Study: Superheroes Might Not Be Such Super Role Models

In case I was scooped( once again) I am sorry for the double post:



Story: And link http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/movi...le-models.html


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What's that you say? A rogue vigilante, who dons a mask at night to fight crime while using illegal weapons, with no endorsement from local law enforcement authorities, may not be a good role model for young boys?

Incredulity aside, it turns out that even some of the "nicer" comic-book heroes might not be so good for the kids. That's the conclusion of a new study of current superhero movie characters (how does one apply for this job?). The researchers behind the study shared their findings at the American Psychological Association convention this past Sunday. What's most surprising about the results of the study is that it doesn't necessarily vilify all of these powerful characters -- just modern-day superheroes. The superheroes your parents watched and read many moons ago? Those guys were just fine.

Sharon Lamb from the University of Massachusetts-Boston, who spoke on behalf of the study, explained: "Today's superhero is too much like an action hero who participates in non-stop violence; he's aggressive, sarcastic, and rarely speaks to the virtue of doing good for humanity. When not in superhero costume, these men, like Iron Man, exploit women, flaunt bling, and convey their manhood with high-powered guns."

Iron Man, Lamb's example of a modern-day superhero, debuted in March of 1963 in issue number 39 of "Tales of Suspense." In 1979, the Iron Man story went through an arc known as "Demon in a Bottle," which portrayed Tony Stark's (Iron Man's true identity) battle with alcoholism. That storyline was later loosely adapted into the two "Iron Man" movies.
Photos: Movie stills from 'Iron Man 2'

There is a valid point within the research that young boys who don't have real-life role models may turn to their movie idols to compensate for their lack of guidance. Especially considering that a slew of these comic-book demigods -- Peter Parker as Spider-Man; The X-Men -- are themselves considered outsiders in their personal lives. The problem is, of course, that real-life humans haven't been bitten by radioactive spiders or developed mutant powers. As the researchers discovered, this leads to problems when movie marketing can "take advantage of boys' need to forge their identity in adolescence and sell them a narrow version of masculinity."

Lamb's research concluded there are only two types of personalities that today's boys have the option to aspire to: the aforementioned superhero or the cracking-wise slacker. (What, no vampires?)

Doing her best to channel the character of John Bender's dad from "The Breakfast Club," Lamb explains her findings about on-screen slackers thusly: "Boys are told, 'if you can't be a superhero, you can always be a slacker.' Slackers are funny, but slackers are not what boys should strive to be; slackers don't like school and they shirk responsibility. We wonder if the messages boys get about saving face through glorified slacking could be affecting their performance in school. (/quote)


Why can't people let boys be boys and enjoy comic superheroes?

This, again? Don't researchers have anything better to do than research things that were argued 50+ years ago.

What are they gonna do next, ban pinball? Again.

Wait, what happened to the research that says the media (movies and such) are turning guys into effeminate pansies and gays... Are you trying to tell me Batman is gay?

Hey, remember when Manticore slaughtered a villain in cold blood, and all he got was a slap on the wrist?

Great example for the kids there, Freedom Phalanx. Attempt to break into a tree, and get your brains beat out. Call yourself a Hero and kill people? A-OK!

It's almost like kids (and people) read comics to be entertained and not to be preached too.

I dunno...seeing Batman in some of those costumes makes me wonder if he might like to watch gladiator movies with me...

And Dr. Frederic Wertham rises from his grave to present Dr. Lamb with a mouldering autographed copy of his Seduction of the Innocent.

I stumbled across that last night and had a good laugh.

I read it as someone possibly my age or even a little younger saying "In my day comic superheroes were good. You kids get off my lawn!"

But I do wonder how well jobs to make silly assertions pay.

I actually feel like I grew up as a better person because I looked up to superheroes as role models.

Hey, Proffesor?
My mate here wants to have a little chat with you.



Honestly....they call this junk science? *sigh*

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zwillinger GG, I would tell you that "I am killing you with my mind", but I couldn't find an emoticon to properly express my sentiment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Photon NOTE: The Incarnate System is basically farming for IOs on a larger scale, and with more obtrusive lore.

That comic always makes me laugh hysterically.

"Wrong-way Batman"... Any further proof needed?

I must concur that society would be a much better place if comic books had not invented violence, alcohol, drugs, and womanizing.