The term “super
hero” often evokes many different emotions and reactions to an
individual. The luster of skin tight suits followed by masculine
one-liner mottos, and brave, almost seemingly larger than life
characters always fighting for the common citizen following ethical
codes, morals, and defending justice. Super hero can mean a lot, they
exist from a very early age in our lives and often present the image
of a good role model and someone we should aspire to be like. In
fact, I'm sure we've all, at some point or another wished we could be
a super hero ourselves. Yet, as we all inevitably grow up, we soon
come to realize that a super hero by this definition only exists in
the realms of fiction. Not escaping past the comic books, theaters,
and our imaginations. However, a dedicated group of people who call
themselves the Real Life Super Heros are making us rethink whether a
super hero really is just a fantasy. Jon Ronson, editor for GQ.com
follows the pursuit of a masked man that goes by Phoenix Jones which
he recounts in his article “It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's.. Some
Dude?!” and shadows him through his routine as a “real life super
hero”. Throughout Ronson's experience, he brings into question if
Jones truly is a super hero, if his actions are truly moral, and how
Phoenix Jones symbolizes the Americanism of justice.
A quick image
search or a brief description of Phoenix Jones physical appearance
certainly leads one to believe he is a super hero. With his hard
suit, mask, and various duds he wears in his crime fighting attire,
Jones certainly looks the part of a super hero. However, appearance
aren't everything. In order to be a superhero, it is quick to ration
that one must posses some super, or above human qualities. Superman
has incredible strength along with the ability to fly and Spiderman
can climb walls and shoot webs. Phoenix Jones along with the rest of
the RLSH most certainly don't have any of these gene mutations or
physics altering powers. In fact, I'm sure none of them have even had
any gamma radiation exposure beyond normal x-rays. However, both
Batman and the Ironman are considered superheros by common definition
and yet they do not posses any “super powers”. They are victims
of terrible circumstance and use the resources they have to try and
fix the world in which they live in. Perhaps this is the kind of
superhero that Phoenix Jones is... Not in terms of superman, but
rather in relation to the Batman.
Phoenix Jones
started his fight against crime after having his car smashed in and
wanted to be that “somebody who would stand up”. He takes to the
street doing whatever he can to help out and be the superhero he sees
himself as. His work includes anything from helping an old lady by
holding an umbrella, to stopping fights. He intervenes whenever he
can. He certainly sounds like a super hero, but still the question
is brought up if his actions are morally right. It is certain that
Phoenix Jones certainly means well, but it is not so convincing that
he is always in the moral right. Jones' notorious “Taco Incident”
is a prime example of how and good well and helping situation can go
south and leave both parties in a worse state than what began.
The other issue
is that Phoenix Jones and the rest of the RLSH lack the level of
symbolism. Batman is far more than just a character, he is apart of
our culture and society. He is in someways super not necessarily
because of his fictional accomplishments, but because his identity is
in apart of all of us as a community. The same goes for any DC
Universe or Marvel Super Hero. Phoenix Jones and the rest of the RLSH
certainly lack this level of national fame. Some people will
naturally just discount Phoenix Jones as a crazy man, but some may
also see him as an inspiration in some respects. Although he may not
be a superhero, he is one reaching for it. Those who want to make the
best of who they are always reach for the impossible. Phoenix Jones
is just than man, a regular schmo, with super intentions.
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