We all grew up with superheroes. Maybe we wanted to be Batman, Superman, or Wonder Woman. Are superheroes positive role models for our children?

Batman

Bruce Wayne, the man behind the bat, is an independently wealthy millionaire. He has no superpower so to speak. His superhero character comes from having intelligence and strength. He demonstrates to our children that they can achieve something if they put their minds to it.

The downside of Batman is that his initial entrance into the world of superheroes was through revenge (he has been scarred by the death of his parents). If we talk to our children about Batman, however, we can help them realize what a healthy response to death is.

Superman

New Scientist magazine claimed that “Superman is too good a role model.” The Journal of Experimental Social Psychology included an experiment where people were asked to list the qualities of Superman or another famous figure and then sign up for volunteer work. Those who wrote down Superman’s traits were less likely to volunteer. The reason for this, the researchers argue, is that people feel that they can’t live up to Superman.

Superman is a great role model. But it is okay to emphasize with your children the unattainability of Supe’s perfection. He is an alien, after all. And everyone is allowed to have an off day.

What This Means

In the end, not everyone can be an ideal role model. However, your children can learn from bad superheroes as well as good superheroes (and I don’t mean this in a superhero/supervillain sense: I would say Wolverine is a ‘bad’ superhero for his temper and self-centeredness). It is up to you to discuss with your children what they watch so they can begin processing the messages found in the media.

Hutch to buy Orange Austria as Asia firms shop in Europe

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's Hutchison 3G will buy Orange Austria from France Telecom and a private equity fund in a deal valued at 1.3 billion euros including debt, expanding the corporate footprint in Europe of one of Asia's richest men. The deal by the unit of Hutchison Whampoa follows a cluster of outbound M&A transactions from Asia in early 2012 as firms with large cash piles and low ...

Superman briefs ads not welcomed in Tampoi

TAMPOI: Residents in several areas in Tampoi have voiced their unease with the deluge of advertisements for Seluar Dalam Superman (Superman’s Underwear) which claims to be able to cure men’s sexual problems.

Geneva girls outlast Elk grove for regional title

Morgan Seberger forgot Superman's first rule — don't wear your uniform in public.

Superman Patrick Kane, Corey Perry’s mini-stick made NHL trick-shot competition awesome (Video)

OTTAWA — Prop comedy. Such a simple concept, so rarely incorporated in the NHL's Breakaway Challenge Skills Competition. Alex Ovechkin won the 2009 event in Montreal by donning sunglasses and a goofy hat. In 2012, two NHL superstars finally gave props to the skills competition again. With Eminem's "Superman" playing over the ScotiaBank Place speakers, Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks got ...

Buy You a Drink: A Highly American Cocktail for Stephen Colbert

In Buy You a Drink , GOOD’s resident mixologist concocts tasty beverages for prominent public figures. This week: a drink commemorating Stephen Colbert ’s overwhelming success in South Carolina's Republican primary. As every citizen of Colbert Nation knows, Stephen Colbert is a humble guy. He doesn’t like to boast about his own accomplishments or exaggerate his own importance. In fact, I ...