The world needs a hero

[shroomie]

To me the world could do with a new wave of heroes, and in this modern age I think masked heroes would be the best way to go about it. It seems that people no longer care about what goes on in the world, so long as it doesnt affect them then they don't care. In the UK crime rates, whilst no significantly higher than in the past, are more noticable now than before thanks to the media. Taking a page from Kickass and Watchmen the world could do with people that will fight for whats right and a mask can be used as a symbol for that. A symbol can superseed culture, relgion, ethnicity, it can represent hope for people. I know Im not the first to realise this, V for Vendetta did this waaaaay before I was around but still.

Well that's my little rant. I want to know your opinions on the matter. And would you ever be willing to put on a mask and fight for justice in this world?

But who will watch the watchmen?

I dunno, coastguard?

 

[Sarge034]

To me the world could do with a new wave of heroes, and in this modern age I think masked heroes would be the best way to go about it. It seems that people no longer care about what goes on in the world, so long as it doesnt affect them then they don't care. In the UK crime rates, whilst no significantly higher than in the past, are more noticable now than before thanks to the media. Taking a page from Kickass and Watchmen the world could do with people that will fight for whats right and a mask can be used as a symbol for that. A symbol can superseed culture, relgion, ethnicity, it can represent hope for people. I know Im not the first to realise this, V for Vendetta did this waaaaay before I was around but still.

Well that's my little rant. I want to know your opinions on the matter. And would you ever be willing to put on a mask and fight for justice in this world?

But who will watch the watchmen?

I dunno, coastguard?

But who will watch the coastguard?

 

[Valanthe]

I'd much rather pull an Ozymandias...

Oh wait, i did it 35 minutes ago.

What you did there, I see it.

But who will watch the watchmen?

That right there encompasses my entire thought on the idea of superheroes. Instead of fanasizing about the heroes we think we need (a message I myself have trouble taking to heart), we should instead focus our efforts on improving and rooting out corruption within the offices of the heroes we have. We should be asking "Why aren't the police taken seriously?" "Why are there so many stories of corruption?" and others, then work to fix these problems.

Aaand I have suddenly tried to be high-brow in what was probably supposed to be a light-hearted venture into fantasy, I'll return to my corner now.

 

[Aetera]

Nah, I am more likely to just look down at all the people struggling in their filth, crying "save us!" and whisper "no" more than anything.

Damn you! Beaten to what I was going to say by the first reply to the thread!

 

[Ghaleon640]

Yeah I'll fight! But to play on their turf I'll use guns so that I don't die a stupid and pitiful death!

*User is unable to reply until after his 3 life sentances for the murders of armed robbers.* 'It was totally unneccessary,' said the man with the bazooka. 'We weren't shooting at HIM, just some other people, so I don't feel it was fair of him to take out my coworkers.'

'Well, he's going to rot, but it sure won't bring back the poor souls of Mr. Kill, Duke Destruction, and Doctor Unneccessary Vivisection.' Fox News reports.

 

[Catchy Slogan]

We already have them. They're called Fathers 4 Justice and nobady ever treats them seriously.

 

[Ghaleon640]

Single vigilants won't do much, what we need to restore order and justice are well organized troops. Soldiers that are disciplined, unyielding and led by men with the right intentions.

I'm willing to assemble and lead a paramilitary protection squads in order to bring great justice to mankind, yes.
And I think that's a far more effective approach.

You, sir or madam, have my gun. Lets do this.

What you don't need me up close? Fine, I'll just deliver death from a distance.

I will help too. I will write those criminals a nasty letter from my cell... and I'll attach a rusty paperclip since the guards don't let me have much else.

 

[Sarge034]

I will help too. I will write those criminals a nasty letter from my cell... and I'll attach a rusty paperclip since the guards don't let me have much else.

Every rusty tack helps the cause. Good luck and god speed.

 

[SageSays]

To me the world could do with a new wave of heroes, and in this modern age I think masked heroes would be the best way to go about it. It seems that people no longer care about what goes on in the world, so long as it doesnt affect them then they don't care. In the UK crime rates, whilst no significantly higher than in the past, are more noticable now than before thanks to the media. Taking a page from Kickass and Watchmen the world could do with people that will fight for whats right and a mask can be used as a symbol for that. A symbol can superseed culture, relgion, ethnicity, it can represent hope for people. I know Im not the first to realise this, V for Vendetta did this waaaaay before I was around but still.

Well that's my little rant. I want to know your opinions on the matter. And would you ever be willing to put on a mask and fight for justice in this world?

You should read the graphic novel "V for Vendetta" [http://www.dccomics.com/vertigo/graphic_novels/?gn=1731]. The movie is brilliant, however it is a lot more romantic than the original story. I think the main thrust is that, having completed their personal revenge, V's concern that the need for revenge has skewed their judgment paralyzes them, and resolves it by forcing the decision upon an innocent that the protagonist feels sympathy for. It addresses the vulnerability of power, and is tragic as well as thought-provoking.

I like "Watchmen" [http://www.dccomics.com/dcu/graphic_novels/?gn=1462]. A lot. For me, it is a fairy story about absolute power. Each hero expresses power in a different way, and it is a wonderfully deep exploration. The implication that absolute power prefers empowerment through self-indulgent greed to that of righteousness and anger is a little off-putting but, I can see why society would prefer this arrangement. I feel that the overall message is; mature power does not interfere and, no matter how close you get to midnight, you'll have to do it again in another 24 hours.

I think it's possible that you have a fascination with masks. The empowerment offered by anonymity (the freedom from repercussion) is quite large. Ask the Interwebz. Looking to form your notoriety around a mask (the symbolism you refer to) is more the characteristic of a villain than a hero. Sure, 'Kick-ass' was a good guy at heart, but his story is about how notoriety sucks when no-one knows it's you.

If you want to explore what happens when a disgruntled guy decides to go a bit 'Rorschach' check out "Super" [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/columns/moviebob/8776-MovieBob-Super-Man].
I've dated girls like that, it takes a bit of getting used to.

I think you need to realize that all these heroes are created through terrible suffering.
None of them got where they are by having fun, or being famous.

Just as an aside, if anyone can find the All characters depicted are fictitious and any resemblance etc. etc. in M. Night Shyamalan's "Unbreakable" [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_f1uCWKZQs], let me know. I'd appreciate it.

If you need a real-life hero as a role model, look at Hideaki Akaiwa [http://www.badassoftheweek.com/akaiwa.html]. It wasn't just his family that he saved.

When I fight for justice in this world, I don't waste time with a mask. Unless I need one for S.C.U.B.A.

That's what SageSays.

 

[Totenkopf]

Single vigilants won't do much, what we need to restore order and justice are well organized troops. Soldiers that are disciplined, unyielding and led by men with the right intentions.

I'm willing to assemble and lead a paramilitary protection squads in order to bring great justice to mankind, yes.
And I think that's a far more effective approach.

You, sir or madam, have my gun. Lets do this.

Spoiler

What you don't need me up close? Fine, I'll just deliver death from a distance.

Spoiler

Jawohl!
Sniper-squads are important to keep our stormtroops the back free
Now I should get a rifle too...

Spoiler: Hehehe

[img ]http://www.gunbox24.de/mediapool/70/700433/resources/10793252.jpg[/img]

Spoiler: schnippschnapp

Single vigilants won't do much, what we need to restore order and justice are well organized troops. Soldiers that are disciplined, unyielding and led by men with the right intentions.

I'm willing to assemble and lead a paramilitary protection squads in order to bring great justice to mankind, yes.
And I think that's a far more effective approach.

You, sir or madam, have my gun. Lets do this.

What you don't need me up close? Fine, I'll just deliver death from a distance.

I will help too. I will write those criminals a nasty letter from my cell... and I'll attach a rusty paperclip since the guards don't let me have much else.

They shall fear your nasty letters and rusty paperclips comrade, just as they shall fear the fiery commitment to our cause! Huzzah!