The Justice League...Or Is It!

Are real life superheroes (see linked story on CNN.com: http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/23/justice/washington-superhero-wannabe/index.html?iref=allsearch)  a sign of desperate times or indicative of a society that has capitulated to a “as-long-as-it-doesn’t- hurt-me” mentality, turning a blind eye to unconscionable or reprehensible behavior because we don’t want to be bothered?

Funny thing is I am not quite sure what the answer is to this question. Knowing that I am somewhat perspicacious in my dealings I gravitate to the notion that as a society the parameters defining acceptable, normal behavior has been stretched by the constant introduction of the absurd. I mean, does anyone else feel like nothing surprises them in the news anymore. It is not if it will happen anymore, but when.

The proliferation of media sources that constantly stream news and information to us is astounding. One is inundated with relevant news and information as well as being peppered with obscene, objectionable material day in and day out in the never ending struggle to stay informed. News media outlets and other more derisory venues comingle germane topics and information with the asinine and the ridiculous to embellish their broadcasts, exposing and introducing us to ideas, concepts and practices that challenge the limits of cultural tolerance. Moreover, society has endured such a sustained barrage of these inane, unethical and sometimes immoral practices that most have intrinsically agreed that apathy is the best strategy to neutralize them. 

Caring is just too costly!

Ironically, the truth has been so obfuscated by all of the confounded rhetoric tossed around by self righteous advocacy groups and self-proclaimed experts, that the truth is now inextricable from the lies, the acceptable from the deviant. We don’t know whether to cheer someone who is trying to do the right thing or persecute them for getting involved and possibly violating the rights of the perpetrator. SMH!

Personally, I think any adult who dresses in a costume and patrols the streets looking for crime to defend is displaying poor self-direction at best, and possibly exhibiting signs of something more sinister. But mocking a person for being concerned and impassioned about the contemporary state of society and the liberal free fall many of us perceive we are in as a people and a nation seems to be antithetical.

True self-proclaimed real superheroes may have adopted a laughable, exaggerated approach to remedying the palpable degradation of ethics and morals in our society; but can we really persecute and dismiss the larger message that something is terribly wrong and drastic measures are needed now. Perhaps we need to get beyond the cover, open the book, and read the real message.  

No, I don’t intend on donning a mask and cape and lurking in the shadows looking to eradicate the city of evildoers. In fact, I am more likely to lock the doors, hunker down and write a blog about all of the vile things that are plaguing mankind…hmmmm. But I can’t and won’t condemn or ridicule anyone who is compelled to make things better, regardless their method.

Truth be told the bad guys want you to stop caring. The corporate villain, the dubious politician, and the common street thug thrive on apathy. They want you to close your blinds and look the other way. Unfortunately, ignoring something does not relieve you of the inherent burden it carries. Society’s tolerance and direction is your problem. It is our problem. 

Perhaps the person who sets out in a mask and a body suit to fight perceived injustices is a fool; unequivocally, though, they possess one thing all of us could  use a little more of: indignation at the current state of our society.

IJS

S. McGill

One of the most powerful things in the world can be obtained and used liberally by anyone who chooses to use it.  "If" can be the beginning of something great or the acquiescence to defeat. How will you use your "if"?