Weekly Analysis Conclusion

Superheroes: Wrapping it all up

I think the theory that best related to my popular culture topic of superheroes was the theory of heroes. Heroes are defined as superior beings that provide good deeds without the intention of recognition (Browne, 2005). Certain qualities of heroes include sacrifice, bravery, and kindness (Murphy Jr, 2014). People created superheroes in order to depict those qualities that we would like to see in ourselves or in others. Superhero comics and movies gave people hope in time of war.

I think the most interesting findings that I came upon was that Captain America was created around Hitler’s reign and the belief that there are only the main superheroes that are popular. The very first Captain America comic showed the Cap punching Hitler. It was published on March 10, 1941 (Marvel, n.d.). This was before the United States even got involved in the war. Another interesting concept that I found was the amount of superheroes that there are beyond the most popular. I was even unaware that there was multiple Green Lanterns, let alone one!

I look at superheroes differently now and analyze them. I think beyond what we are shown like why they are that way and why the creators created them. I research the background on the superheroes now if I am curious. For example, I recently became interested in Black Widow so I conducted some research. She began as a Russian spy associated with Iron Man. She became part of the S.H.I.E.L.D., which has become the basis of a popular TV series, and fought alongside the Avengers. She came in contact with many superheroes like Captain America, Spider-man, and Wolverine (Marvel, n.d.). This shows that the heroes cross paths, which I didn’t realize either.

References

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture. Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Marvel. (n.d.). Black Widow. Retrieved November 3, 2014, from Marvel: http://marvel.com/universe/Black_Widow_(Natasha_Romanova)

Marvel. (n.d.). Captain America Comics. Retrieved November 3, 2014, from Marvel: http://marvel.com/comics/issue/7849/captain_america_comics_1941_1

Murphy Jr, B. (2014, April 30). 5 Qualities of Incredibly Heroic Leaders. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from Inc.: http://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/5-qualities-of-incredibly-heroic-leaders.html

Weekly Analysis 4: Superheroes and Formulas

Superheroes: Formulas

Formulas are the list that allows the audience to know what to expect from a certain type of genre. There are many different formulas and combination of formulas for the variety of genres. Genres are used to classify our media. Some examples of genres include horror, action, and comedy. Media that genres are spread across include movies, music, and books. Formulas vary slightly but within each genre they generally provide the same formula. The varying of formulas provide for twists and turns to engage the audience further (Browne, 2005).

When I think of the formula for a superhero, it is as follows:

1. A crisis or disastrous event must occur

2. Some sort of transformation to the superhero must occur

3. That someone has to be willing to step up and save the day.

Let’s look at a recent movie example. In Captain America, the world was going through a war. The war would be classified as the crisis. Army officials and scientists decided to use an experiment to help build “super soldiers”. This would be the transformation of Steven Rogers into Captain America. Captain America crashed the plane that saved the world. This was also how he became frozen into present day (Johnston, 2011).

The superhero formula is evident in so many superheroes in comics and movies such as Batman, Spider-man, Superman, and Captain America. The formula I gave in the preceding paragraph was convention. Inventions for the superhero formula would include killing off Captain America or pairing up Batman and Superman in a fight. These types of inventions do not fit the norm of the convention but instead throw a curveball into the mix to keep the audience guessing what will happen.

References

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture. Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Johnston, J. (Director). (2011). Captain America: The First Avenger [Motion Picture].

Journal Article Analysis

Twilight: The Glamorization of Abuse, Codependency, and White Privilege Analysis

Background of Twilight

Twilight is a paranormal romance series of books by Stephen Meyer which was made into movies beginning in 2008. Bella Swan is the main character who moves to a small town in which vampires and werewolves inhibit. She is quickly drawn to Edward Cullen, a vampire, who is unlike the other boys at her school in that he does not seem interested in the other girls. Bella’s family is friends with the Black’s, who has a son named Jacob. Jacob and his family are part of the werewolf tribe (Hardwicke, 2008).

Summary of Article

Danielle N. Borgia wrote an extensive article on the Twilight saga promoting abuse, codependency, and white privilege. Borgia repeatedly refers to Edward as Bella’s Byronic hero. A Byronic hero is a character who is a rebel and troubled by one’s past. Those qualities are just two of many that can classify one as a Byronic hero (byronic hero, n.d.). In her article, Borgia highlights the fact that Bella dismisses Edward’s “abuse” because he is unable to control himself being that he is a vampire. His abuse is listed as being repulsed by Bella (which only makes her want him more), putting her in harm’s way from himself and other vampires, forbidding her to hang out with her werewolf friends at La Push, and creating bruises on her after they consummate their love on their wedding night. Edward uses his elite status to draw Bella into his clutches. He uses money, cars, and clothes also which she claims she doesn’t want. Bella becomes codependent on Edward so much that her world is shattered when he leaves for a while. She becomes depressed, withdrawing herself from others. She becomes reckless with a motorcycle in hopes of getting him to return. She also uses her friend Jacob, a werewolf, in place of Edward to fulfill her codependent needs. This further exemplifies her codependency with men. White privilege is glorified by Bella as she is fixated on the Cullen family beauty, stating that they are so beautifully paler than the rest of the town. Edward sparkling in the sunlight further shows Bella’s appreciation for the vampires. The werewolves are darker skinned, Native Americans, which portrays Stephanie Meyers Mormon belief that those who are darker are beneath those that are white. The author relays that wealth, status, and beauty are all part of white privilege (Borgia, 2011).

Abuse

            Borgia listed Bella’s abuse as Edward degrading, controlling, and physically abusing her. He forbids her to leave on multiple occasions, he is repulsed by her at the beginning, and he physically caused bruising on her after their honeymoon (Borgia, 2011). This is the most prominent area in which I agree with the abusive relationship between Bella and Edward. Edward is controlling, jealous, and physically abusive. His abuse is dismissed by Bella and readers alike as he battles with pleasing Bella. She accepts the way he treats her and she is the one who initiates the physical contact on their honeymoon that leads to the bruising (Hardwicke, 2008). Psychologist Wind Goodfriend, Ph.D. examines the abusive relationship that Bella and Edward have as well. She states that Bella has many qualities that would form her to be the perfect victim in a relationship: 1) Bella has low self-esteem, 2) She is drawn to Edward although he seems repulsed by her, and 3) She enjoys danger. Let’s not forget about the other half of the abusive pair. Edward has qualities as well for the abuser: 1) He is controlling, 2) He manipulates by use of material items, and 3) He is possessive (Goodfriend, 2011).

Codependency

Borgia views on Bella’s codependency with Edward are shown mainly when he leaves her. She becomes isolated, reckless, and depressed. She shuts everyone out and begins doing dangerous things to lure Edward back to her (Borgia, 2011). In another analysis of the movie Twilight, Bonnie Norman stated the definition of codependency from Wikipedia as “Symptoms of codependence may include controlling behavior, distrust, perfectionism, avoidance of feelings, problems with intimacy, excessive caretaking, hypervigilance, or physical illness related to stress. Codependence is often accompanied by clinical depression, as the codependent person succumbs to feelings of frustration or sadness over their inability to improve their situation”. Norman reiterates Borgia’s views that Bella is in a controlling, destructive relationship with Edward. Edward dismantles Bella’s truck to prevent her from going to La Push, where Jacob and the other werewolves live, or anywhere else. He also bribes his sister, Alice, with a new car to keep watch of Bella when he is unable to (Norman, 2009). Bella’s codependency of men is likely to stem from her parenting. Her mother is more like the child in their relationship. Bella feels regret and worry about moving to live with her Dad but feels better knowing that her Mom’s boyfriend will be there to support her. This line of thinking shows that Bella doesn’t think that women can survive without a man in their life. Bella’s father is at work the majority of the time, being the sheriff of the town. This further drives her to seek male companionship to replace her father’s parental duties, which Edward does do in a stalker kind of way. He “grounds” Bella from seeing her friends at La Push and even watches her at night while she sleep, which she finds comforting instead of creepy (Hardwicke, 2008).

White Privilege

            Borgia delves into the theory that the werewolves are inferior to vampires which is exemplified by the darker skin of the Native Americans versus the alabaster white of the vampires. Borgia points out that the werewolves imprint with their mate which is seen as beneath the way that vampires find their mate, further showing white privilege. The Cullen’s also show how the werewolves are beneath them as they provide clothing and human food although the werewolves prefer their wolf form. To further prove the difference in color, at one point Jacob even compares his skin to Bella’s. Her skin is almost as white as the vampires where his is dark like the other Native Americans. Borgia continues to compare the color issue as Stephanie Meyer’s Mormon beliefs in which darker skin is associated with blasphemy (Borgia, 2011). Literature and women’s studies scholar Natalie Wilson backs up Borgia’s white privilege theories especially on the color differences of the werewolves versus vampires and Stephanie Meyer’s Mormon beliefs role into white privilege (Wilson, 2010). I think the white privilege angle is one that these reviewers are reading too much into. Although they prove their points, it seems like they are stretching for those points. The Cullen family has more than the Native Americans because they have been around longer, providing more time to obtain the riches that they endure (Hardwicke, 2008).

Conclusion

            Borgia, as well as the others, provide many interesting points and thoughts towards the Twilight saga, but I think they have analyzed it a little far in some aspects. The book is fiction, not meant to be a guideline to how people base their relationships. Readers should have the common sense to acknowledge that works of fiction are just that and not meant to be recreated in any way. The majority of the readers understand that vampires and werewolves are not real and do not believe that the relationships within the book are a way to hold one’s standards. This is not to say that the article is not important, it is. Society should have varying views in which to compare and contrast each other’s point of views. It gives us something to ponder and respond intelligently with others.

References

Borgia, D. N. (2011). Twilight: The Glamorization of Abuse, Codependency, and White Privilege. The Journal of Popular Culture, 47, 153-173. Retrieved October 28, 2014, from http://0-journals.ohiolink.edu.olinkserver.franklin.edu/ejc/pdf.cgi/Borgia_Danielle_N.pdf?issn=00223840&issue=v47i0001&article=153_ttgoacawp

byronic hero. (n.d.). Retrieved October 27, 2014, from The American Heritage New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/byronic%20hero

Goodfriend, W. P. (2011, November 9). Relationship Violence in "Twilight". Retrieved October 29, 2014, from A Psychologist at the Movies: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/psychologist-the-movies/201111/relationship-violence-in-twilight

Hardwicke, C. (Director). (2008). Twilight [Motion Picture]. Retrieved October 28, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1099212/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Norman, B. (2009, November 19). Don't Touch That Book, or Why Twilight is Not for Girls. Retrieved October 29, 2014, from Professor Beej: http://www.professorbeej.com/2009/11/why-twilight-is-not-for-girls.html

Wilson, N. (2010, April). Monstrous Musings: Got Vampire Privilege?: The Whiteness of Twilight. Retrieved October 29, 2014, from Womanist Musings: http://www.womanist-musings.com/2010/04/monstrous-musings-got-vampire-privilege.html

Superheroes: Heroes and The Cult of the Celebrity

Heroes are superior beings doing good deeds without the intention of recognition from others. Celebrities are famous people who may do good deeds but often for their own image (Browne, 2005). Qualities of a hero include self-sacrifice, bravery, and kind (Murphy Jr, 2014). Being a celebrity means that you are famous and recognized among the majority of the world.

Although dubbed superheroes, I think some are more heroic than others. I believe Captain America and Batman are the most heroic popular superheroes. Captain America is heroic because he has demonstrated the stated qualities of self-sacrifice, bravery, and kindness. He wanted to join the army, but was denied because he was too small and fragile. He was approached to be part of an experiment that would allow him to gain those traits that he did not have to join the army (Marvel Database). In the Captain America movies, he shows these qualities time and time again. For example, in the second movie he sacrifices himself to save his friend Bucky (Russo & Russo, 2014). This is not only self-sacrifice but also bravery and kindness. Batman is heroic in that he dons no superpowers. He is a regular guy who is strong and smart. He fights crime for the safety of the citizens of Gotham, though sometimes he is a too violent. 

Superheroes that are celebrities are the most famous or widely-known. These include Spider-man, Superman, Batman, Wolverine, Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Wonder Woman, Thor, and Hal Jordan, a.k.a Green Lantern (Petey_is_Spidey). The first three are by far the most famous although the rest are becoming more popular as movies are being made. In the movies both Spider-man and Iron Man enjoy the fame. Peter Parker, Spider-man, is a photographer for a newspaper who sets up a way to take pictures of himself as Spider-man when he is fighting crime (Raimi, 2002). Tony Stark, Iron Man, is a business man who has always enjoyed the high life. He has commented that he is self-obsessed (Favreau, 2008). Both of these superheroes provide witty comebacks which add to their celebrity persona.

References

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture. Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Favreau, J. (Director). (2008). Iron Man [Motion Picture]. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0371746/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Marvel Database. (n.d.). Capatin America (Steven Rogers). Retrieved October 17, 2014, from Marvel Database: http://marvel.wikia.com/Captain_America_(Steven_Rogers)

Murphy Jr, B. (2014, April 30). 5 Qualities of Incredibly Heroic Leaders. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from Inc.: http://www.inc.com/bill-murphy-jr/5-qualities-of-incredibly-heroic-leaders.html

Petey_is_Spidey. (n.d.). Most Popular superheroes. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from Comic Vine: http://www.comicvine.com/profile/petey_is_spidey/lists/most-popular-superheroes/52049/

Raimi, S. (Director). (2002). Spider-Man [Motion Picture]. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0145487/?ref_=nv_sr_3

Russo, A., & Russo, J. (Directors). (2014). Captain America: The Winter Soldier [Motion Picture]. Retrieved October 23, 2014, from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1843866/?ref_=nv_sr_4

Superheroes: Rituals and Stereotypes

           

       

            Rituals are actions that are repeatedly performed based on religion, community, or the individual. Some examples include prayer, Halloween costumes, and weddings. Stereotypes are a generalization of people or situations (Browne, 2005). Rituals are not a major aspect of superheroes but stereotypes are definitely in abundance. A ritual that is evident in comic books is going into the army for Captain America. Some stereotypes include classic do-good superheroes, women with large breasts, and super villains.

            Steven Rogers, a.k.a. Captain America, wanted to embark on the American ritual of joining the army. This was not an option for him as he was too weak, until General Phillips proposed he take part in an experiment. Joining the army is seen as a rite of passage to many individuals, it was definitely so for Steven Rogers once he witnessed the start of the war (Marvel Database).

            Major stereotypes regarding superheroes and their surrounding characters are classic do-good superheroes, women with large breasts, and super villains. Superman and Spiderman are a couple of the classic do-good superheroes. Not all superheroes are that good as depicted by Batman and The Punisher, who are more of a "bad-boy" type. Most of the women in comic books have large breasts in proportion to the rest of their body. Wonder Woman is one that is the most closely proportional, but she is part of an Amazon tribe which are known for being tall and broad. Where there are superheroes there also has to be the super villain which the superhero fights because without them there would be no point to the story. I would say that having a villain to fight the superhero is one of the biggest stereotypes. Some villains include Lex Luther, Magneto, and The Joker (Comic Vine).

References

Browne, R. B. (2005). Profiles of Popular Culture. Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America: The University of Wisconsin Press.

Comic Vine. (n.d.). Comicbook Stereotypes. Retrieved October 17, 2014, from Comic Vine: http://www.comicvine.com/comicbook-stereotypes/4015-53865/

Marvel Database. (n.d.). Capatin America (Steven Rogers). Retrieved October 17, 2014, from Marvel Database: http://marvel.wikia.com/Captain_America_(Steven_Rogers)

"It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!"

Superheroes: Popular Beliefs, Myths, and Icons

             “It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Superman!” Everyone knows that saying for the famous Superman, what many people don’t realize is that there are many more superheroes than the most widely known. Many people are familiar with Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and the X-Men but they may not be as familiar with Blue Beetle, Static Shock, or Animal Man (Rozeman, 2013). I, myself, did not realize the scope of the superhero world until recently. It seems that the superheroes have exploded into extreme popularity recently. Movies such as The Amazing Spiderman and The Avengers are popular among the children as well as the adults.

            The myth behind superheroes is that they are used to convey the world that we live in. We use them for guidance on how we think our world should be played out, with the villains always losing. The age old good versus evil where good always wins is depicted time and time again in many medias. Superman was introduced after Hitler’s reign in Germany. Superman exuded good, honor, and protectiveness. The people looked to Superman as hope for the world we live in, that good will always conquer evil (Burger, 2014). This myth continues today as we have men and women in the service or police forces fighting against the bad guys every day.

            The most iconic superheroes are also the most famous or widely known: Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man, among a few others. Batman is iconic because he is a regular guy, no superpowers. Superman is an alien that has super-strength. Spiderman was bitten by a radioactive spider that gave him his abilities. Wonder Woman is from an Amazonian tribe. Iron Man is much like Batman in that he is a regular guy that uses his brain to create weapons and a suit that protects him (midnightrain890, 2014). All of these superheroes, and many more, give us belief that good will prevail against evil.

References

Burger, J. (2014, September 10). American Mythology: Superheroes are Symbols of Fiction. Retrieved October 11, 2014, from Moviepilot: http://moviepilot.com/posts/2014/09/10/american-mythology-superheroes-are-symbols-of-fiction-2261551?lt_source=external,manual,manual

midnightrain890. (2014, August 26). Who are the top 5 most iconic superheroes. Retrieved October 11, 2014, from ComicBookMovie.com: http://www.comicbookmovie.com/comics/news/?a=106603

Rozeman, M. (2013, April 3). 12 Marvel and DC Superheroes That Should Have Their Own Movie. Retrieved October 10, 2014, from Paste Magazine: http://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2013/04/comic-book-superheroes-that-should-have-their-own-movie.html?p=2

Icons

The three icons I chose for my icon analysis is: Walt Disney World, The Beatles, and Facebook. Walt Disney World is a magical place in Orlando, Florida. It is an amusement park that is fun not only for kids but for adults alike. The Beatles are a pop band that originated in England. They became popular not only in the UK but all over the world in the 1960's. They were part of the "British Invasion" before breaking up in the 1970's. Facebook is a social media network that allows users to connect and share their lives with the world. 

Although The Beatles first became popular over 50 years ago, they are still popular in today's society. I chose The Beatles because they were one of the first bands who really paved the way for pop music. Even today they are still widely known. I chose Walt Disney World because I think it is the most popular destination. Even if somebody has never been there they know what it is. I chose Facebook because it is the most popular social media used today. All three of these icons are widely known, I do not know anybody that would not know what these icons are.  

These three icons are an important part of the world today. They are especially significant to me as they have impacted my life. I have been to Walt Disney World twice now, once before I had kids and once after with my children. It is a place that no matter your age you will have fun and enjoy the characters that you loved as a kid. The Beatles are a significant part of the music industry as they paved the way for many musicians. Music and reading are a release for me in my daily life. Facebook is a way for users to share their lives with family and friends. This is important especially if these loved ones do not live close enough to share in life's events.