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.

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