Superheroes strike a larger than life figure, and it’s no wonder so many kids dream of growing up to get bit by a radioactive spider superhero. People are drawn to these mythic figures because they exude strength and a dedication to the common good. Growing up comes with the realization that universities don’t offer a degree in being Batman, and life is a lot harder than it looked from three feet off the ground. But how about real life superhero
The truth is, superheroes were created as allegories for everyday life. While they have fantastical adventures and backgrounds, the stories are an exaggerated retelling of normal life events. Spiderman getting bit by a radioactive spider is a coming-of-age story about a boy growing up to be a man. Not because of the spider bite, but in response to his uncle’s murder. That’s the real heart of every superhero tale ever told: the origin story. Without it, there would be no superheroes. Thus my positive words are real life superhero.
That’s the real reason these mythic figures stand larger than life. When the world punched them in the gut, they punched back. In this way, anyone can be a superhero simply by standing strong in the face of adversity. Here are 16 ways that people use their superpowers to fight back against the pressures of life.
16 Ways You’re a Real-Life Superhero
- Batman fights crime by night and runs a successful business empire by day. Anyone who works the 9 to 5 shift while volunteering their time on nights and weekends has a lot in common with good ol’ Bruce Wayne.
- The Hulk masters his anger and learns to channel that rage into fighting the good fight. A lot of people have anger issues. Anyone who has stood up to that, refusing to let it own their life, deserves a big green badge.
- Deadpool takes a hit like no other, mainly because losing a hand doesn’t mean that much when a new one grows overnight. Still, he keeps going through the darkest of times, never losing his sense of humor. People who can laugh in the face of hardship are definitely superheroes.
- Spiderman can climb and jump like no other, but it’s his precognitive ability to sense the danger that gives him the best advantage in a fight. It only works if he doesn’t question what he senses to be true. Self-trust and the ability to follow gut instincts is a superpower people use every day.
- Wonder Woman hails from a strong tribe of Amazonian women. In fact, she’s their princess. Women face adversity all the time. Meeting it with strength and grace is exactly what this Amazonian princess teaches.
- Daredevil’s acrobatic and gymnastics skills are all self-taught. Unlike many superheroes, he had no mentor. Self-education is a heroic act.
- Thor can enhance his already impressive powers by channeling cosmic energies using the Odinforce. Who would have guessed that meditating could be a superpower? How strong is the Odinforce? Just ask Captain America’s shield.
- Storm harnesses the powers of Mother Earth. Anytime a person finds a green alternative, Storm sends a little sunshine their way.
- Jessica Jones lives by her own rules, mainly because she knows what it’s like to be forced into living by another person’s. Slipping out from under the thumb of tyranny: total superpower.
- Iron Man’s greatest power is his technological prowess, and that’s something he has in common with a lot of people. Advanced tech skills used in the name of the greater good: definitely a superpower.
- Black Panther was the first mainstream African-American superhero, and he fights crime in the name of his fictional African homeland: Wakanda. This well-rounded superhero sees in the dark, which is a metaphorical representation of his ability to mastermind complex plans. Strategic planning and execution of goals, definite superpower.
- The Avengers are a close-knit group that works together to solve problems, much like people do every day when they collaborate to accomplish a common goal.
- Hawkeye is best known for his marksmanship, but it’s his leadership abilities that really make him a superhero. Team leaders, bosses, and anyone who manages a crowd draws on the same powers as this highly-skilled athlete.
- Wolverine’s adamantium skeleton doesn’t matter as much as his ability to track and sniff out of danger. Using intuition to make good decisions throughout the day is just another thing that brings people closer to superheroes.
- Captain America stands at the height of human physical perfection, and he used cheats to get there! Going to the gym at the end of every long day: that’s a superpower.
- Doctor Strange loses his greatest ability to a car crash, the use of his hands to heal others through surgery. From there, he goes on his own healing journey and finds his real power: sorcery. Choosing to fight against the forces of darkness instead of returning to his high-status life, he allows his darkest hour to lead him to his greatest destiny. That’s the heart of every superhero story. Anytime great misfortune makes someone stronger instead of weaker, that person becomes a superhero.
It’s not the superpowers that define the hero; it’s how they choose to use them, and how they choose to respond to the pressures of their lives. If adversity had broken them, they would be villains—and the world already has enough of those. Ability, skill and even magical powers come second to the mindset that determines how these characters respond to adversity. Perhaps that is the greatest thing they have to teach us.
About the Author: Hi, I`m Amanda Wilson – student and a freelance writer at paperwritten.com. I believe that all thoughts were already invented and thought over by someone in this world. And my goal is to find original one and provide it to the modern life. Connect with me on Twitter.
Positive Words Research – 16 Ways You’re a Real-Life Superhero
