Superheroes In American Culture

In life people always have that one special person that look up to. To them they are by far and idol in their eyes. Just like a child growing, they always had that one superhero they would love to be and hope to be as brave as them. For example Superman, Batman, Wolverine, and the Hulk. These characters are created in different ways to show masculinity and to help give the impression that they are not scared of anything. Sam Spade in Dashiell Hammet’s 1941 movie The Maltese Falcon is one of a kind. Ruthless, strong mind, and sneaky Spade has multiple personalities that he can hide behind to get facts for solving a case. Spade is by far someone that has different ways of showing his masculinity. Trapped in situations, held at gun point and followed

Based on the article “The Thematic Paradigm” by Robert B. Ray, there are two kinds of heroes that are America’s favorite. The official hero and the outlaw hero and, both heroes have mirrored the American significance in many ways. The official hero is the one who behaves within the law. The official hero includes the law in their tasks and, helps create new laws for the future. The outlaw hero is the type of hero who takes matter into their own hands. The fictional superheroes Superman and Batman are two classical examples that are in accordance to Ray 's meaning of an official hero and an outlaw hero. The Thematic Paradigm makes it simple to understand the characteristics Americans look for in their heroes, Superman as the official and Batman

Throughout time, the meaning of the word “hero” has changed throughout the world. Everyone has their own perspective of what qualities and characteristics “heroes” should have. In today’s modern world, we hear the word “hero” used constantly in tabloids, on the news, or in plain conversation. What exactly is a hero? Who, or what, can be classified as heroic? Many people would give an example of a super hero. Super heroes are different; a “super hero” is a “benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers, such as Superman”. I always preferred Batman and Iron Man over the rest of the superheroes due to the fact that they are regular people. They don’t need any special powers to fit into the same category as the super heroes that do. A hero by definition is “a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.” That is a great definition for books and intellectual minds, but to the average person, a hero is much more.

Superheroes of today and mythological characters inspire us to be “our better selves.” because, of the there heroism and courageous acts. For example, they inspire us to save lives and help other people. The texts says from “into the Maze of Doom” ““You can’t change my mind it is my duty to save our people”(pg14) Also, ““.......I will slay the beast so the no other must die……..Let me do this, father. For Athens”(pg15) This piece of text evidence shows that scine Theseus is helping people and saving lives and doing it for his city and the people living in it, that inspires us and makes us want to do the same thing and help people around us and possibly save lives as well. In the essay “What’s With These Guys?” by Kristen Lewis the text states ““They risk their own lives to protect the innocent and

Ever wanted to throw down that textbook and read something enjoyable for once? Well, go ahead! Chunk that dull textbook out a window and pick up a comic; it will be more beneficial to your education than you think. The skills and values that liberally educated people should posses can vary from different views, yet the list of ten qualities that William Cronon created in his article, “’Only Connect…’ The Goals of a Liberal Education”(1998), is an inspirational goal for the liberally educated. Cronon’s list of qualities includes solving problems and puzzles, empowering others, and understanding how to get stuff done in the world. However, as I read through Cronon’s list, I could not come up with one person who had all ten qualities of a liberally

Beowulf and Superman are considered epic heroes because of the feats and battles both have conquered, along with the villains and countless evil creatures that have been defeated. Despite being closely similar in the journey each takes and the enemies they vanquish; each is vastly different in certain points of their existence and attitudes. Beowulf and Superman’s differences and similarities start at the beginning of each one’s lives and end at the last moments of their journeys. Superman and Beowulf have both struggled to conquer all foes and enemies and have fought hard for the lives each has lived, or is living, and both have acquired the titles of being an epic hero.

There were an abundance of changes implemented into the Beowulf movie that show how our society's customs, morals, and beliefs have changed over the years.

A Superhero is not judged by the power he has,but only by the choices he makes. In the essay,”Superman and Me” by Sherman Alexie, the author uses an extended metaphor to explain his relationship with the fictional character Superman. Alexie uses many things in his life to compare himself to Superman. Although Alexie may not be seen as a hero with actual superpowers, he demonstrates the qualities of a superhero in different ways. Alexie is seen as someone that almost resembles an alien in the eyes of his society. Most of Alexie’s comparisons with himself and Superman are figurative. Sherman Alexie and Superman have much more similar qualities than one might realize.

We love our “Hero’s.” In Robert B. Ray’s essay, The Thematic Paradigm, he explains that Americans have always been undecided about the value of civilization. Whether in real life or fictional, there is a contrast in the “Hero” type. First being the “Official Hero,” one who is responsible, usually having a family, job and one who believes “you can’t take the law into your own hands.” Epitomizing the aspect of maturity: sound reasoning and judgment, foresight and compassion based on experience. The opposite end of the spectrum would be the “Outlaw Hero.” In stark contrast to the “Official Hero,” the “Outlaw Hero” seeks relationships with “bad woman,” is usually unemployed, and one who believes in “right and wrong, regardless of what the law states.” The “Outlaw Hero” demonstrates immaturity, a disposition to be impulsive, have tantrums, and make spontaneous decisions based on childhood. Ray also believes that the two “Hero” types can embody one person, be it a real

In this article, “Why We Love TV’s Anti-heroes,” the author Stephen Garrett argues that in today’s society our whole perspective of heroes has changed since the mid-twentieth century. Garrett is appealing to all American’s who love watching their favorite TV heroes and heroines. In addition, Garrett’s main focus is the fact today’s heroes entirely different from what the idea of a “hero” was two or three decades ago. The author relies on generally accepted ideas from the American public to base his main idea; he uses sources from popular TV shows and movies which have anti-heroes that draw the attention of their audience. “But now we’re fighting wars - Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel/Palestine, the War on Terror - where it’s far less clear who the enemy is, indeed whether there is an enemy at all, or even that we are the

A bite and a costume can change someone’s life extremely quick. Spiderman as a reference, was bitten by a spider that granted him with special abilities. Only he must keep it as secret from society. The best superheroes have awesome costumes which help them maintain two separate identities. They also have an amazing skill component of supernatural abilities which enhance their civilian identities. Superman, Wonder Woman, Hulk, Spiderman, are all perfect examples of the best superhero.

After careful examination of the article, “Where I Find My Heroes” authored by Oliver Stone, it became apparent that Stone uses the rhetorical devices of examples and imagery to help convey his definition of a hero. To help portray his image of a hero, Stone provides examples of heroes all throughout his lifetime. For example, he later stated that as a child, “My heroes were always people like George Washington and General Custer and Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Men, generally, and doers” (Stone 1). Then as he talks about what he believes fits the definition of a hero now, one can see that he has mentally evolved to that of someone who should be honored for sacrifices made, not actions that led them to fame. Now he views those who

What is a hero? Is it a being or idea classified by tights and capes or is it something more? A hero can be anything their society makes them out to be, which is the case in Etheridge Knight’s short story, “Hard Rock Returns to Prison.” A hero can also be a reassuring mother of a frightened child, as shown beautifully in John Hope Franklin’s short story, “The Train from Hate.” In both stories, the theme heroism plays important roles in their respective plots. Both stories also prove that the term “hero” has no singular meaning, as the term can have a multitude of meanings. Similarly, the police that protect our streets and serve their local people are the heroes of our real world society. A hero can be anyone and anything their society wants

But the most prominent example of them all, is the prototypical superhero, Superman. Superman could be described as an amalgam of every great and powerful warrior as one. His co-creator Jerry Siegel states that ‘’ in creating Superman, he wanted to conceive a character like Samson, Hercules, and all the strongmen I have ever heard of…’’. (Smith)(Chapter 15, Section 1 Jerry Siegel quoted 1934) Superman is often compared to a variety of mythological figures, most notably with his Messiah like characteristics, which resembles images of Christ. Stephen Skelton mentioned in his book, The Gospel According to the World’s Greatest Superhero, where he writes that Superman’s story goes something like this ‘’ From above, a heavenly father sends his only son to Earth, at age 30, Superman will embark on his public mission”, which is the same age of Christ as he explains. ‘’Superman will, in his mission as ministry, fight for Truth and Justice’’. (Skelton) Superman also teaches people the fundamental biblical principles as outlined by Skelton and in his storyline, he dies and is eventually resurrected. Superman holds a strong resemblance to religious figures where in Michael Uslan interview with Jeff McLaughlin he draws the similarity in the origin stories of both Moses and Superman on how they both became heroes

Benjamin Disraeli once said: “To believe in the heroic makes heroes”. Any individual can turn into a hero by saving someone in danger, giving up his or her life so someone else could live. But heroes do not at all times show bravery, they can be heroes even if they are afraid as long as they do a heroic act. A hero illustrates courage when faced with a difficulty, someone who is capable of helping others in need. Somebody who gives hope and power to go on through life’s troubles. Heroes