Super Humans

Superman has returned, ladies and gentlemen. The most awaited movie of the summer finally hit theatres this past Wednesday. Draped in his signature red and blue outfit – The Big S flew into the flight pattern laid out by his superhero-type friends early in the summer. The X-Men made their last stand, we got a comical peek into the mythical Luchadoras thanks to a friar named Nacho, and Ethan Hunt somewhat redeemed himself in the eyes of the world he secretly protects. And after the Man of Steel cleans up at the box office, he’ll be followed by more of the same.

Its definitely the summer of the Superhuman.

But amid the heat and excitement of this hero worship, I hesitantly raise my hand above the crowd and wonder why these fictional forms have found such a niche in our lives. I’ll grant that the idea of a superhero that can save us from anything – especially in the very hectic and vicious world we live in today – is very appealing. I’ll also grant that heroes provide us with a needed escape and belief in things that can be good in this world. However, what I can’t understand is why we turn to big screen heroes, when real ones pass us by everyday?

No, they’re not “Superhuman.” But thankfully, this wonderful breed of people is “Super Human.”

In Superman Returns, Lois Lane wins a Pulitzer Prize for an editorial piece entitled, “Why the World Doesn’t Need Superman.” Now, I haven’t watched the movie, so I really don’t know what the article is about. But judging by the title, I think the answer is no. That’s because the Super Human live amongst us. Sadly though, because we are so ground into our fictional heroes, we don’t recognize the power of the everyday hero.

The everyday hero is a person who’s efforts make a difference in this world whether it be by charity, intelligence, or service. We should be learning from them, but most of the time we take them for granted or scoff at their attempts to make the world a better place. We’d rather hold up fictional characters who dress up in tights as inspiration (not that there is anything wrong with that on certain levels) rather than a person who works constantly on their own little patch of the planet. Who needs the Man of Steel in the real world, when there are people who do his job already?

The Super Human have special powers that aren’t derived by some cosmic, chemical, or atmospheric phenomenon. Most of the Super Human do what comes naturally to them. They move mountains by solving the problems that plague every man, woman, and child. They give from their hearts with a sincerity that stops the bullets of apathy. The Super Human may not be able to leap from a tall building in a single bound – but they definitely make huge leaps in the progress of society.

The Super Human are the volunteers at the nursery unit of your local hospital who give sick and suffering infants the gift of affection for a few hours a day. They’re the educator that works before, during, and after the school day to ensure their students are getting the best education they can offer. They reside in the bodies of the research doctors and scientists who labor tirelessly for cures that will give families a glimmer of hope. The Super Human are often called upon to defend their people and others halfway around the world in a place that can only be described as hell on earth. And often, it’s at the cost of their own lives.

And forget Clark Kent or Bruce Wayne as alter egos. So masterful are the Super Human at the art of disguise, you will often mistake them for people you meet everyday. They’re risk takers, innovators, peace makers, icons, parents, teachers, and defenders.

Heck – you could be one and not even know it.

Call me naïve or idealistic, but I truly believe in the concept of everyday heroes. They keep our world spinning. Real heroes often don’t get the recognition they deserve. But most of the time they don’t even seek the headlines except to further their cause.

So, while sitting in the air conditioned comfort of your local Cineplex, please do enjoy the movies about your favorite heroes, super or not. But keep in mind that for every piece of make believe there’s thousands, maybe even millions, in our population creating a better world. Stop and take the time to get to know them.

Instead of meeting someone who is merely Superhuman, you might appreciate someone who potentially can be far greater than that.