understand why these tensions exist, we need to examine the cultural overcorrections happening in modern storytelling. Often, these shifts are reactions to real systemic imbalances in representation. Historically marginalized groups—including women and multiple ethnicities—have fought for decades to see themselves portrayed authentically on screen. As a result, the push for diversity has become a rallying cry in creative industries.

Unfortunately, some of these efforts have been driven by anger and spite rather than a desire for unity and healthy diversity. In the worst cases, stories feel like they’re written to “get back” at groups heavily represented with a variety of fleshed-out stories in the past—namely, white males. This approach does little to foster meaningful progress and often alienates audiences who feel their unfairly targeted.

The reality is that storytelling should be a celebration of humanity. It’s not about diminishing one people group to elevate another; it’s about finding balance and recognizing the universal themes that connect us all.

Why White Guys Can Be Heroes—Again and Always

At Soaring Song Studios, we’re dedicated to creating stories where white guys can enjoy being the hero again. We’re not interested in pandering or lecturing. Instead, we want to craft narratives that are fun, engaging, and empowering—stories where people can see themselves as the hero without feeling guilty or unwelcome.

It’s worth noting that storytelling is inherently cyclical. Trends come and go, but timeless archetypes endure. The classic hero—someone who rises to meet challenges, overcomes obstacles, and grows in the process—transcends ethnicity, sex, and culture. This archetype resonates because it taps into something deeply human: the desire to overcome adversity and make a difference.

White male heroes have been a staple of this tradition for centuries, and there’s no reason they shouldn’t continue to be. At the same time, we believe there’s room for other people groups at the table. Just as white males should be able to enjoy stories that reflect their experiences, so too should audiences from many cultural backgrounds.

Addressing the Social Gaslighting

In today’s era of moral relativism, terms like “aggressive” and “malicious” are often used hyperbolically. If someone disagrees with another person on a single topic, they might be labeled as such, even if they’re expressing themselves calmly and respectfully. This tendency can make meaningful conversations about representation and storytelling incredibly challenging.

At Soaring Song Studios, we’re committed to cutting through the noise. Our goal is to create stories that speak to the best in people—stories that uplift and inspire rather than divide. We believe that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds, and we’re excited to celebrate that diversity in a way that feels authentic and inclusive.

A Positive Future for Storytelling

The good news is that we’re entering an era where audiences are more open than ever to diverse storytelling. This openness creates an incredible opportunity for creators to experiment and push boundaries while honoring the traditions that make storytelling so powerful.

For white males who feel overlooked or sidelined, know this: there is still plenty of room for your stories. At Soaring Song Studios, we’re committed to crafting narratives where you can see yourself as the hero—not out of obligation or guilt, but because these stories matter. They’re a vital part of the broader human experience, and they deserve to be told.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we can create stories that celebrate the hero in all of us while fostering a sense of connection and belonging for everyone.

Healthy Diversity in Storytelling: Moving Beyond the Noise