Current:Home > NewsU.S. Rep. Robert Garcia to launch a popular arts caucus at Comic-Con -InvestTomorrow
U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia to launch a popular arts caucus at Comic-Con
View
Date:2025-04-19 01:11:49
How does the saying go? "Superheros, assemble!" Well on Sunday, that call-out goes political lawmakers, too.
"When nerds get together, we can do a lot of good things," said Democratic U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia of California.
Garcia plans to announce the formation of the Congressional Popular Arts Caucus at Comic-Con International in San Diego on Sunday.
When Garcia was sworn into office, he did it with his hand on a rare Superman comic book that he borrowed from the Library of Congress.
The superhero was a huge influence in his life, Garcia told NPR's A Martinez during an interview for Morning Edition. The comic book series helped Garcia learn English as young immigrant and acclimate to the country.
"As a young kid, I looked up to these heroes that you read about in the comics, and for me it was Superman," he said. "Also an immigrant, also from a strange place — had a secret identity. You relate to these things."
Garcia said the narratives in comic books, movies, video games and other popular arts drive our culture and national economy.
"For example, issues around piracy are really, really important," he said. "We want to be sure that we're protecting the rights of creators. Issues around censorship abroad are really critical for us. And of course, just making sure that we have a prepared workforce."
One the current events likely to be discussed at the panel event his weekend is the strike that actors and screen writers are participating in over residual payments on streaming content and the role of artificial intelligence and creative rights.
Under the strike rules, union members belonging to SAG-AFTRA or the Writers Guild of America cannot promote their projects at press or red carpet events, so there's little official promotion at Comic-Con for upcoming movies like Dune: Part Two or Blue Beetle, reports NPR's Mandalit del Barco on NPR's Weekend Edition.
Garcia said he's gotten commitments for the popular arts caucus from fellow comic book and video game enthusiasts in Congress: Jay Obernolte (R., Ill.) has a long history in the gaming space, Garcia said. Maxwell Frost (D., Fl.) also loves gaming and popular arts, he said.
"I've assembled, like, the biggest group of nerds in Congress," Garcia said. " I actually think that we kind of get it more than most folks."
The audio version of this story was produced by David West and edited by HJ Mai. The digital version of this story was edited by Erika Aguilar.
veryGood! (3352)
Related
- Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie return for an 'Encore,' reminisce about 'The Simple Life'
- Forensic scientist Henry Lee defends work after being found liable for falsifying evidence
- David Braun says Northwestern has responded to hazing scandal in 'inspiring fashion'
- Body found on grounds of Arizona State Capitol
- Bill Belichick's salary at North Carolina: School releases football coach's contract details
- Actor Kevin Spacey found not guilty on sexual assault charges in London
- Teen Mom’s Catelynn Lowell Finally Launched a Cheeky OnlyFans for Tyler Baltierra
- New app allows you to access books banned in your area: What to know about Banned Book Club
- Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
- Judge orders hearing on Trump's motion to disqualify Fulton County DA
Ranking
- Global Warming Set the Stage for Los Angeles Fires
- Animal sedative 'tranq' worsening overdose crisis as it spreads across the country
- The Ultimatum Season 2 First Look and Premiere Date Revealed
- Experts warn invasive hammerhead worms secrete nasty toxin and can be a foot long. Here's what to know.
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Michigan bans use of conversion therapy on LGBTQ youth under measure signed by governor
- Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh shows again he can't get out of own way with latest misstep
- How many transgender and intersex people live in the US? Anti-LGBTQ+ laws will impact millions
Recommendation
'No Good Deed': Who's the killer in the Netflix comedy? And will there be a Season 2?
'Mother Undercover:' How 4 women took matters into their own hands to get justice
Hiking the last mile on inflation
A Patchwork of Transgender Healthcare Laws Push Families Across State Lines
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Pre-order officially opened on new Samsung Galaxy devices—Z Flip 5, Z Fold 5, Watch 6, Tab S9
Watch the heartwarming moment Ohio police reunite missing 3-year-old with loved ones
Records shed light on why K-9 cop was fired after siccing dog on trucker: Report