New Study Echoes Fredric Wertham
A new study from UMass Boston says that “newer” Super Heroes aren’t as wholesome or as good a role model as their older counterparts. (http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/movie-talk-study-superheroes-might-not-be-such-super-role-models.html , http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-08/apa-tss080510.php )
Their example seems to be Tony Stark AKA Iron Man. Sharon Lamb, a co-author of the reasearch was quoted as saying : “Today’s superhero is too much like an action hero who participates in non-stop violence; he’s aggressive, sarcastic, and rarely speaks to the virtue of doing good for humanity. When not in superhero costume, these men, like Iron Man, exploit women, flaunt bling, and convey their manhood with high-powered guns.” Iron Man was introduced in 1963, so for her role models I’m assuming Dr. Lamb and her cohorts are extolling the virtues of Golden Age heroes from the late 30s to the beginning of the 60s.
I guess that the rampant racism that ran during WWII was better than violence and guns. In the Golden Age of comics we had arguably the two most popular and enduring icons of comics, Superman and Batman encouraging the children to “Slap a Jap” by buying war bonds. Green Lantern had a great sidekick named Pieface, who of course was an Inuit mechanic. Wonder Woman, created by William Moulton Marston was a powerhouse of a woman, until she was bound by a man in her own lasso. Superman enjoyed telling the head strong Lois Lane to shut up, because as a woman she didn’t know what she was talking about.
Sharon Lamb also lamented “but these were heroes boys could look up to and learn from because outside of their costumes, they were real people with real problems and many vulnerabilities.” To me this argument is counter intuitive. At no time in comics have our heroes had more realistic problems outside of their costumes. Marvel Comics started a turn to a more realistic turn in their heroes problems in the 60s, and now it is even more prevalent in the post 911 climate.In the Iron Man movie, which is the character mentioned in the article, Tony stark is the victim of a terrorist kidnapping. This is a real world issue that we have seen played out on our news since we invaded Afaganistan. It’s a real problem. He is injured in the attack that leads to his capture. How much more vulnerable can you be? Stemming out of this Tony stark shuts down his weapons manufacturing plant, and wants to do better for the planet, and save us from annihilating ourselves.
Batman is the most successful comic adaptation to the silver screen. Batman is born from a violent crime that could happen in any of our major urban cities. Spider-man, arguably the second most successful iteration of a character on the big screen is born out of a car jacking. Wolverine is the victim of a government shadow ops group and conspiracy that mirrors the real life horrors of the victims of the too true MK Ultra program. Each of these characters uses their tragic origins to fuel their fight against crime. Sadly the least realistic part about these characters is their heroic actions.
The study really has no right to single out comic movies. Our culture has moved from being a less PC nation to a culture that is more tolerant of violence. The action hero has moved to a darker more violent place, because that is what the marketplace demands. Our culture dismisses violence as something that doesn’t affect us, but issues of racism, sex, and social injustice we as Americans are still uptight about. We want our heroes flawed, because each of us as a person is imperfect, thus making society as a whole maladjusted.
Every generation changes the bounds of what they feel is appropriate. Violence is a prevalent problem in our society. Each day you can find a news report about some horrific act that will shock and disgust you. Society now programs young women to hate their bodies and search for what is wrong with them. Men objectify women,and in certain situations women allow themselves to be objectified for financial gain. The old American dream has changed from wanting to be able to make enough money to support your family and lead a comfortable life, to a new American Dream of mass consumption and consumerism. Our neighborhoods and communities have broken down. Where once you trusted your neighbors, we look at those in closest proximity as a danger to us.
Since the Greek Myths heroes have mirrored the sensibilities of the societies they have been born into. The difference was that heroes had moments that transcended what a normal man thought he could possibly do in the fight against evil. Comic movies still have these moments, but just like our society, they have turned darker.
An all around good guy
I’ve had the pleasure to be a member of the Panels on Pages message board since it’s inception. It’s a great community, and has some great people. Pete is just one of them, but at the same time has a great story, and is an upbeat, positive person. Here’s a small interview that he was gracious enough to grant, enjoy.
EDD: When did you start cosplaying?
Chi Town Spidey: Back in 2005 at Wizard World Chicago. I had just finished my Spider-Man costume, and it was such a great costume, I wanted to show it to a bunch of people that would get a real kick out of it. I couldn’t get five feet in without someone wanting a picture. It wasn’t movie version, my costume was as if I popped out of a comic book. People loved it! It was something they knew, something that they remember from watching tv. It wasn’t a movie version fad that other cosplayers do. It was different, which what I was going for.
EDD: Why did you choose Spider-Man?
Chi Town Spidey: I have always wanted to be Spidey! When the costume was finished and I put it on for the very first time I actually said the line from the movie Kick Ass. “I look fucken awesome!”. *laughs*. Spidey was a true hero to me, I’m talking about the Spidey pre-OMD. My real name is Peter, so fate maybe. Not to mention when I’m in costume, I get into character! Crouching, running, jumping, interacting! You can’t just put on a spidey costume for show. When I dawn that mask….I give the people what they want, Spider-Man. 
EDD: Are there any other characters you would like to tackle?
Chi Town Spidey: I already tackled Chuck(NBC Chuck). People say I have the build to play The Flash as well.
EDD: Can you tell us about The Vault?
Chi Town Spidey: The Vault is my happy place. . It’s a place for my comics, sketches, sketch books, and memorabilia. I keep on making it better, but when i saved enough money, I’m going to get some display cases and make it look really sharp!
EDD: What is your favorite piece of memorabilia in the Vault?
Chi Town Spidey: *laughs* I really don’t have a favorite. I love all of them! Either it is comics from FCBD to signed comics, from my personal sketch from J Scoot Campbell to the inspirational letter from Michael Turner. I love dem all!
EDD: I understand that Michael Turner was very important to you, can you tell us about that?
Chi Town Spidey: Oh man, he was my hero. Plain and simple. Mike was the type of person that didn’t really care about how “important” you were. If he made promises, he kept them, if he could do something that could put a smile on your face, he did it. He lived every day with a smile on his face. He’s important to me because when I was diagnosed with cancer (leukemia) he sent me a letter of encouragement! I didn’t even know the guy!! I just loved his artwork, thought it was really cool, and then my brother sent him an email and BOOM! FEDEX PACKAGE came with that letter and signed comics. It gave me so much hope! He was such a class act!! I’d be honored if I ever came that close to an inspiration as he was. I was devastated when I found out he passed in 2008, but two days after that, I went for my checkup and my doctor told me I was cured. You can’t tell me Mike didn’t have a hand in that.
EDD: Tell us about the child you met this year at c2e2, and what you did for the kid.
Chi Town Spidey: He was being bullied for a year or so. His parents took him to C2E2 to cheer him up, since he liked comic books. Spider-Man being his favorite, I overheard his parents talking to the vendor asking if Spidey was going to make an appearance that day. I didn’t plan on it, but had the costume with me. I told the parents that he would arrive on Sat and Sun, but they only had a Friday ticket. The kid looked like he needed a pick me up, so I ran to the bathroom and changed. Met up with the kid. He was awe-strucked. He told me he was afraid to go to school because of the bullies. I told him it was okay to be afraid, just as long as you can control it. If you control it, you’ll find out that there was nothing to really be afraid of. Guess he took it to heart, got an email from his mother saying that he was doing a better job in school. He even stays after classes to help his classmates out with their homework if they have any problems!! How cool is that!!!?? Right time, right place I guess, but I’m so happy he’s not having any more problems any more with bullies. S’funny, it’s 2010 and the “bully” problem in the schools still hasn’t been resolved yet. It’s a shame really.
From: Mueller, Kimberly
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 11:50 AM
To: Norbot, Peter
Subject: FW: Thank You
Hi Peter,
This email will really make your day…
Thank you so much for doing whatever it is you did to help out this little boy.
Kim Mueller
Programming Coordinator
________________________________________
From: Rose Portel
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2010 11:44 AM
To: Mueller, Kimberly (RX); Tatara, Peter (RX)
Cc: Kinney, Christopher (RX)
Subject: Thank You
I hope I got the right person(s)…if not please disregard.
Dear C2E2,
I wanted to send you an email on what your convention has done to my 7 year old boy. My husband and I went to your convention in Chicago, to cheer him up since he’s been having a bad year. My son, Scott is not the most popular kid in his class and has been getting picked on by some other kids in his school. Both my husband and I have gone to the school to discuss this matter with the principle and the other kid’s parents. It has worked a few times, but generates back again. It appears that no one can stop “Bullies” or change the way the parents raise them. Scott doesn’t cause any trouble, does his homework on time, is a good kid at and out of home, it just pains me to see him go to school afraid to be picked on. It’s just been a troubled time for him so my husband and I decided to take him downtown on Friday to see C2E2 since Scott loves comic books.
His favorite is Spider-Man and when we arrived we saw that Spider-Man wouldn’t be appearing until Sunday. We were a little upset since Scott looks up to Spider-Man a lot. You should see his room. Anyways as we walked the convention floor, we were buying him some toys and asked the vender if Spider-Man would be coming any earlier, the vender didn’t know, but there was a man there that over heard us and told us that he would appear on Saturday as well. We explained to him that we only had a Friday ticket and our son really wanted to meet Spider-Man. I don’t know if this man worked for you, he had on a white t-shirt that said POP! on it and black baseball cap, but he looked down at Scott, smiled and said to him “I actually know Spidey, if you wait right here I can guarantee you that he’ll be here. I’ll go fetch him for you if you like?” We were shocked and agreed to remain right where we were. After five minutes I hear my son shout out “SPIDER-MAN!!!” There he was a personal appearance with his favorite hero!! Scott talked to Spider-Man for a while and after that…he became a changed boy. I don’t know what Spider-Man said, but Scott is more social, happier, and doesn’t let any bully pick on him. His grades have actually improved as well! His teacher called us to let us know that he has been helping his classmates with his homework if they have any trouble! He even gain so much confindence to join the baseball team! We are so very proud of him!
I don’t know if you know who the person in the Spider-Man costume was, but if you see him, please tell him Thank You and Thank You as well!! The show was fun and fantastic after Spider-Man met up with Scott.
Sincerely,
Rose
EDD: You’re hanging up the webs for now, can you talk about how you came to this decision?
Chi Town Spidey: Sure can. I’ve done the Spider-Man thing, I made a lot of memories, friends, and people smile. I never received a bad complement from my costume! All A++++’s. *laughs* The difference between me and my comic book counter part is that MY LIFE is a lot more important to me and that is a huge responsibility. To my wife, my friends, my family. Don’t get me wrong, I loved being in that costume and no doubt I’ll dawn the webs again if NEED BE, but for now, been there done that, now I just wanna enjoy the ride with the more important things in life. Once SDCC 2010 gets a glimpse of the Chi-Town Spidey. I’m going to frame that costume and it’s going in The Vault!
MS. Prom Debacle
Original UsaToday Story
Lesbian teens in America have a lot of things to worry about, having their prom canceled because of intolerance shouldn’t be one of them. I first read this story and was sickened by the hate. No matter how the small town in MS colors this, that’s what it boils down to. This girl deserves her prom, and it’s nice to see established Lesbian celebrities, such as Wanda Sykes and Ellen Degeneres stepping up and offering scholarships and appearances for the young lady, but they shouldn’t have had to in the first place. Also big ups to Green Day and other “straight” Celebs for lending a hand.
The good old boy network wasn’t done yet either. After the ACLU and other civil rights organizations got involved, they seemed to relent. Unfortunately what happened next was only what I could think of as a plan hatched by some drunken rednecks, because they are the only group of people that I think could find the following funny. The straight kids got their own prom, and the Lesbian teen was told to go to another spot, with the implication that her classmates would be there. So this young woman and
This is a nation that is supposed to be stronger because of all the different people we have, not a nation that discriminates against sexual preference, race, gender, or any other dividing line, yet that is our history. We killed the hell out of the Native Americans, enslaved and killed the Africans, and have killed Gay and lesbian citizens. So much for All Men being created equal.
Decent story, Just do some research
This is a nice story by a writer who is a respected martial artist.
There are a few things that caught my attention. If referencing Shaolin beliefs, Ch’an is the preferred term for their Buddhism, and not Zen. Zen is the Japanese translation of Ch’an.
Terminology isn’t such a huge problem but recommending the DVD that the author did is. (Shaolin Wheel of Life) These are not the Shaolin monks of legend, instead they are a creation of the People’s Republic of China. In 1931, ALL of the Shaolin grandmasters emigrated to the United States to avoid death and persecution. What we have today in China at the government renovated temples, are practitioners of Wushu. Wushu as defined by these practitioners does not refer to combat martial arts, but a sport that Chairman Mao and his committees devised for a non-combat demonstration sport. The entire point to these performers is to trade on the Shaolin name, and increase China’s burgeoning tourist industry.
Shaolin Monks believe that any martial art should be practical and usable in a life or death situation. These performers are talented, but please think of them more as Cirque De’ Soleil rather than Bruce Lee. The performances are beautiful to watch, but please remember that by buying a DVD or watching a live performance by these artists , you support the Chinese government. If this doesn’t bother you, by all means, enjoy the show. just be educated about what you actually support.
Entertainment deficit disorder 