"The darker the times, the more urgent our collective need for super-powered fantasy figures to dig us out of our hole. But unlike yesterday’s superheroes who were strong, squeaky clean, super-endowed men and women, today’s audiences tike their superheroes to be flawed: the more messed up the better"Underpants on constant display, unflattering tights, stupid flappy cape, implacable enemies, zero sex-life, a tortured past and the nagging frustration of having to save the world on a daily basis but never being able to claim credit under your true identity: who in their right min would want to be a superhero?
Nonetheless, the superheroes are racing up against each other to the big screen. Although all these are fantasies and fictions, it does depict our real world in some sense.
I observed that of the many superheroes shown today, none were same in their characteristics as they were first created back in the 90’s.
The director of ‘Superman Returns’ shows our man of steel’s constant battle in his love life with Lois Lane and brought in that he had a child without marriage. Christian Bale depicts our Dark Knight’s hinterland life in ‘Batman Begins’. Our friendly neighbour Spiderman gave up his super identity amidst pressure and love in “Spiderman 2”. I can’t end this list without mentioning Iron Man’s carefree attitude that coupled with his alcoholism. Only God knows what holds for the upcoming ‘Incredible Hulk 2’, ‘The Spirit’, ‘Watchman’, ‘G.I. Joe’, ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ and many more.
This portrayed superheroes not as magnificent, selfless, crime fighting role models, but as warped, sexually confused sociopaths whose powers had brought them little but misery and psychological damage.
You can detect the widespread influence it has had in modern television series such as Heroes. Here, no matter how apparently thrilling and delightful and useful their superpowers, the character their superpowers, the characters are contractually obliged to see them as a curse, never as a fun party trick. Either that, or the powers they have are really horrible ones, like the poor Guatemalan girl who can’t help weeping black tears of death which kill even nice people who are trying to save her.
So, today’s audiences like their super heroes to be flawed: the more messed up the better. All of which, of course, gels perfectly with how so many modern viewers like to think of them selves: as amazing, special people with truly unique talents which yet astonishingly have gone unappreciated by a foolish, uncaring world.
What’s my point after such long winded facts?1) God has given us gifts that are to be used for the unity of the body of Christ and for edifying others. These gifts are meant for the good of those who loves God. Believers are to exercise their giftings with passion and love, never with complaints or burdensome. These cultural flaws in the cinema may creeps into our subconscious mind about our attitude in service and ministry. Let’s see how this sub-culture will affect both the golden rule of “loving others as thyself” in long run and also the ‘selflessness’ attitude taught in the Bible.
2) Although no one is perfect, that does stop us as believers to be holy and acceptable in the sight of the Lord. Although we have sins in our lives, God still uses our life testimonies for His glory. Although we have a horrible past, it should never deter us to use God’s gifting in our lives We are to change and be transformed by God’s Word and His Spirit, but never to stay still with our own strength or will power. Sounds like what these superheroes are doing in the big screen?
3) “With great power, comes great responsibilities”. I liked this catchy so much because it resonances Biblical truth. As we are equipped with great powers from on high, we are to exercise it great care and great concern. We are not to toy around or even sit on it. It is never for our selfish gain nor for our own greatness.
Perhaps we need to really salute those ‘real’ superhero who stayed true to their calling and their responsibilities through thick and thin.
