Influence of superhero movies

The papers will review existing data on effects of superheroes in the society as well as utilize various theories to explain the relation between young viewers and superheroes. Therefore, the paper aims at proving that young viewers tend to be encouraged by example they see in superhero movies to be more courageous, confident and willing to improve the society. Introduction There is enough evidence on the influence of superheroes on personal development as well as the effect of fictional characters role modeling on children’s resilience and behavior. Notably, young people utilize fictional characters to fathom their personal lives as well as internalize social values. Often superheroes and fictional characters are perceived as the role models. The aspect that these superheroes emerged from humble backgrounds has a significant impact on the young people and the community.

Notably, it proves that everyone has a chance to find his strength and power to change their current status. Superheroes portray that through bravery, self-confidence and courageousness, one can change their current position and status in life. Evolution of Comic Character Superheroes and how their impact has evolved Scholars allege that superheroes have evolved to being community mythos: that is comics are the modern forms of mythology and have become an integral part of the modern society particularly America (Kraska). According to Przywathy, comics do not only reference old myths but also create new myths alongside other cultural works. Most of the narratives end with evildoers imprisoned or arrested for their crime. It is evident that Golden Age storytelling acted as a warning pf the literal and moral cost of choosing an evil and wrong path.

In early 1960’s, comic books narratives, as well as the heroes, underwent a significant change. This was after Marvel Comics established a constantly growing character cast who faced and experienced real-world issues such as discrimination, racism and bullying, homework and poverty (Thompson et al. Additionally, the stories were located in fictionalized real-world locations, like New York, and would often entail indirect and direct real world people or events. Notably, through this form of inspiration is the significance of many superheroes like Superman. Moreover, the continuous engagement with the real world positive role models is exhibited to have a positive impact on academic, social and personal behaviors as well as interactions. Studies reveal that the fictional characters play a vital role, particularly when frequently engaged with.

Notably, a 2002 study showed that 60 per cent of the participant considered various fictional characters as role models, particularly those with human circumstances or traits (Thompson et al. Notably, characters that exhibited values like compassion, honesty, bravery and self-confidence have a high likelihood of being considered as role models. Additionally, even superheroes who lack super hum abilities may serve as evidence for personal superiority and improvement over experiences and circumstances is attainable via effort and determination. Studies exhibit that superheroes have a significant impact on the public culture. Superheroes redefine culture identity as well as a conversation by developing new communities based on dreams or Dreamers. Superheroes act as mascots in symbolizing collective objectives aiding people to identify with each other. The new societies of dreamers are identity constructions where people have a chance to project themselves into the shared experiences of imagined lives of the superheroes (Carstarphen & Carr 97).

In his study, he examines how superheroes and comics can be utilized by a psychotherapist to aid people facing hard psychological issues to deal and reflect with their struggles. Superhero mediums possess mass appeals and could utilize in teaching children about different important values. Notably, cartoon superheroes can be effectively used in research, education, cognitive development, in stimulating creativity as well as for improved interpersonal communications. Superhero narratives aim at fostering critical thinking regarding the making of ethical choices since they promote doing good rather indulging in wrongdoing. Notably, superheroes inspire young people to indulge in activities that improve the world around them as well as their own lives. By doing this, an individual improves the likelihood of self-advancement as well as emotional survival.

Likewise, people tend to identify with superheroes. The social influence process through which people assimilate behaviors and values of superheroes is referred to identification (Gabilliet 45). Identification is described to occur when an individual shares interest in another person or holds the beliefs that they share an interest. In the modern world, superheroes as perceived as reference idols that are a source of inspiration for behavior and attitudes. Studies show that superheroes use aggression to hinder or stop villains though their aggression rarely kills the villains (Clarke 99). There exists correlational reasoning between moral reasoning and techniques of kid’s favorite superheroes as well as their moral reasoning. In spite of the aggressiveness in defending exhibited b superheroes, researchers have argued that superheroes could be an effective way or figure of teaching children on the significance of offering defense to others in case they witness bullying or unfair treatment.

Theoretically, the General Aggressive Model, as well as its extension, shows that superhero engagement is more likely to influence children’s behavior which includes defending behavior. The model suggests that some superheroes may be related to aggressive behavior in the long and short-term. Notably, it is vivid that engagement with superheroes at a young not only improves behavior and traits but also aids in improving the society. Through the development of aggressiveness and defending scripts, young people can minimize the prevalence of bullying and oppression institutions and other social settings hence making it save for weak individuals or those discriminated against. Notably, Batman as a Superhero has a significant social impact. He mobilizes people to do good for everyone which is illustrated while he carries an injured police officer to a hospital.

Additionally, other Batman’s moment aimed at teaching justice or give reasons why individuals indulge in crime. Marvel is blurring and attracting new audiences and readers due to its increasing character diversity. As well as being cognizant of the audience for ethnicity, age and gender. This also relates to Spider Marble since she is young and the inclusiveness entails her audience and generation. Superheroes in comics have emerged to be a representation of audiences hence no longer focuses on male teenagers. Superhero archetypes influence society since people always need heroes since they play a teaching and inspiration role to indulge in something rather than just themselves. Theories explaining how Superheroes impact or influence people The social cognitive theory can be used in explaining how superheroes influence individual’s habits and behavior.

Notably, the theory offers a framework for fathoming, changing and predicting human behavior. It points out human behavior as the interaction of behavior, personality traits as well as the environment (Valkenburg & Jessica 91). The theory may be used to demonstrate the possible aspects that influence or contribute to people being influenced by superheroes like Spider Marble. The symbolic interaction theory investigates the meaning emanating from the reciprocal interaction between people in the social environment with other people. According to Thompson et al. (2016), there are various ways through which idols and role models influence an individual’s behavior, attitude as well as action patterns. This theory offers potential reasoning as to why the Superhero Culture would collectively influence people. By having reference idols, personal identities, attitudes and role taking could revolve around a significant symbolic personification or image and such public figures aid in creating and sustaining action and value systems of a sociocultural system.

This does support the description of how Spider Marble represented goodness in the community. Illustratively, in 1978’s Superman, he managed to save Lois Lane through turning back time and appearing I two places during the same time hence managing to control the massive flood. On the contrary, Batman lacks the power to save Rachel Davies, and Harvey Dent in Dark Knight hence is forced to leave them due to his limitations. Notably, Batman is a mere man and have to face the effects of his actions due to his humanity. Through this perspective, he does reflect the complicated nature of the community in which morally right choices are not that clear. It is evident that the complicated scenes like Batman of The Dark Knight and Batman Begins does place the societal values and scrutiny, as well as testing their ability.

Notably, if his major intention were revenge, he would not have saved the Joker from falling despite the factor that joker had killed Rachel Dawes. By destroying the joker, he would have earned revenge for Racheal. However, he saves the Joker from falling proving that despite harboring significant emotional scars from his parent’s death, he proves that revenge is not his major motivation for his actions (Dockterman 100). Notably, despite the factor that he could have had a desire to revenge for a loved one, he foregoes this urge and favors another moral or higher priority. Moreover, scholars have studies the major reason why Batman did not kill the Joker. Notably, youths from corrupt societies are more likely to adopt such moral standards to ensure that they improve the society they live in.

Apart from that, by showing his respect for life by saving the joker from falling, Batman influences the youth not to act from their innate feelings but act morally since they are responsible for their actions. As a result, youths are more likely to forego their heart desires if they feel that they are morally wrong. Batman’s action of preceding his desires shows his stand-in doing the right thing (Michael & Anre 59). If youths adopted such an approach in dealing with their everyday issues, they would significantly improve the society they live in by holding values and actions that consider or praise morality. Nonetheless, a review of recent ‘studies shows that having a prosocial relationship with a muscular superhero eliminates the adverse exposure effects on body satisfaction as well as increase men’s and boy’s physical strength.

It is undeniable that body dissatisfaction is a growing issue among young men and is often associated with various negative effects like depression, use of steroids, low self-esteem as well as muscle dysmorphia (Rubin 77). However, studies show that being exposed to muscular figures does contribute to male body satisfaction. That is a comparison with a target which is far from oneself results to contrastive effects like becoming dissimilar to the target. However, the attachment and interest that men tend to develop towards superheroes not only makes evaluating them vital but also has a significant impact on men’s body image (Rubin 77). As shown, young men are more likely to increase their level of select love, confidence and self-esteem by creating pro-social relationships with their heroes.

This is due to the factor that they tend to assimilate most of the traits and not necessarily the physical traits. Conclusion It is undeniable that young viewers tend to be encouraged by example they see in super hero movies to be more courageous, confident and willing to improve the society. As noted, superheroes are symbols as well as role models who are positively exhibited through their qualities and traits. This traits and qualities are often related to a superhero aid people to make relations as well as understand their environment and things happening. Symbols, meaning, and action: The past, present, and future of symbolic interactionism. Current Sociology Review, doi: 10. 2016 Clarke, David.  Parenting Isn't for Super Heroes: Everyday Strategies for Raising Good Kids.

Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Books, 2003. Everyone's a Superhero. Time, 186(9/10), 76-80. Print For a characteristic recent example, see Marc DiPaolo, War, Politics and Superheroes: Ethics and Propaganda in Comics and Film (Jefferson: McFarland, 2011). Gabilliet, Jean Paul. Of Comics and Men: A Cultural History of American Comic Books. Grand Rapids, Mich: W. B. Eerdmans, 2002. Print. Michael P Sullivan & Anre Venter The Hero Within: Inclusion of Heroes into the Self, Self and Identity,4:2, 101-111, DOI: 10. Lanham [etc. : The Scarecrow Press, 2013. Print. Rosenberg, Robin S, and Jennifer Canzoneri.  The Psychology of Superheroes: An Unauthorized Exploration. Rubin, Lawrence C.  Using Superheroes in Counseling and Play Therapy. New York: Springer, 2007. Internet resource. Sight and Sound. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2017. Print. Valkenburg, Patti, and Jessica T. Piotrowski.  Plugged in: How Media Attract and Affect Youth.