Why James Bond Is a Positive Role Model for Young Americans

“In the meantime, fans have discussed and debated the merits of Bond himself. Is the character a good person? Is he a positive role model for today’s youth?”

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has not been smooth sailing for fans of James Bond, the iconic British spy who first graced screens in 1962’s Dr. No. Due to COVID-19, the Bond franchise’s latest installment—No Time to Die, starring Daniel Craig—has been postponed multiple times, with the Eon Productions finally settling on October, 2021 for the release date. (Fingers crossed.)

As millions of fans await the new film’s release, many have binge-watched previous installments, scooped up Bond memorabilia, and joined virtual bookclubs to pass the time. (The Bond character is based on novels by the late Ian Fleming.)

In the meantime, fans have discussed and debated the merits of Bond himself. Is the character a good person? Is he a positive role model for today’s youth?

Some are skeptical. For decades, the Bond movies have faced criticism for their racial politics and depictions of women. Much of the criticism is unwarranted, though the Bond character is by no means perfect. In the books and on screen, Bond is deeply flawed, partly due to past trauma. But that is the point: Bond’s flaws tend to make him more realistic and, therefore, more appealing to the viewing public.

Nevertheless, Bond’s critics are set in their ways, arguing for drastic changes to a winning formula. (The Bond franchise has endured for nearly six decades, grossing more than $5 billion after inflation.)