Superheros 'R' Us

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Wondering if any cultural studies folks are writing about this trend…or if anybody is making a movie – I’d love to see this as a documentary feature.

It’s interesting to think about these folks’ assumed superhero identities as a kind of offline avatar which functions to bridge perceived disparate realities…or as a kind of symbolic attempt to impose a reality beyond conventional human capacity…

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If you’re looking to connect with a superhero near you, here’s their web site: World Super Hero Registry

And if you’re interested in joining their ranks, be warned:

They have stiff criteria:

A Real-Life Superhero must meet the following minimum criteria to be considered for the registry:

Costume: The purpose of a costume is not simply to protect the identity of the Real-Life Superhero from criminals that might seek revenge, but to make a statement both to the evil-doers that you fight against and to the world at large: you are not simply someone who happened upon crime or injustice and made an impulsive decision to intervene. You have vowed to actively fight for the betterment of humankind and to serve as an example for others. The costume of a Real-Life Superhero must be of sufficient quality to show some care went into it’s creation.

Heroic Deeds: The purpose behind becoming a Real-Life Superhero must be for the benefit of mankind, and the Heroic Deeds must be of sufficient degree as to exceed normal everyday behavior. If proof of Heroic Deeds is not present, a listing may still be added to the Registry, however, it may be marked as “inactive” or “unconfirmed” in the description.

Personal Motivation: A Real-Life Superhero cannot be a paid representative of an organization, not even a benevolent one. The motivation to become a Real-Life Superhero must come from the individual: not an advertising gimmick or a public relations campaign.

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After having witnessed a mugging in my neighborhood a few months back, I remember specifically wishing I had superpowers to combat the ills of society the mugging represented (a young guy roughed up a girl for her backpack).

It would seem that for some people, superpowers aren’t necessary to be a superhero.

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