Any Man Can Be a Superhero

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Superheroes—the pop culture world is filled with them. From their original comic books, to television and cinemas, superheroes are everywhere. But what makes them what they are? Is it the superhuman or alien abilities, the wealth—or just the fact that they help people?

I like to believe, as a man in this world, that it is the last one. (Especially since the abilities and wealth can be found in the supervillains as well.) Watch the movies or the television shows that are flooding the media today and you will find that each superhero is also described as a vigilante. That’s because they go above and beyond the law to do things their way. Most have self-guided rules that keep them sane so they don’t murder the “bad guys”.

In the 21st century, though, any man could be a hero. In fact, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people out in the world doing great heroic things. But more often than not, we don’t ever hear about their deeds.

We, as a global community, deserve to hear about everyone’s everyday heroism—men and women, alike. Even if they wish to be anonymous, someone could at least talk about them and let people know they exist.

That’s what we need in the world—more attention on the heroes, instead of the villains.

Every day, I watch the news and force myself to hear about the horrors going on around me in my city, country, and even other places in the world. But now it’s time to show the good news! It’s time to share the joyful news as much as the terrible situations and events—if not more.

In my lifetime, I have met countless unnamed heroes that do so much good in their community but never get recognized. Why is it that the media only chooses to announce when someone with money does something great? It doesn’t take money to be a hero. In my mind, anyone can be a superhero.

If someone were to ask me to create the perfect superhero for today, I would point to everyone around me. All it takes to be a hero is to do good; to help others even if it inconveniences you. Even if you won’t have time to get that iced mocha cappuccino, because you chose to help the woman carry a heavy box to her car. And even if you will be a little later getting home because you stopped to help a stranger stranded on the side of the road.

Everyone has the chance to be a superhero. Am I saying you should dress up in a cape and fight crime?
Definitely not; I’m saying you should do good. If you’re so inclined to help law enforcement, there are programs to keep you anonymous. Crime-fighting isn’t your thing? There are so many opportunities to help others and to help make the world a better place.

In a world of glorified superheroes in television and books, why aren’t there more heroes in the news? Because I see them all around me. Men—and women—helping other people however they can, like the everyday superheroes they are.

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