In Spiderman, the main character, Peter Parker, is a teenager who is trying to fit in at high school just like many adolescents today. He is the protagonist of the story, or the character whose intentions are the primary source of focus. Unlike other superheroes who are either very wealthy, (like Batman) and charming, or from another planet yet still handsome and extroverted, (like Superman), Spiderman, is timid and usually invisible to others. With the shy nature of the character, we are not given the idea that “inside every nerd there lurks a superhero as much as the idea that inside every superhero there lurks a nerd.”
This movie is not only about “teenage dreams of power,” it is also about the adjustment to that power. In Spiderman, Peter Parker’s uncle tells him that with “power comes responsibility.” When adolescents watch this movie, they not only get escape, they also get the “exhilaration of hope through illusion of power.” Another reason that teenagers enjoy this movie is that the character utilizes his individualism for the “larger good” not just for selfish purposes.
How are the terms of “individuality” and “responsibility” portrayed in today’s entertainment compared to how it was portrayed in American culture?
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7 comments:
In the show "HEROES" many characters have special powers. The characters are kind of like the characters of X-men simplified. These characters from "Heroes" have something to hide, they want to appear normal. At first they consider themselves freaks, but when they come to appreciate what their abilities are they understand their purpose in life. All of those characters have individuality and responsibility, they have their powers which makes them unique yet they're very resposible with hiding their abilities and putting them to "good" use, such as saving the world.
i couldnt agree more, on the idea that Spiderman when in Peter Parker form is made to look timid and nerdy as opposed to Batman and Superman when they are regular form who are older guys and bigger. I think this really grabs younger kids attention more as it shows them that no matter what age or how "cool" you are we can all make a differance.
The Peter Parker character turning into a superhero relates to many young kids these days, and that gives them hope in life to be successful and to have a chance.
“With power comes responsibility"-I agree with this quote. Once Peter Parker became Spiderman (power), he developed more and more responsibilities, by wearing the uniform. He was no longer just a "regular" teenager. He now had more obstacles to overcome.
The fact that superheroes are nerdy in disguise is a very good lesson for the younger adults and kids who are watching these movies. Therefore, Spiderman out of all the superheroes is the best one for these kids because Peter Parker is a nerd in reality but is very strong underneath unlike the other superheroes such as bathman or superman who are ordinary workers. Having spiderman apear this way gives hope to many children who think that they can't "make it" because of any faults that they have.
I like the story of Peter Parker and "Spiderman." It gives off the feeling that perhaps becoming a super-hero is something that actually achievable.
The nerdy-ness that lurks within most superheroes is definitely a favored quality among readers and fans. Most people can relate to that inner dork and it also proves that people can have an vast intelligence yet be bold enough to rescue others. In a way it shows people not to judge a book by its cover, because you may be judging Spiderman.
Natalie Shields
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