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)