Real Superheroes 2
on December 31, 2008 at 12:03 am
Hi, Folks:
Yesterday, when I wrote about real world superheroes, I didn’t realize that I might be onto something really interesting here. I’m going to make an effort to cover this movement as it develops. I don’t want to encourage any one to endanger themselves or others, or take up vigilantism, but I think there is something to be said for these colorful people trying to become symbols of justice. As a group, the superheroes have taken to calling themselves “Reals.”
One thing I would like to clarify: As the co-writer of Johnny Saturn, I am quite sure the proper name for these would-be do-gooders is Mystery Men. But, that is an archaic term, and the term “superhero” has more weight these days, so what can I do. I’ll call them superheroes, though they would be better labeled mystery men.
Here is a news story about these phenomena.
Here is a website devoted to more of the superheroes, http://www.citizenheroes.com/. From what I can tell, Citizen Prime is funded and has a budget for fancy film intro. They even work some special effects into the mix. I haven’t figured out if this venture is a celebration of public service, or what, exactly. It may simply be an individual or group’s attempt to empower people by making them aware of their neighborhoods.
If you want to go where the Reals are hanging out, that would be Myspace.
More as this story develops.
How depressing to see that one article focusing on the burn outs rather then the community service. After looking through myspace I must say the “Reals” movement is a mixed bag. About 50% seem like real honest concerned citizens just looking for an unconventional way to help often times in very simple ways but other times in more dramatic ones, however the other half seem more interested in sounding cool then organizing food drives and community watch style partrols.
Still over all it is very encouraging. It could become something like Scouting for single adults. A movement the involves both a bit of fun with serious community work.
What you point out, Nick, is why I am of two minds about all this. Clearly I dig superheroes, but….
Let me put it this way: If these were highly trained martial artists skilled in diplomacy, free running, and acrobatics, all while armored to the teeth in functional kevlar armor and helmets, I wouldn’t be concerned. That’s not what these folks are, though. Most of them have their hearts in the right place, but…
Still, if they want to wear costumes while they work on toy drops, food delivery, soup kitchens, neighborhood watches, and anything else to make their communities a better place, that’s OK with me.