When I was growing up on Long Island (I was born in 1952) I was all about comic books. Since I was scrawny & largely unpopular, I spent a fair amount of time alone. Which, looking back, wasn’t as bad as it sounds.
That’s because I was forced to create my own worlds with short 8mm films, fake radio shows and military strongholds made out of mud and sticks. My inspiration came mostly from superheroes in the comic books that I bought with the money I made from cutting neighbor’s lawns.
My favorites? Spiderman, The Flash, Superman and Batman. You might have loved The Hulk or Wonder Woman. Those were cool too.
The reason I am reminiscing about superheroes today is that they just keep returning in popularity-they are incredibly popular right this minute.
According to clinical psychologist, Dr. Robin Rosenberg, it’s because we’re living in uncertain times – with crime, financial struggles, and war.
And that leaves us wanting to be entertained and distracted. We’re also searching for positive role models, and wishing for heroes to swoop in and stop the madness. It’s the reason our grandparents loved superhero comics in the 1930s during the Great Depression.
Also, with superhero movies – it’s about good versus evil, and saving the little guy.
We also see ourselves in superhero stories. Because most of us believe in fighting for justice. And superheroes often come from tragic beginnings. That inspires us, and provides a model to help us cope with adversity, and find meaning – even after a loss.
Ok, your turn. Who were your superheroes growing up and do you draw from them even today during struggles?
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