Of Bad Guys and Heroes
Picking up our 4-year-old today from preschool, I had a most interesting conversation. He was telling me about heroes and bad guys, how heroes are nice and bad guys are mean. Pretty clear thesis, easy to tell them apart.
I asked him if heroes are nice all the time, and he assured me that they are, even elaborating to clarify that heroes can be boys AND girls. (Wouldn't Susan B. Anthony be proud?) After contemplating this, I asked him if the bad guys would think heroes are nice. He thought hard for a moment, then replied, "NO, Mommy! Heroes are mean to the bad guys, because bad guys are mean guys."
It got me thinking, you know? Because somehow our culture has sort of adopted the idea that if the target of your meanness is a bad guy, it must be okay to be mean, at least to that one guy. But I don't think it's true.
So I told our son I don't buy it. I think if there's a mean guy, and his/her meanness causes a hero to be mean too, then what's to tell them apart? Because really, they're both mean at that point. I think if you're a hero, it means you're nice -- or at least respectful -- even to the bad guys. It doesn't mean the bad guys win, because consequences follow every choice, and bad-guy choices eventually lead to bad consequences, generally speaking. But more importantly, anyone can be mean to a bad guy, it's easy. I expect more from a hero than that.
posted by eclectic @ 8:35 PM
22 comments
22 Comments:
Ok, ok, ok, I get it, I get it. I'll stop cursing people under my cape! Sheesh!
But if my tights bunch up again, I ain't making any promises.
You're my hero :)
And I can tell by that pic, Littlest E is a SUPERHERO.
I agree with Susie, you're my hero. :)
I love the picture of your littlest E.
You are right it takes a real superhero to be kind to the bad guys.
Yep, I'm there with Susie and Nina.
And laughing at MR B.
I'm always laughin at Mr. B... but then, I never claimed to be no superhero.
E, you're the bomb. Littlest E is the coolest.
But the thing about mean guys is, if the hero always takes the high road, the mean guy will always win. Once in awhile the hero is going to have to smack somebody. I guess the trick is knowing when to stop.
GREAT pic.
I love conversations about superheros with little guys.
It's so true.
He's such a cutie, E.
He is such a cutie! Lookit that little tummy?!?
He looks ready to take on whatever bad guys might come his way. Did you teach him that stance? ;-)
Kids are AWESOME!
I have similar but opposite conversations with my 4-year-old.
"Are they good guys for her?"
(her being Cruella deVille, and they being her accomplices Jasper and Horace)
He understands they're accomplices, but I can hear the wheels turning as he categorizes and sub-categorizes all these people.
I wonder sometimes where he puts ME?
I love how elegantly you think. It makes me very envious.
Whoa. That's some serious 4 year old discussion!!
Do I see a prostar debate team member in his future?
Bloggy: Yeah, knock it off already. I mean, like it's not bad enough that you HAVE people under your cape, but then you go and curse them too? *sheesh*
Susie: You have an excellent eye there, missy -- he IS a superhero, just ask him! And I can't think of any greater bravery than facing WTF down every single day, so you should know something about heroes.
Nina: No, I don't think I can be your hero, because YOU are MINE. Seriously. The way you have faced your life and made it lovely? Truly hero material there. I'm proud to know you.
Squirl: I wanna be with you and Susie and Nina, too. We can sit around and laugh at Mr. B together. Deal?
CK: No, maybe not a superhero, but you CAN eclipse the sun, and that's gotta be worth something. ;)
Limpy: See that's where my theory breaks down, and I'm not sure where to go with it. You may be right.
Amy: I know, huh? They get so animated!
Dawn: Thanks Sweetie, but Littlest Eclectic is not convinced.
Sooze: It's not fair, is it? Why doesn't a tummy like that look cute on US anymore??? Dang.
Peefer: Indeed, kids ARE awesome! And of course, you are at the very top of his hero list... after Christine, of course. Sorry, she plays a much meaner air-banjo than you.
Nilbo: What a generous comment! I thank you. Sincerely.
Hemmie: Reading it again, I see where it comes across as a serious discussion, but at the time, it was full of zooming sound effects, and punching sound effects, and felt fairly light-hearted. He's not convinced by my argument, by the way, he still thinks heroes are nice, bad guys are mean, but heroes are mean to bad guys. Maybe he's right, I don't know. :)
I tried to leave a comment yesterday but it looks like id did not work.
A bad guy uses his meaness for slefish reasons. A good guy/hero only uses his meaness for selfless reasons.
Heh, yeah... well, apparently "super powers" aren't always limited to super heros, huh? :)
William: You make a very good point. Maybe that explains the difference.
CK: Hee! Maybe you ARE a superhero, afterall!
I just love the thought of your son mulling over these concepts and coming to his own marvelous conclusions about heros and his place in the world as one. Cute!
He is just too cute.
I see your distinction, William, but I think I still prefer E's original division.
Your little superhero is adorable! I'm glad he's got a superhero mommy too. Good work honey!
Kranki: Little people can be so amazing sometimes... almost makes up for that whole infancy stage. ;) Thanks for stopping by!
Lawbrat: Dawn!!! You're here!! So good to see you!
Matt: Thank you for the validation, especially from a y-chromosome-type person.
Traci: Aw, thanks! He's a pretty good little bug.
Sheryl: I agree whole-heartedly! Your comment is a gift to me. Thank you.
Spontaneity is so much better than obligatory! Happy V.D. (Valentine's Day.
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