Blogpost 2:Idolization

When I was a child I have always liked superheroes that were strong and independent, they were always considered a great big idol to children. Children look up to superheroes because they are fast and all they do is save the world and they don’t have to do house chores.  I notice that these kids are more aggressive to some children’s I have seen.

Last July of 2014 I stumbled upon an article about super heroes damaging gender roles to children, and the article was titled “DoSuperheroes Model Damaging Gender Roles to Kids?”. Stephanie Pappas who is one of the Live Science contributors, wrote the article she noticed that in her research that children are more exposed to aggression. She cited some of the movies that where superheroes are masculine, bold, strong and aggressive. She had an investigation where she let these children be exposed to some of the bold movies like “The Dark Knight” and had a talk with the parents; she interviewed them a year later. She found out that girls are more likely to have watched these kinds of movies once or never, but on the other hand boys watch more of these superheroes.

“Boys who watched more superhero media had higher rates of playing with pretend weapons, as well as higher rates of playing in stereo typically male ways” said Stephanie. It didn't affect the girls much but it did make them boyish and made them play with toy weapons

On the other hand I have also read another article on “Superheroes, Superpowers, and Sexuality” written by Rebecca A. Demarest. Where she had a survey on a University why these high school students liked these types of heroes, she found out about how they are suited up and how they are shown to the public. One of the things she cited on was about their physical appearance, where men are masculine so that would make them see that men are strong and have six packs.  While women’s’ clothing are built to promote their sexuality. She also cited in her article the importance of appearance of the superheroes, because the audience would be the first to decide what is appealing to them or not. Of course it also needs the right voice amount so they will distinguish what they are.

“Superheroes have a strong influence in our society, and as such we should look at the messages that they represent” said Rebecca. Before we idolize them we should also think through their characteristics, because sometimes the viewers rely on who they are idolizing

Looking back to when I was still in grade school I didn’t take notice that these kinds of things were important, I think I am also one of those girl who acts boyishly because of these kinds of superheroes I admire back then. It also influenced me to what their actions were I like to help out others but I don’t usually help myself to what I need. I also took concern on what Rebecca wrote in her 3 page article,  on how I dress and on how I idolize men today.