1. SUPERHEROES: CULTURAL FRIEND OR FOE? By: Mackenzie Race

2. THE INFLUENCE OF HEROES ON AMERICAN CULTURE A superhero has more influence than the average spectator would typically predict Consider the following: Superheroes have remained influential in our nation for decades Their existence is deeply rooted in our culture Heroes infiltrate almost every popular industry in the country (film, apparel, music, accessories, etc.) The question that follows all these observations is, Why?

3. ACCORDING TO POP CULTURE SCIENTISTS: Heroes are constantly portrayed as the “saviors of man-kind”, so Americans derive a sense of respect for them through comics A Superhero often portrays what Americans wish to see in themselves, so Americans try to replicate those values in their everyday life We can track the changes of societal values through different generations of comics Since superheroes are created to fit the popular image and have been around for decades, they can show the change in the standard of society over time. This in turn lessens the generation gap from young to old by giving them a common ground – either party has a conversational and relatable topic to discuss

4. EDUCATIONAL VALUE All of the aforementioned reasons are reasons why superheroes have remained so firmly rooted in the American culture. People can relate to, respect, and be educated by the stories of superheroes. A hero’s story is often relayed through comic books. These books are visually easy to understand and have simple language that even children can understand. We teach the children of today’s nation what is acceptable behavior in society. This often includes teaching children respect of authority, courtesy to others, and demonstrations of kindness to others. All of these societal values can be taught implicitly through comics (kids don’t even know they’re learning it, they just know they love Captain America and Superman!

5. AMERICA: A CULTURAL MELTING POT We are often considered the nation of many origins. Many cultures influence the country This is taught to be acceptable through the concept that heroes come from different galaxies and become the “saviors of man-kind”. People subconsciously accept the fact that immigration is suitable through the way they idolize beings such as Superman, Wonder Woman, Thor, etc.

6. COMMUNICATION VALUE Superheroes present a bridge to close the generation gap since they have been around for many decades Provide a common ground for the basis of conversation between the young and the old. Comic books provide a window through time for generations to distinguish the difference between their times and older versions of the superhero This window then provides for a realization of general value differences between back then and now. Generations of the same age also have a means of communication via the interest in superheroes.

7. ALL IN ALL A superhero contributes much more to American culture than one would consider at first glance. They represent morals and ethics we reflect in ourselves and our culture They provide an in depth education about the past moralities experienced in America. Superheroes have a positive cultural impact on the American nation.