A Friend of mine, a Christian and family man, responded negatively to various Marvel promotions. I asked him why. He said the public’s fascination with make-believe “heroes” presented to the world by Marvel was a front to him and his Christian beliefs. I could see that. Here we had man-made mythological beings saving the world, in direct competition with Jesus and all that Jesus stands for. Why do you think Marvel studios does not do well in many nations that have aggressively entrenched religious beliefs? Keep the Marvel Superhero out of the public’s imagination, and their traditional religious figures do not face competition and undue questions like why their Divine Figures are nowhere to be seen when society is in crisis, the family is in danger or evil approaches.
Well, I don’t have such problems. I believe in a “supreme Being”, where ever it may be, and I do pray/talk to those figures that have inspired me. But when the chips fall, the crisis is upon us, and evil lurks in the bushes, it is real heroes that save me, transform and inspire me daily. I begin with my parents, who got up while the shadows claimed the morning, to work in the brick plant, Tobacco fields of Ontario, automotive facilities, and retail environments too. They gave until it hurts, and usually never complained. Talk about courage, determination, and love.
Two teacher’s stood out to me, giving me a voice and welcoming my imagination too. Mrs. Smith showed courage in the face of parental and student abuse towards herself, responding with dignity. My high school teacher Andy C told me to go out into the world and explore it courageously. I once saw firefighters work a fire in my hometown, moving with graceful ease and determination. I knew a police officer or two in New York who faced violent criminality with empathy and compassion shown in their actions and responses. I learned how to put others before myself, by experiencing the real lived experiences of others.
Ordinary people, working to survive
try their best each and every day.
Challenged, defeated, and fallen lives perhaps,
but they got right up like the hero’s in the flesh.
We only live one life, one hope, and one dream at a time,
we are challenged by how we can live our lives.
What are we worth to each other, what makes us divine?
Our empathy, charity, and loving hope you may say.
What is a hero but someone who expresses power,
a power to build up, comfort, and protect,
Hero often do know not what they do, they act,
and in that action humanity’s divinity shines bright.
If you want to meet a hero today,
look no further than around you my friend.
You may find someone especially kind, creative, and talented that true.
But the hero’s come in all sizes, shapes, and creeds,
so open your eyes, mind, and heart as well.
Accept the challenges life has to bring,
with a smile, and courage and offer your help.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario
