Superheroes and America: Why the Citizens are the Real Heroes They were born to save humanity, and while they didn’t know it at the time of their conception, their superhuman abilities would enable them to save the day. To a simple crowd, they are hidden, disguised as a normal citizen until they have to become the symbol –the pillar of strength– that everyone needs. Alone or united they fight for the human race and its survival, demonstrating their unwavering sense of morality, justice and surprisingly enough, humanity. And while they are not of this world and are mostly used for entertainment purposes, the media has portrayed superheroes as exemplary beings, changing the perspective of the American spirit and ultimately giving ordinary citizens
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The emergence of characters such as Superman and Captain America symbolized the glory of people who extended themselves for the benefit of those around them. As time passed, many other superheroes emerged including Wonder Woman and Captain Planet, who began to be seen as symbols for feminists and environmentalists respectively in later years. These superheroes and their images shifted to make a statement for the minorities, expanding to make broader statements, even if it was before their …show more content…
But his determination, his will to fight, and participate in a noble act made him an American symbol for patriotism; According to a scholarly journal, referenced American citizens as heroes, she states: “You, too [America], have great spirits of the past you may call upon: men and women of courage, of conscience of prescience. Summon them, to stand with you, to inspire you, to defend the best in you. You [America] need them.” (Atwood 513)
Citizens from the real world feel inspired to have such an act of heroism and as a result, join the army to protect the nation’s freedom, much like their on screen hero, Steve Rogers. Their prowess is derived from the spirit of a superhuman figure and fight to the best of their ability, despite the danger that awaits them, much like their superhero counterparts. But it’s not only stars and stripes for American superheroes, for the media’s ever-expanding portrayal of these famous figures allow virtually everyone to not only identify with a hero, but feel like one
The emergence of characters such as Superman and Captain America symbolized the glory of people who extended themselves for the benefit of those around them. As time passed, many other superheroes emerged including Wonder Woman and Captain Planet, who began to be seen as symbols for feminists and environmentalists respectively in later years. These superheroes and their images shifted to make a statement for the minorities, expanding to make broader statements, even if it was before their …show more content…
But his determination, his will to fight, and participate in a noble act made him an American symbol for patriotism; According to a scholarly journal, referenced American citizens as heroes, she states: “You, too [America], have great spirits of the past you may call upon: men and women of courage, of conscience of prescience. Summon them, to stand with you, to inspire you, to defend the best in you. You [America] need them.” (Atwood 513)
Citizens from the real world feel inspired to have such an act of heroism and as a result, join the army to protect the nation’s freedom, much like their on screen hero, Steve Rogers. Their prowess is derived from the spirit of a superhuman figure and fight to the best of their ability, despite the danger that awaits them, much like their superhero counterparts. But it’s not only stars and stripes for American superheroes, for the media’s ever-expanding portrayal of these famous figures allow virtually everyone to not only identify with a hero, but feel like one