Something that I've come to terms with is that I like kind people. I'm attracted to kind people, in whatever types of relationships I build up on. I think most people are good, but for the most part, we’re also pretty selfish, too. And that's definitely not a bad thing at all! I’m pretty sure it’s an evolutionary benefit that allows us to make sure that we and those closest to us are safe and provided for. Nonetheless, it makes it kind of hard for us to be compassionate towards others if it means that we need to make ourselves vulnerable. That’s why my favorite superhero is The Flash. Not only is he willing to help others, but he also does it even when it most threatens his life and his lifelong desires.
A friend and I were talking the other day and she mentioned that she didn't like nice superheroes because they're "safe","predictable", and "boring". As she said that, I couldn't help but think the complete opposite. I think it's easy to take on the role of a vigilante or an anti-hero and consider justice and mercy to be at your judgement; it's harder to save someone otherwise. If I had a choice between saving my mother and saving the people of the city I'm in, I honestly wouldn't think twice on it because my mother has literally dealt with my crap and I would save her in a heartbeat. Mr. Barry Allen, 2nd incarnation of The Flash, just did the opposite in the show's season finale. I mean... who does that?? What kind of humble person does one need to be to give up their primary caregiver (and my personal inspiration/mentor/guide/teacher/etc.) for the sake of others? Others that have done nothing for me and will probably never ever hold any value in my heart? That's crazy-people stuff! He has to deal with the guilt, the burden, the misery, the unhappiness, and the pain of it all for a bunch of people that won't ever know about the things he does for them on the regular. And that's something that we would expect from others, but to decide for ourselves something so sacrificial is highly unlikely, amirite?
We've learned a lot about psychology's topic on bystander apathy, and it's true: we'll depend on others to make the first step because the truth is that we all get scared. So I give it up for those that find the courage to do what's right every. single. time. Those decisions are hard, but I'm glad there are heroes like The Flash that find it in them to do just that every. single. time. Not to mention he does it all under the "comic relief" trope, which is really cool, in my opinion. He and all the kind, humble people like him are the real MVP's and I'm proud to call this "safe", "predictable", and "boring" peep my hero.
-E
(Ps, sorry for the late post. I'll try my best not to make it a habit.)
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