The discussion on the morality of Superheroes had me
thinking. I know what I perceive as moral and I think it fits into the Superhero
mold. More often than not I think Superheroes have an easier time doing what is
morally sound though. I think this is possible because of their secret
identity. No one judges the man behind the mask. They judge the mask. Even
though the Superhero is acting as the man would, if the Superhero’s actions are
perceived negatively by the public the man behind the mask is able to go out in
public without direct ridicule. Of course the man would have to deal with the
guilt and indirect ridicule but I think that’s better than being judged as a
person. In my opinion, being judged as a person is what keeps people from
acting morally every time, just as a Superhero would act.
Superheroes, created for entertainment, played much bigger
roles in history than just strictly for entertainment. This had me question
objects in my life; objects thought of as entertainment that played a larger
role. In my childhood it would stuffed animals. Not only were they used for my
entertainment but also as objects of protection and comfort like in a dark room
or a stormy night. Nowadays the example I choose to use is music. Music, also created for entertainment purposes, means so much more to people than that. Comics were written to show nationalistic pride. Captain America was specifically created for this purpose too. Famous composers like Dvorak and Tchaikovsky composed pieces specifically for their country.
My different behaviors in different sets of company
always ALWAYS get me into trouble. I’m constantly aware of it and it’s quite
exhausting. It’s becoming better though because I’m figuring out whose opinions
really matter to me rather than just my own. Superheroes benefit greatly from
secret identities, not only in a crime fighting aspect, but also in a social
aspect. Although Clark Kent’s Superman gets in his way of courting Lois Lane,
Superman is able to act like the man he wants to in front of her. This is also
the case of the main character in the newer Superhero movie Kick Ass. I like
how this has transcending into today’s celebrities. Celebrities go by names
that aren’t their own like Kesha and Lady Gaga but I think the best celebrity who
encompasses their secret identity is Beyonce. A few years ago she released a
C.D. entitled “I Am Sasha Fierce” This was her alter-ego’s (secret identity’s) album.
I think if given the choice everyone would chose to have at least one secret
identity. Superheroes can’t resist (not always by choice), celebrities can’t
resist, and everyday average humans can’t either.
