The Psychology of Superheroes An Unauthorized Exploration Robin S. Rosenberg, PHD
Superheroes allow us to see ourselves in stark and entertaining ways and to dream of what we might be-Superheroes alter ego is a role in which they can perceive everyday existence without being singled out
Without Clark Kent as Supermans alter ego Superman wouldn't have a purpose to save Earth other than the right thing-witnessing everyday life makes him create relationships to the point to care and look after others
Clark Kents upbringing by his Earth parents have influence his whole character-Supermans personality would possibly be different if he had landed in New York City
Having superpowers whilst growing up and knowing your far superior to those in your classroom-comparing abilities with those around you-self-concept around those who are less able will be higher than those who are able-those who feel they are more able are likely to perform better and perserve more often
Supermans two-dimensional moral view of the world, Good vs Evil-rarely appears to wrestle with the moral implications of his crime-fighting behaviour
The classic superhero and their evil villains-shine the spotlight on the anti-hero, a person who on occasion does 'bad things for the right reasons'-the workings of various anti-heroes who have undertaken dark deeds when they believed the end justified the means
The Anti-Hero-too good to be bad or good, the anti-hero occupies the gray area in between the two-good guy who does bad things for the right reasons-Magneto's journey from villain to sympathetic villain to anti-hero is anything but complete
Batman is an Anti-Hero-residing in a much darker and more criminal than that of Supermans Metropolis-striking from the shadows, using fear as a weapon and willingless to work outside the law in order to catch the villains
The Anti-Hero who is willing to kill the bad guys to get what he wants-Wolverine does not limit himself, not hurting the innocent but would point a pistol in the face of a gun dealer to find out who he sold weapons to-"I got no stomach for guttin' animals. People though--thats another matter" Wolverine Vol.1#1
For most superheroes, their real jobs -fighting crime and saving innocent lives is a calling-logical career path given their abilities and talents
Superheroes and Mortals have similarities in each other lives-examine ourselves and our characteristics and look fo jobs that fit our uniqueness-similar challenges, adapting to the predictable stages and trying to find meaning in our work, so that we understand we're doing this for a larger sense of purpose
Superheroes are supposedly distinguished by having superpowers but supervillains also have powers-so in distinguishing superhero from supervillain we look at their abilities in terms of usage or how they are either helping or hurting people
It seems that in order to enhance our abilities to super-human we have to risk sacrificing our humanity-superpowers equals super responsibility
The traditional Superhero is classed as having abilities which showcase him or her as superior-if everyone wanted to be a superhero the definition would lose meaning-"When everyone's super, no one will be," Syndrome the villain from The Incredibles
The Punisher (a.k.a Frank Castle)is complex seeming to be a villain but his aim are the bad guys-Judge, Jury and Executioner
Part of the appeal of the superheroes is that through them we can live out our dreams and fantasies
Stress can still be a factor wether being human or a superhero as in the case of superheroes the stress of constant saving the world, having to be their when danger strikes, changing difficulties, taking the bad guys out whilst keeping the alter -ego under wraps
We often want to be superheroes as they deal with major stressors well enough when it comes to the vast tasks they are expecte to do-as whenthey save the world they are cheered and well received as oppose to the everyday good deed that goes unnoticed and unappreciated and doesn't allow the relief of the stress
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