A response to Superheroes on Boys' Mental Health

Evan Lahee

Responding to the article on boys' mental health from being influenced by superheroes, I wholeheartedly disagree. It all depends on the version of the superhero being watched, and how it's interpreted by the writer/director of said films.

For example, one can watch something like Nolan's Batman films where the protagonist is extremely selfish and whiny and needy and constantly pines over the loss of his parents in an unhealthy way, but Nolan's Batman isn't the true Batman. Not by a long shot. The comics have a healthy way of representing him as a man who's come a long way by amassing a ton of companions, friends, a surrogate family, a powerful company that amasses wealth and donates to charity, and he always gives his all to the people he loves. A very selfless man and one hell of a role model. Even the 90s animated Batman series uses this same version from the comics, not the Nolan one of an overly whiny aggressive impetulant man-child.

Being a comics and anime geek, and growing up on comics, superhero media, as well as "shonen" (basically young teenage boy-aimed demographic) Japanese animes, I was influenced I believe in a very healthy way. The shows and characters made me feel like I could accomplish my dreams and strive to be the best I could. Characters in Batman, Superman, and DragonBall Z alike all trained their hardest and were unconditionally loyal to their friends and loved ones. They did their best to keep themselves at peak physical, mental, and emotional condition at all times. They all had their breakdowns, but eventually knew to pick themselves up because they all knew the importance of self-love and believing in themselves, and when a porblem arises, be it a predicament in life or a person antagonizing them, they would always be at their best to stand up and fight against it (in a healthy defensive way) to make sure that (be it) justice or fairness was served for the better of everyone without bias.

I believe when watched in proper context and not shallowly analyzed like in the article, which needs a more informed perspective, these iconic characters can indeed be very good role models. Ignore the trash Hollywood throws at the masses and look through the promotional items and into the heart, histories, and essences of the characters at their core and original intentions.