The Rise Of Superheroes

The Rise of Superheroes In Greek, gods such as Zeus or Poseidon were idolized, and in the culture of both American countries, it could be said that many look to the heroics of Wonder Woman, Batman, and Superman. It is clear that they play a big role in our society due to their popularity, however, the reasons may not always be clear. While some may see the ideology of superheroes as an interest, for others, they are seen as an escape from reality, inspirational figures and an interests for all generations to share.

The popularity of superheroes in both print and social media may not always be clear, however they can provide people certainty in a time of uncertainty for any generations. Currently in a world of constant reminders of the negative news that are inundated daily, while simultaneously being immobilized by the neoliberal governmentality, the inequalities that are rising socially, or the instability of our economy, superheroes are viewed as unbounded by law. They can offer the certitude that people will be saved in a place where higher authorities cannot. Not only do superheroes give people the certainty, but they also provide an escape from their societal fears which speaks to their modern anxieties. Everybody gathers to watch these types of movies of idolized heroes that are wanting to fix the problems in the world. For example, in films, usually the fears of the society are projected on the villain, while the audience experiences the psychological relief of the hero's’ journey overcoming that obstacle and leaves the audience with a feeling that the world’s trouble can be conquered.

What many of the fans seems to celebrate is the ability of those heroes that transcend the limitations imposed on the society, whether it be gravity, social norms, or the law. While some may agree that people seem to be extending their energy in childhood, they believe that they should engage with the real world conflict more. Although it may be true, it is difficult to overlook the culture when there is so much bigotry and inequality that we often become paralyzed. The fantasy that superheroes allows the audience to view the problems creatively, to plan beyond the limits of today. In particular, superhero comics that raise social issues, such as, racism or violence, gives the readers to engage critically even if it calls for imagination, a temporary escape. Also, the ability for fans to relate to their superheroes, they are able to project into them as a form of wish-fulfillment fantasy. While at the same time being aspirational, they also relieve the pressure to become a superhero as well. This is also the reason why small boys love the comics; the reasons why adult boys and girls flock to see the movies. In the moment of watching, they are immersed, thinking about what action to take if it were to happen to them. In times of apathy, we rather prefer these basic moral tales with fancy tech backdrops because it gives the audience something to believe in. Heroes are instilled with human qualities, they faltered and failed, they got angry and suffered with loss. It was this movement that birthed Superman’s Kryptonite. It was through courage and determination that fuels superheroes, not power, which is also why audiences are able to bond with them, a connection through vulnerability. They are embodiments of aspirations, a limit that we should strive for beneath all the tights and capes.

For instance, Batman is human that is haunted by the pain and loss, Spider-Man is a young man living in an apartment with financial struggles, and Superman has difficulties of his identity and fitting in. Similarly, they all carry the characteristics of an ideal individual, willing to take on the world where the odds are against them. Despite their prefix, many people look to them to aspire rather to dream. Superheroes are the promotion for concrete realities rather than abstract impossibilities. Since the world of superheroes are well diversed with unique characters and personalities, it allows for a wide ranges of age groups and generations to find something to relate to. It is arguable that superheroes can bring all generations togethers more than any other franchise. For children, they use the roles of superheroes and villains to take on various perspectives at a young age while simultaneously test and view the consequences of actions. The stories of superheroes represented in the media challenges the way both children and adults think. Although some may argue that superheroes casts impossible physical standards or premature sexualization on children, it is the least of concern when children read comics of their favourite superheroes. Comics can assist with their development of their emotional vocabulary while moralistic and ethical dilemmas are played out through exaggerated opportunities which helps the effort of children to have a better understanding of the world around them.

At the same time, it could appeal to adults since challenge them to critically analyze the status quo. Since the characters are overly exaggerated, it gives people the opportunity to analyze and compare the traits of individuals. Superheroes are based on real people, as for audiences, we tend to feed off their images, integrating their strong characteristics into our personalities, ethics and morals. When those fans grow up from their interest of superheroes and start families of their own, they are able to relive through those childhood memories through their children. Action figures are collected from their parents many years ago and they are able to build on those old collections with their sons and daughters. It’s a continuous loop that unites any generation regardless of the age gap. Superheroes are timeless figures that have become a staple in pop culture. In a time where we are living in a malady culture, we are in constant search of stability and safety that could sometimes be found through the mediums of superheroes. Although it may not solve the reality of the problems, it puts the audience on an escapist fantasy that changes their perspectives to become a better version of themselves whether you’re 1 or 92.