Real Life Superheroes - Questions

[blackmage]

Here are some questions that have been asked by those interested in the Real Life Superhero movement. We've received quite a bit of email inquiring about the superheroes so we decided to collect some of the questions to arrange and post them here on the forum.

There are quite a bit of questions, please feel free to answer as many as you want.

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Based on the premise that a Villain is one that is EVIL and commits a CRIME, my questions are:

Have you guys ever attempted to take on a corporation directly? Why?

How do you address someone that is clearly EVIL but within the boundaries of the law?

(example) A small greedy gunshop owner selling a gun to an angry newly divorced man whose paperwork checks out.

What about the reverse? How do you handle the morality of the homeless kid selling drugs and/or stealing from local stores?

How do you personally separate morals, ethics, and duty?

What level of heroics do you work on? Do you go out of your way to read to children, speak to the public, volunteer?

How do you handle those with mental disorders?

How does one become a RLSH? What are the requirements? Is there an oath or vow taken?

How do you handle infiltrators? Those that are willing to tarnish the image of RLSH in order to destroy them? What about those making honest mistakes?

What about cohesion? Are there teams that answer to a higher authority? Is there a higher authority for individuals or is this a 'trust-based' occupation?

What is the difference between a Real Life Superhero and a Vigilante?

Are RLSH technically criminals?
Are Vigilantes?

What is your stance on lethal force?

How does the public perceive you?
What about law enforcement?

How do you view the public?
Law enforcement?
The government?

How do you handle revenge and threats?
Secret identity?

[ascent]

That's a whole lot of questions. I'm not sure you'll get much response. But I've given a response below. Maybe others will too.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

Based on the premise that a Villain is one that is EVIL and commits a CRIME, my questions are:

Have you guys ever attempted to take on a corporation directly? Why?

Taking on a corporation takes community activism and a bullhorn. You can't get change by simply voicing your opinion. You have to show the corporations you mean business through organizing the community for peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins, as well building a case against them to take them to court. I've never done it myself, but the reason is to check their power and not let them take advantage of us anymore. To be most effective in this, a person needs to build up political connections and prove to be an effective financial burden to the company.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How do you address someone that is clearly EVIL but within the boundaries of the law?

You don't. The more you oppose them, the more they oppose you. Be clever. Foil their schemes without them realizing you're the cause or at least make them believe that your foiling them is not purposeful, but is incidental. Being passive aggressive (snide comments and resistant stance) only irritates them more. The goal is to make them believe that evil is not good. Show them what it means to be a good person. If they say bad things to you, don't say anything at all in response. Simply hold your tongue. This will have the effect of letting them see that verbally assaulting people only makes them look like a jerk. Evil is a mindset and you have the power to influence them for good. No one has the ability to control another person's thoughts.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

(example) A small greedy gunshop owner selling a gun to an angry newly divorced man whose paperwork checks out.

There's nothing you can do in that situation without getting hurt. What you can do is start a conversation with someone nearby that relates a story (Whether the story is true or not doesn't matter.) that the person buying the gun, as well as the gun shop owner, can hear. The story should include similar details to the man's situation and then move on into the acts to be performed and the eventual consequences. Try to bring the story home to the person buying the gun by relating the mental anguish of the individual in your story or scenario.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What about the reverse? How do you handle the morality of the homeless kid selling drugs and/or stealing from local stores?

That's not as much "morality" as it is necessity. The kid may know no other way. Therefore, you have to demonstrate to them (not just talk about) that there is another way and show them how its done. You also have to show them that it's more profitable to seek an education and a job. Also showing them first hand and through reports the effects their actions are having.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How do you personally separate morals, ethics, and duty?

Morals are really just a religious precept. Morals are what we codify within our minds based upon upbringing, experience and social inculcation.

Ethics, on the other hand, are what we do when there's nothing to stop us and truly relates the heart of the person. A person without ethics, also erroneously called "amoral", is simply sociopathic. They'll follow the laws and even morals as much as is socially acceptable, but will act with impunity in all other ways. A person concerned with ethics isn't just concerned with doing the right thing morally, they're concerned with doing the right thing ethically. that is, doing it the right way so that everyone benefits.

Duty is divorced from morality and ethics entirely. It has to do with the performance of a job as trained or as one perceives it. Many crimes against humanity have been performed by people who were "just doing their job".

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What level of heroics do you work on? Do you go out of your way to read to children, speak to the public, volunteer?

I believe this to be an essential auxiliary duty of a crime-fighting superhero, because the superhero's job is to not just protect the community, but to influence the community in ways that prevent future crimes, thus protecting the community in the long-term. Thus, the more popular, well-known and simply visible the individual, the more impact they can have upon their community. Thus the need to be clean and presentable at all times.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How do you handle those with mental disorders?

Gently and remember that they're people just like anyone else. Respect them as autonomous individuals. Their disorder may prevent them from being able to remember details well, or may prevent them from thinking on the same level as you and others and may have quirks that you simply shouldn't react to.

If you're concerned for the person's well-being or the well-being of those around them, call a mental hospital or professional and let them know about the person being a danger to themselves and/or others. They will then come to evaluate the person. In extreme cases, you may need to dial 911.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How does one become a RLSH? What are the requirements? Is their an oath or vow taken?

None. But taking an oath through a stated mission plan and holding yourself to higher standards is strongly encouraged in the superhero community.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How do you handle infiltrators? Those that are willing to tarnish the image of RLSH in order to destroy them?

I haven't personally seen this, but there are certainly trouble-makers in every community that want to make life difficult for others and cause others to suffer on account of that person's own misery and diminished mental state.

The only thing to do is ignore them, kick them from message boards, and stay clear of them. There's nothing you can or need to do for them. They are going to oppose you no matter what.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What about those making honest mistakes?

Give them a chance to repent. Help them understand what they should do in the future.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What about cohesion? Are there teams that answer to a higher authority? Is there a higher authority for individuals or is this a 'trust-based' occupation?

There are 3 authorities that I know of (5 if you count God and one's own ethics):
1) The law.
2) The team's code
3) The Hero's Network (But only if you count yourself a member.)

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What is the difference between a Real Life Superhero and a Vigilante?

Simple. A superhero tries to work with the authorities and doesn't overtly break the law to do it. vigilantes, on the other hand, will break any laws they deem fit to break and aren't concerned with working with the authorities.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

Are RLSH technically criminals?

Superheroes must never be practicing law-breakers. Many may make mistakes that cross them with the law, but unless they make a habit of it, they are not really criminals. Some technical laws may be broken to help individuals. But superheroes never disregard the law entirely.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

Are Vigilantes [criminals]?

Absolutely. They have a criminal mindset, because they're not afraid to break a law to impose their own brand of justice upon people and it will likely never lead to a conviction.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What is your stance on leathal force?

The most extreme action that should ever be taken and only to protect one's self or an innocent within the laws for their country, state and city.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How does the public percieve you?

I'm not there yet, but as a community, I don't think the public has enough awareness of superheroes in general to have an opinion. But those who find out seem to have feelings that run the gamut, but primarily good.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

What about [how] law enforcement [perceives you]?

I think that law enforcement officers generally find costumed superheros to be harmless. They don't like vigilantes. I also think they will generally take non-costumed individuals more seriously, so a superhero should be willing to show their private face to the police in order to solicit more trust and cooperation.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How do you view the public?

As people. Some misguided, some unaware, most innocent, some not so innocent.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

[How do you view] Law enforcement?

I think they are well meaning and do the best they can within the rights they have. But the law is continually adding stipulations that tie the hands of law enforcement officials, giving a general negative view of them by the people, which is why superheroes are needed. Superheroes are bound only by the laws of everyday citizens, and so can take steps within the law that law enforcement officers aren't allowed to.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

[How do you view] The governement?

My opinion at the moment is not good. Currently I believe the government is trying to clean up a terrible mess left by a corporate tyrant who was in office. Who gave all the power to the corporations and the rich and left the common people without a net. He was concerned only with his own bottom line and with personal vendettas than with helping and protecting the American people.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

How do you handle revenge and threats?

Revenge isn't an option. Revenge committed against me would be met only with a call to the police and take steps to not give the person further cause to hate me. Threats are 90% hot air. With credible threats, I call the police.

Oct 15, 2011 17:26:59 GMT -5 blackmage said:

[How do you handle your] Secret identity?

I haven't gotten there yet. I'll let the experienced ones answer that.

[The Muse]

blackmage~~Your range of questions is impressive as it is practical. In light of recent events in the news, Real Life Super Heros have gone from something the general public believed to be isolated crackpots, to being recognised as a community of people who wish to better their communities and by extension the world.

But much is not known about the lives of these ones....your questions help to shed light on this unique community.

ascent~~Your research has very obviously paid off...your observations not just of the motivations of would-be superheros, but also of human nature are very good. I like the fact that you approach most of this in a logical, compassionate, matter-of-fact fashion that keeps safety of yourself and others, as well as regard for the law, in the forefront.

[Michelle]

ascent
Thanks for sharing your response. It sheds light on the movement for a lot of people and especially those who might be interested in taking on the task.

blackmage
I agree with Muse, your questions were very impressive and practical. These are the questions people have, but are afraid to ask. The questions you have in your mind, but when someone ask you what you want to know, not one of them pop up. Thanks.

[Michelle]

ascent
I like the way you suggested handling the gunshop scenario. Not many people would consider that just letting someone hear a story related to their situation in some way will give them something to grab on to and relate with.

Considering how you would handle demonstrating to the kid who sells drug that there is a better way and showing him the affect he will have on the society will be a great way for the RLSH community to guide and change kids lives while they are being mentored by a Real Superhero. I can only imagine growing up and having Wonder Woman come to my house to take me to the park, help me with my homework or take me to a concert. That would really shape a young person’s life.

People who are ‘just doing their job’ tend to have a smug personality that gets under people skin. I don’t think a person can have a sense of duty without having ethics or morals. If they do, then they become that which Ascent stated in ‘just doing their job’.

{{{{Currently I believe the government is trying to clean up a terrible mess left by a corporate tyrant who was in office. Who gave all the power to the corporations and the rich and left the common people without a net. He was concerned only with his own bottom line and with personal vendettas than with helping and protecting the American people.}}}}

Well said. I like how you worded this. Very well said. I just wish more people were aware of the mess America is really in.


Ascent, I take it you are on the path to becoming a RLSH based on your answers? What made you want to follow this path and since you have not donned a costume, are you planning on wearing one and having a secret identity?

[The Muse]

I am hoping to hear more from Ascent as well!

[justsarah]

Hey, have you thought of writing a biography Ascent? Or do you ever have any downtime. It seems like you would never get a break.

[The Muse]

If Ascent should so choose, we would be honored to aid them in this....

[ascent]

Sorry for the delay. Thanks for the support, guys. I've always been fair-minded, but not always fair in my immediate judgment. I only more recently acquired a healthy perspective. After I got into the habit of applying my new perspective in my personal life and bringing peace to a friend's life counseling him with my perspective, I realized I was finally mature enough to do something better with my life. When the Phoenix Jones incident came along, it opened my eyes up to the real life superhero movement that I always wanted to do and be a part of, but never knew existed.

Oct 16, 2011 12:28:30 GMT -5 Michelle said:

ascent
Ascent, I take it you are on the path to becoming a RLSH based on your answers? What made you want to follow this path and since you have not donned a costume, are you planning on wearing one and having a secret identity?

Yes. I am already talking with another RLSH who just did his first patrol in my area. We want to patrol together for the first RLSH team in the city. I might even be able to interest my cousin and his wife in joining.

Yes, I plan on eventually having a costume. But right now, steady finances are a ways off. I'm a high-end artist by trade and have only just recently broke into the art market thanks to a friend turned publisher. But my work for him is still an investment that I have to wait for publishing and profits to trickle down to me, coming only out of profits and not promises. (A promise I made him.)

When I do get a costume, it will be based on my avatar at reallifesuperheroes.org . I like bugs/bug people. I think it would work for a Batmanesque gimmick. I also have plans for intimidation and deterrence in a similar vein to Batman's theatrical scare tactics, including gak (used for dousing, marking and distracting opponents), a device that sounds like a giant bug clacking its mandibles or walking along, and an electronic barker, each I can use to distract criminals from their victim. Maybe weighted fishing line to produce a fast tie-up option, mostly for hindering aggressive actions. I will be investing in a green latex body suit and open-faced cowl from Hero Gear with yellow or orange bug-eye goggles. I also plan to eventually get Kevlar under the latex. I will also be collecting Spy Gear, Wild Planet and Spy Net gear to offset my surveillance and criminal snaring.

I'm thinking of letting others, perhaps the media, name my personae. For now, I'm just Ascent or Ascendant.

Oct 17, 2011 20:33:24 GMT -5 justsarah said:

Hey, have you thought of writing a biography Ascent? Or do you ever have any downtime. It seems like you would never get a break.

I'm not really interested in sharing my personal life. My experience is not anything I think I should share. Yes, it's dark, but I'm also very much not interested in talking about it. I am open about discussing my experiences, but not writing about them in a memoir.

The only thing I was say is that I trained since I was 10 years old to be able to face off against bad guys and excepting one incident when I was young, I have always come to the defense of the weak and downtrodden even when it wasn't popular. I've never been afraid to speak my mind and stand up for what is right.

I want the RLSH movement to succeed and thrive. But I also have my worries about those not deserving to be one.

To tell the truth, I'm not sure what you would mean that I wouldn't get downtime. If you could elaborate, maybe I could expound more on it. Though I feel like I've said enough already. This is more talk about myself than I care for. I like expressing my ideas, but not so much talking about myself. I'm just as most guys have always been, you know?

[justsarah]

Oh I don't mean past life, I meant what your doing now.XD

[The Muse]

ascent~~It would seem we have something in common... I dont want my personal life out there either. As The Muse, I exsist solely here in the forum. I like what I do here, I too seek to aid people, although my "forum" for doing so is of a different kind than yours.

I believe Justsarah IS only hoping you will share your RealLife SuperHero experiences and advice with others.

I like the safety precautions your are planning to use. As to the Kevlar, I was told about a place that makes Kevlar facial masks....if you would be interested in having that resource available for possible future use, let me know and I will find out the specifics for you.

[ascent]

Oct 19, 2011 7:57:19 GMT -5 The Muse said:

As to the Kevlar, I was told about a place that makes Kevlar facial masks....if you would be interested in having that resource available for possible future use, let me know and I will find out the specifics for you.

Yes, please share.

[ascent]

Oct 19, 2011 3:44:27 GMT -5 justsarah said:

Oh I don't mean past life, I meant what your doing now.XD

I see. Well, seeing as I'm only just getting started, I can't say. If I have interesting things to share, I might, but it's not something that crossed my mind and is really not something that's sticking as a point of interest at this time.

I can certainly see the appeal of reading the exploits of a real life superhero. I just have no qualifiers to say as to whether my adventures would be something for anyone to be interested in.

I'd be glad to keep you updated with anything that happens with me, though, as long as I can maintain my interest in the duties. I'll let you know about my first patrol with Medic. It might not pan out to much action, so no promises. We're likely to spend most of our first few weeks establishing rules, patrol routes and our community outreach. At least, that's what I have in mind.

[The Muse]

ascent~~ As soon as I can contact my source I will pass the information along to you.

As to sharing your adventures...rather than viewing it as a way to share your "exploits" perhaps you could view it as an opportunity to offer practical suggestions on how to go about these patrols in a legal, SAFE way that will benefit others who wish to pursue this course as well.

It sounds as if you have done your homework and are trying to set about this in a logical, no-nonsense effort to effect change for the better in your area.

Passing this along to others might help them to stop and plan before they run off and act because their motivations may not be....ummm....clear, shall we say. If you are willing to share the results of your efforts to establish rules, patrol routes, and community outreach, you may well be able to show the newly interested ones just how much MORE there is to this than chasing down bad guys.

[The Muse]

ascent~ I havent forgotten. I will be talking to that source tommorrow and will post the website to the company that makes those masks!

*Im rather ashamed I didnt have it done for you already!*

[The Muse]

Here it is! coldbloodart.blogspot.com. This is a site that does custom masks...they have some pretty awesome ones as it is, but i BELIEVE that they will do custom designs as well...I suppose you would just need to contact them.

That having been said...My Go-To person for weapons and defensive armor explanations pointed this out to me....It wouldnt matter if your mask was Kevlar or not...the fact is that if you get shot at any sort of close range, your neck muscles are NOT strong enough to prevent the impact from breaking your neck. So even if you get a good mask, PLEASE excersize great caution if you suspect someone to be armed.

[John Reid]

Knight-Hood speaking. I have a few things to add to the questions.

1. "Based on the premise that a villain is one that is evil and commits a crime..."
To begin with this is a flawed premise. The truth is there is no such thing as an evil person or a good person. Good and evil are choices that we make every day. Even the worst wretch among us is capable of committing a heroic act and even the most celebrated hero is capable of committing a heinous act. There has never been a villain that saw himself as a villain. Hitler for example thought of himself as the savior of Germany. Was he then a villain? Of course he was. In the movie "Batman Begins" Rachel says to Bruce, "It doesn't matter who we are on the inside, it's what we do that counts." So we are judged good or evil then by our deeds and even those depend upon the point of view of the the judge.

So in the end all we can go with is our own moral code and how we perceive right and wrong to base our actions upon.

Now let's talk about the Hero vs vigilante. There is a third catagory, the anti-hero. It was Blackmage who best defined the three and I will now quote him.

"A hero focuses on stopping crime first while always following the law. A hero strives to inspire, to be accountable to those he serves and embraces the responsibility of his position (The Superman Method)

An Anti-Hero focuses on stopping crime and evil alike. He is willing to bend the law to accomplish the task. An Anti-Hero creates apprehension in those he opposes and inspires those he serves and has saved directly. He lacks accountability but embraces the responsibility of his position (The Batman Method)

A vigilante focuses on stopping evil first and addressing crime second and is willing to break the law if necessary to accomplish his goals. A vigilante is terror. He exists as the necessary evil, existing to rival the evil that he combats. He cares not about responsibility or accountability. This is a path that he has no choice but to travel. He is the warring angel in the bowels of Hell. (The Punisher Method)

Now I wanted these definitions to be clear so that we can talk about another question that was asked. " Have any of you guys ever attempted to take on a corporation? Why?"

In the 1970's there was a man named James Philips aka the Fox. He is claimed by some as the first rlsh and rejected by others who consider his activities closer to being a vigilante. What he did was to take on corporations who pollute our environment. He capped smoked stacks, he dumped toxic waste in the the lobby of one corporation and left a dead skunk on the doorstep of another, always with his calling card "The Fox" left behind.

I believe he falls closer to an anti-hero than the other two catagories. He did create apprehension in the corporations and inspired the public who admired his efforts.

As for myself in 89 I had no guidelines outside of comic books and movies to go by and my original plan was to be a suicidal vigilante. I intended to rob drug dealers, burn their drugs and take away their profits. I planned to work my way up from junkie, to dealer, to supplier to the big boys that the law cannot touch.

But when the time came and I actually met the real junkies, the first step in my ladder, I could not bring myself to bring them any harm or terror. My heart went out to them and I scrapped my original plan.

I decided to try and find some other way to fight crime instead. So I became closer to the anti-hero than any other catagory as I would not hesitate to bend or break the law if necessary to stop evil.

My role models would be Zorro, Robin Hood, and Batman of course. Unlike Batman though I carried a gun and would not have hesitated to use it. Fortunately I never allowed myself to get into a situation that I had to shoot my way out of. But that was back in my hayday between 89-93.

Today I am nearly retired and since I have learned of the rlsh movement I have moved closer to the hero catagory as my main focus now is the homeless situation which has doubled in St. Pete in the last two years.

Knight-Hood

[The Muse]

blackmage~~ Have we had anymore questions emailed to us since this was first posted?