Post by Omen on Aug 9, 2011 17:05:56 GMT -5
In my on going research with Real Life Superheroes, the topic came up by one of the members about the slide from being a hero into breaking their code of ethics to take their actions to the next level.
It appears that many of these individuals who take the path of focusing on crime end up with the 'veteran policeman' syndrome in which they become burned out by battling a war with no end. Overtime their decisions become darker, along with their actions.
This was my response to him and the topic:
-------------------
This raises some intriguing questions… crossing the line… hmmm…
I know how you feel, but here's the question, 'What kind of hero are you?'
Are you a Strategic hero or a Tactical hero?
Who is your war truly with?
Do you want to battle the drug dealers? Or are you at war with the drugs?
The tactical hero battles the drug dealers knowing that he is striving to 'treat' the problem, not cure it. Drug dealers are seen as an 'ailment' to the community and the local efforts to stop THEM is nothing more than cough syrup given to one with a fever. You can lock a dozen away, only to create an opening for a new generation of dealers… except each generation become more cautious.
The tactical hero is the one that has the unique ability to ignore the ethical weights of analyzing the other side of his enemy. His enemy is his enemy… PERIOD.
He does NOT want to know that the drug dealer might be the sole provider at home. He doesn't want to hear about his starving siblings or his addicted mother… or maybe his HIV infected father who can't work. He cares not for the family members incarcerated or ignorant to another path in life. He despises the desperation of his enemies attempt at acquiring self esteem because he doesn't receive it at home. The tactical hero is trained to make busts! To disrupt his street level enemy and to temporarily treat this sickness of the community.
The strategic hero battles the drugs. He fights the hunger. He goes to war with ignorance! He swallows down and chooses to dig into the foundation of the house of crime that was built into his community. He strives to create a crack in the foundation which will eventually bring down the house. His goal is to make sure that this house NEVER becomes a home.
Both of these wars can be fought on the 'good' side of the law. It all starts with research, knowledge, and drive. This is the age of information! If you found a way to conceal your identity and found creative ways to record deals in action with clear cut proof. You could help with case-building if you are working on the tactical level. Work with local law enforcement on becoming a Crime Scout. Train yourself on effective reconnoissance by using military techniques which are crystal clear to law enforcement. In fact, you can find ample information about this by researching the technique of the United States Marine Corp Recon teams. These guys are not only the BEST in the world, they are some of the deadliest whispers you never want spoken in your ear.
If you want to get deeper and strategic, then start tracking the path of the drugs to find out HOW its getting to the community. This would function better with a superhero team. Build an entire case based on facts, images, video, and documents. Help your local law enforcement by doing what they may have difficulty doing. You have the advantage because your invisible and street level.
In other words… you should NEVER have to cross the line if you explore all of the options that are offered to you on the 'noble' side. Remember, this is what makes you a hero!!
-Omen
It appears that many of these individuals who take the path of focusing on crime end up with the 'veteran policeman' syndrome in which they become burned out by battling a war with no end. Overtime their decisions become darker, along with their actions.
This was my response to him and the topic:
-------------------
This raises some intriguing questions… crossing the line… hmmm…
I know how you feel, but here's the question, 'What kind of hero are you?'
Are you a Strategic hero or a Tactical hero?
Who is your war truly with?
Do you want to battle the drug dealers? Or are you at war with the drugs?
The tactical hero battles the drug dealers knowing that he is striving to 'treat' the problem, not cure it. Drug dealers are seen as an 'ailment' to the community and the local efforts to stop THEM is nothing more than cough syrup given to one with a fever. You can lock a dozen away, only to create an opening for a new generation of dealers… except each generation become more cautious.
The tactical hero is the one that has the unique ability to ignore the ethical weights of analyzing the other side of his enemy. His enemy is his enemy… PERIOD.
He does NOT want to know that the drug dealer might be the sole provider at home. He doesn't want to hear about his starving siblings or his addicted mother… or maybe his HIV infected father who can't work. He cares not for the family members incarcerated or ignorant to another path in life. He despises the desperation of his enemies attempt at acquiring self esteem because he doesn't receive it at home. The tactical hero is trained to make busts! To disrupt his street level enemy and to temporarily treat this sickness of the community.
The strategic hero battles the drugs. He fights the hunger. He goes to war with ignorance! He swallows down and chooses to dig into the foundation of the house of crime that was built into his community. He strives to create a crack in the foundation which will eventually bring down the house. His goal is to make sure that this house NEVER becomes a home.
Both of these wars can be fought on the 'good' side of the law. It all starts with research, knowledge, and drive. This is the age of information! If you found a way to conceal your identity and found creative ways to record deals in action with clear cut proof. You could help with case-building if you are working on the tactical level. Work with local law enforcement on becoming a Crime Scout. Train yourself on effective reconnoissance by using military techniques which are crystal clear to law enforcement. In fact, you can find ample information about this by researching the technique of the United States Marine Corp Recon teams. These guys are not only the BEST in the world, they are some of the deadliest whispers you never want spoken in your ear.
If you want to get deeper and strategic, then start tracking the path of the drugs to find out HOW its getting to the community. This would function better with a superhero team. Build an entire case based on facts, images, video, and documents. Help your local law enforcement by doing what they may have difficulty doing. You have the advantage because your invisible and street level.
In other words… you should NEVER have to cross the line if you explore all of the options that are offered to you on the 'noble' side. Remember, this is what makes you a hero!!
-Omen
