Unemployed workers turn to Superheroism

[The Romulan Republic]

Not to be rude, and maybe I'm too tired to think clearly, but what does the above story have to do with this thread, let alone my post in particular?

There is the crime fighter/vigilante aspect of your post, but also the "disillusioned unemployed" aspect. in another post Mike pointed out that Americans in particular attach moral success to employment. This seems like a way to get control of a society that they are disillusioned with and reclaim a little moral capitol.

Well I can't find work, but at least I'm out there doing some good!even though I do the same thing AND get paid, as a police officer

An interesting point, and a valid one.

Though by way of a possible explanation, some people might be fully aware of this but would rather run around in a costume, either because they find the latter more entertaining, or because they don't trust/don't like the police (dissatisfaction with and paranoia about the police is hardly uncommon, nor at all unjustified depending to an extent on where you live). Or they might have something in their background that precludes employment as a cop. And finally, some of these "superheros," if not all, likely view this as a hobby or part time "volunteer" work, rather than something they would do as a job.

Not that I in any way disagree with what you said, merely that I felt like pointing out some other possible motivations. Of course, the above does not in any way justify vigilantism, of course, but then again these "superheros" seem to be staying within the law (hopefully).

[Themightytom]

If they would at least organize into a legitimate neighborhood watch of some kind, i could see it as a potentially positive form of volunteer work.

Refusing to take practical steps to make what they do effective indicates to me at least they aren't doing it for the cause they are doing it for themselves.

I agrew with the entertainment aspect. my little brother is a Huuuuuge costume buff. (I died a little inside when he came to draft night dressed as a jedi three weeks ago) and there definitely seems to be that sense of enjoyment in creating an image or persona. I am jsut concerned that they are mixing entertainment with potential danger. I approve of Litter pickup man, or Expiring meter paying guy, or even Cross Old Lady Lad.

The Dark Guardian is just asking for trouble.

Incidental Nitpick. Are they "Super" heroes if they don't have superpowers? I believe Batman has always made that distinction clear.

[Samuel]

Great, all we need now is Dr Manhattan and we can have a real-life Watchmen movie. Really though, this seems mostly harmless and just general charity.

Watchmen? These guys are more like this bunch:

http://a2.vox.com/6a00c2251f70eb8fdb010 ... 000f-500pi

Yes, but some of them actually had superpowers (like that guy who could become invisible when nobody's looking.)

Three of them did. There was that guy, the one who could control his farts and knock people out with them, and the women who had the skull of her dead father in a boweling ball and could communicate with it and have it fight on its own power.

[Drooling Iguana]

There was also the guy who could cut guns in half with his mind, but I'm not sure if he qualifies as part of the group.

[Samuel]

There was also the guy who could cut guns in half with his mind, but I'm not sure if he qualifies as part of the group.

Was he the one obcessed with non-leathal weaponary or someone else?

[phred]

The non-lethal weaponry guy provided some toys, but was not an actual member of the group. Think of him more as Q to James Bond, than say, Robin to Batman.

[Coyote]

It looked like most of them were more concerned with doing charity works than going out and beating people up. In that respect, they're no different than, say, the 501st Stormtroopers who do fund raising for kids hospitalized in long-term care, etc. And as for reporting a crime when they see it, it's just "Neighborhood Watch"... with hokey-looking costumes.

[Themightytom]

It looked like most of them were more concerned with doing charity works than going out and beating people up. In that respect, they're no different than, say, the 501st Stormtroopers who do fund raising for kids hospitalized in long-term care, etc. And as for reporting a crime when they see it, it's just "Neighborhood Watch"... with hokey-looking costumes.

It would be a new level of awesome if we ever got a storm trooper regiment to volunteer at the soup kitchen. the guys would be like "WTF?"

Again though, roving bands of teenagers would probably be a problem after dark...

[Molyneux]

The one thing that strikes me about these people, whenever I see an article about them, is that they all invariably have awful names and/or costumes. Really, can't we get some of these people to try for something that doesn't make the listener cringe?

[CaptainChewbacca]

The one thing that strikes me about these people, whenever I see an article about them, is that they all invariably have awful names and/or costumes. Really, can't we get some of these people to try for something that doesn't make the listener cringe?

Most suck, but I actually like Geist's look.

[TheLostVikings]

After the above shadowhare story was first published someone mused how long it would take before real life supervillains started to appear as well, and shortly thereafter this rather hilarious spoof site was born: R.O.A.C.H.

One thing about these RL superheroes is that unless they get a ton more media recognition, your average joe still doesn't have a clue who they are. Unlike f.ex. the Norwegian organization "Natteravnene" (the night ravens) who all wear bright green/silver reflex vests when patrolling the cities at night. Not only does this keep them from being run over by cars, but more importantly it makes them instantly recognizable, and give them a very visible presence wherever they go.

Thus everyone know who they are, why they are there, that you can ask them for directions/assistance, that all of them are personally approved by the police, etc, etc. When someone sees the self proclaimed "superheroes" most people wold probably think wtf, and wonder if they are cosplayers on their way to a convention or something...


Now, the charity work and soup kitchens on the other hand I obviously have nothing against, but paroling the city at night is serious business.

[Molyneux]

The one thing that strikes me about these people, whenever I see an article about them, is that they all invariably have awful names and/or costumes. Really, can't we get some of these people to try for something that doesn't make the listener cringe?

Most suck, but I actually like Geist's look.

You know, you're right...he does seem to be an exception to the rule, though I can't say I care for that striped shirt. Neat name, too.