Superheroes, Children & Us

superheroesThis week, my son (and I, vicariously through my son’s experience) received some rather difficult news to swallow. That news is this: Superheroes don’t exist.

Plain and simple.

How was such news announced? At school, following my son expressing his desire to be a super policeman when he grows up, supposedly his first grade teacher proceeded to share the deflating message that superheroes aren’t actually real. The carpet was pulled right out from under his feet. He was left very confused. Everything he wanted to be when he grew up was impossible to be.

Now, before anyone wants to throw stones at this teacher (or perhaps you’re in agreement with her), let me say that she seems a pretty good teacher. My son has enjoyed his first two weeks of first grade. He’s doing well. So we’re on the right track.

Not only that, but I must remember we received the report from my 6-year old. Something could have been misunderstood on his part, though I do wonder if the topic was broached with as much care as it should have been, knowing my son’s dreams were dashed.

So, I’m not exactly certain how it all played out. But there is a part of me that would be irked if his teacher had actually shared such information. To tell a 6-year old, or 36-year old as myself, that superheroes don’t exist is a flat out lie. Yes, you heard me. Of course, superheroes exist! To tell anyone they don’t is a problematic statement, if you ask me.

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Heroes Reborn

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I love the stories of superheroes. What boy doesn’t? Yes, I’m a boy at heart in many ways. I’m happy with that. People who can fly, moveĀ at the speed of light, morph into other forms, heal themselves, save others, defeat the enemy, and more! It’s captivated me ever since I can remember. And the same is true of my own 2 boys today. Continue reading