Superheros (1)

This podcast explores the world of superheroes and their impact on children. It discusses the origins and powers of iconic superheroes like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Spider-Man. The podcast also looks at how kids today perceive superheroes and what qualities they find important. It mentions that some Disney princesses can be seen as superheroes by children. The podcast acknowledges that superheroes can have both positive and negative portrayals and that they serve as role models for children, teaching important values. However, it also raises concerns about the unintended consequences of children emulating risky behaviors seen in superhero media, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the powerful influence superheroes have on children and encourages embracing their positive aspects while being mindful of the potential risks. Hey, hey! Ready for an epic journey into the world of superheroes? Get ready to dive deep into the realm of superhero interpretations on this podcast I'm creating for my child, adolescence, and the media course. We'll explore the origins, powers, and the impact they have on children. Let's unleash our inner heroes together. Did you know superheroes started back in 1936 with the Phantom who debuted in his own newspaper comic strip? Then the Man of Steel first appeared in action comics. Now the most valuable comic, Superman was the first superhero with superpowers out of this world's abilities that enabled him to run faster than an express train and leap tall buildings in one single jump. In later issues, he demonstrated x-ray vision, super strength, and the ability to fly. The Hulk and Spider-Man both appeared in comics in 1963, the X-Man and Iron Man in 1963, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 1984, and Power Rangers in 1993. I would be here all day and all night if I listed all the superheroes. It's not possible. What qualities do you think qualifies someone to be a superhero? For me, the extraordinary qualities would be like super strength, agility, ability to fly, hear what people are thinking, but also powers that are not so extraordinary such as courage, selflessness, strong moral compass, and using all of that for the greater good. Superman, the Man of Steel, represents hope, truth, and justice, the epitome of strength, and uses his powers to protect the innocent. Plus, he can fly. Wonder Woman symbolizes female empowerment, compassion, and courage. Wonder Woman fights for peace and equality, inspiring others to do the same. Spidey embodies the idea that with great power comes great responsibility. He represents the everyday hero, balancing his professional life with the duty to protect the city. I wanted to see what kids' superheroes were in today's age. I asked a five-year-old boy who his favorite superhero was, and he said Ursula because she has tentacles, and I want tentacles. It's not fair. Plus, she does magic. When I asked him what he wanted his superpower to be, he said to be invisible. I asked another little girl what her superhero would be. She said Batgirl because she likes Supergirls better than Superboys. They go on secret missions and use their powers to protect people was her answer when I asked her what she thought the qualities were of a superhero. Her superpower would be to be invisible because she wants to go on secret missions. When I asked my six-year-old daughter what her superhero was, she said Moana because she looks like her and has a cool outfit. Moana is able to get through the big ocean even though her boat flips over. She likes Superwoman as well because she saves people and can fly through the sky. She said that her superpowers would be to save people and help animals. When I think of Moana, I think of a Disney princess such as Ariel, Pocahontas, Elsa, Anna. They're all princesses, so I looked more into it, and most of these princesses actually have powers, and that can qualify them as superheroes to some kids. Elsa can conquer and manipulate ice and snow, creating various structures made of them, and this power is controlled by her emotions. Ariel, the Little Mermaid, is able to have conversations with animals and fully communicate with them, all while still communicating in her human form. Moana has a strong and unique connection with the ocean, which chooses her to save the world. Though she doesn't exactly have the power to bend the water to her will, her connection with the ocean grants her some control over it. While superheroes generally have positive representation, there are some instances where some characters have faced criticism or controversy. It's important to remember that interpretations can vary, and what one person sees as negative another might see positive. One example of a superhero who has been portrayed with a more negative or morally ambiguous side is Deadpool. He's known for a sarcastic humor, attitude, and willingness to break the rules. While some may enjoy his unconventional approach, others may find his behavior a bit too edgy or inappropriate. It's all a matter of personal taste and perspective. Superheroes have a powerful impact on children. They serve as role models, teaching important values like bravery, kindness, and standing up for what's right. They inspire imagination and creativity, encouraging children to believe in themselves and their abilities. Plus, superheroes often tackle inconvenient situations, showing children that they can overcome challenges too. They're like real-life superheroes, shaping young minds and teaching valuable life lessons. Superheroes have exciting lives, conquering evil and making everyone proud. They have cool powers and exciting adventures that make them really appealing to children. It's all about the thrill and excitement. With this thrill can come unintentional injuries, which according to the Pediatric Psychology Society, unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death for American children between the ages of one and five. Each year, nearly 1,400 children within this age group die from an unintentional injury, and 1.7 million suffer from serious nonfatal injuries. Even though children at this age are more susceptible to these types of injuries due to development and growing and exploring, risk-taking of modeling the superheroes have played a big part as well. Imagine being five years old and seeing Superman for the first time and not understanding that you can't fly. But you're going to try anyways. So you climb that tree and you jump and you try and fly and you don't succeed, so now you're injured. Some scholars describe the superhero genre as risk glorifying media. Characters in superhero movies frequently engage in risky superhuman behaviors such as jumping on top of moving vehicles, Spider-Man-like climbing, and rope or web swinging. The risk-taking leads to rewards and is portrayed in a justified and romanticized fashion and with no negative impact on the hero's physical well-being. One might presume children exposed to such risk-taking behaviors both acutely and chronically enable them. After the study that the Society of Pediatric Psychology did, they found that young children in America are exposed to an extraordinary amount of media, including superhero media. And this study suggests immediate exposure to superhero media did not alter children's risk-taking behavior, while long-term exposure may increase their risk-taking, potentially leading to increased risk for unintentional injury. As we reach the end of our podcast journey, let's reflect on the incredible impact superheroes have on children. From teaching them about courage and standing up for what's right, to inspiring their imagination and feeling their dreams, superheroes play a significant role in shaping young minds. Remember, it's not just about powers and adventures, but also about values and lessons they embody. So keep embracing the superhero spirit and continue to empower the next generation of heroes. Thanks for joining me on this super-powered podcast adventure.