Becoming a Superhero

By Sophia Qamar, TMO

Sometimes I think about Superheroes. You know, because they’re cool.

Sometimes I think I want to be one. You know, because that would be cool.

Sometimes I think the world needs more of them. You know…because.

Now, as wonderful as being a clandestine vigilante with the strength of a supernova and smelling capabilities equivalent to twenty hound dogs would be, I find falling into copious amounts of toxic wastes and obtaining superhuman powers rather impossible. Call me a realist.

However, becoming a superhero doesn’t nearly require so many genetic mutations, nor does it require so much effort and money as Batman had invested in. Becoming a superhero requires, instead, ample levels of responsibility and compassion and awareness. Take Superman for example: his heroism was made up of 20% compassion, 20% awareness, 1% fun, and 59% responsibility.

For those select few capable of the austerity, here are a few, more human, versions of original superheroes that take us humans into the gradual intent of heroism:

1)    Captain America: requires patriotism. A lot of patriotism. And among the patriotism, becoming Captain America requires ubiquitous amounts of compassion for tradition; technology is sometimes not the best way to solve an issue. Being Captain America means being old fashioned and thus means being personal. Going out to help an elderly woman cross the street, lending a neighbor that extended addition lawnmower, or conversing with someone lonely at a party are all Steve Rogers approved.

2)    Iron Man: requires a passion for technology, and a way with witty words. Now, becoming Iron man does not mean going out and managing a multimillion dollar business and obtaining rare technology. For the rest of the world, it can mean aiding against online or verbal bullying, or giving more to the poor.

3)    Mera: requires ruthlessness. Moving in to DC characters, Mera is a little less known than Batman and Superman, and more woman than the typical man superhero. But either way, she is powerful. Becoming Mera means acquiring a love for oceanic life care. Aiding with the distribution of drinkable water to countries that cannot otherwise obtain it is very Mera. To be Mera is also to fight for women’s rights and spread the idea of feminism.

4)    Beastboy: requires spirit. Beastboy’s nature is filled with generous amounts of laughter and innocence and he requires not only a playful a quality, but optimism. For any situation, especially in ones that are bad or worse, Beastboy brings a glimmer of hope. Animals and the care for animals are a priority when being Beastboy—troubled or abuse, any form of life deserves to be happy just as humans do. Beastboy makes sure that opinion is made into an action. Helping at a dog pound or at a veterinarian’s office is Beastboy approved. Even a short call to an animal shelter about a stranded pet can go long ways.

For any preference, it is easy to become a superhero. Choosing to be a certain superhero, however, does not mean you are restricted to his or her capabilities. The beauty of pretend is that you can mix and match and still make the world a better place.

So you are a hero now. You know, because you are cool.

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