What Superheroes Teach Us About Masculinity

Superheroes have taken the world’s imagination by storm with their superhuman abilities, but what truly fascinates us is how they can employ their powers for the greater good. Whether it is super strength, lightning-fast speed, or their spider-like agility, we see them consistently protecting their loved ones and advocating for justice. At times, these superheroes may experience dark moments, but they typically find their way back to the path of virtue.

What’s particularly fascinating is that these heroes embody traditionally masculine ideals like strength, bravery, and resilience. However, they use these traits to save humanity from disasters and evil forces rather than causing harm themselves. This is an inherent part of their nature, emphasizing the responsibility that accompanies these traits.

Recently, I stumbled upon an article in the Atlantic that delved into the concept of heroic masculinity. I read about the heroes that live in the real world, particularly the ones leveraging these traditionally masculine traits to protect others.

The article highlights the valiant New York City firefighters who rushed into burning buildings on September 11, and individuals like Richard Fierro, a combat veteran who bravely confronted a shooter at a drag show in Colorado Springs, protecting his family. These heroes exemplified traits such as strength, bravery, and resilience for the greater good.

Additionally, we can look to the men who challenge gender norms or expectations such as serving as active parents in their children’s lives and teaching them about values such as respect, compassion, and equality. In a world where violence is easy to initiate, we also see heroism in the men who choose to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Many traditionally masculine traits such as strength, bravery, and resilience aren’t inherently negative. It is the assumption that men can only embody these traits in a negative form. For instance, boys must only be strong, which means they must suppress their emotions. Or, men cannot express fear without sacrificing a bit of their masculinity.

However, masculinity does not need to be restrictive. Boys can express their emotions and be strong. Men can express fear and be masculine. We see superheroes in movies express all of these qualities and we love them for it because it showcases their humanity.

Superheroes teach us that we can honor traditionally masculine traits, but we can also promote peace and health. They teach us about empowerment, collaboration, and expression. They showcase how they protect humanity by discerning between good and evil.

Heroic masculinity may seem aspirational, but it truly is within everyone’s reach.