Final Reflection!

Which superhero did you come in knowing very little about, but now feel like you have a good sense of who they are, what they stand for, and what their stories can tell us about ourselves?

I came into the class knowing very little about Wonder Woman. I was surprised to hear about the background and orgin of her and how she is viewed in society. I now have a better understand of her and would like to learn more about her as well.

Did any of your preconceived ideas about a specific hero change through our coursework? If so, what were they? If not, how was your approach to that hero supported by our readings/discussions?

The idea of race and superheroes changed through our coursework. I never really knew how much race played a part in learning about superheroes and that effects it has against different races.

We have looked to superhero narratives as tools to help us learn about ourselves. What did you learn about yourself (or confirm about yourself) through the readings and discussions?

I learned that I can be able to explore comics a lot more after reading this class. Going into this class I had very little knowledge with superheroes and now I will be able to talk about superheroes in ways others don't know.

Is there a topic or idea you felt especially strong about and wish we could have delved more deeply in it? What about a hero / character / team we didn’t spend much time on that would have facilitated class discussion on an important idea or issue?

 

I wish that we could have spent more time on Spiderman in class. I was disappointed to see how very little there was about Spiderman. Espeically growing up and having him be one of the more popular superheroes of our generation.

Finally, as you complete this class and head into your Citizenship class next year, how has this course helped you to better understand the role of a good citizen? Which hero or heroes do you feel would be the best model for good citizenship? Why?

Reflection 10

-Why does Coach tell Thom that he can no longer be on the team? How would you have handled this situation? How would your parents react?

 

Coach tells Thom that he can no longer be a part of the team because of the assumptions that he is gay. I think I would have handled this situation differently than Thom. I would have talked to him about that it is discrimination against the players and you can't choose to kick someone off the team because of that. Especially since Thom was their best player. I would argue that without me you don't have much of a team. I think my parents would react in the same way if I got kicked off the team. They would be shocked just like Thom's dad but eventually be able to forgive me.

-Ruth tells Thom, “You can’t go on like you’re going to start living one day, like all this is some preamble to some great life that’s magically going to appear. . . Don’t Wait.” What is she telling Thom to do? Is there anything you are waiting for to make you happy? How can you be in charge of your own happiness?

 

She is telling Thom not to wait about coming out as being gay. I am waiting to graduate from Monmouth to make myself happy. I look forward to December when I will be graduating a semester early to start the next chapter in my life. I can't wait to be done with school and feel accomplished for what I have done throughout school and leaving Monmouth College with not one but two degrees. I can be in charge of my own happiness by thinking about how I have so much to look forward to in life past Monmouth College.

-“Everyone in the world should have at least one moment in their lifetime when an entire crowd of people cheers them on for something, one moment to feel exceptional, one moment that lets you know you really do mean something to the universe.” (191) Do you think this happens for most people or not? How would it happen for you? What would you gain if it did?

 

I believe that this happens for most people in one way or another. It doesn't necessarily has to be during some athletic event or something of that sort. It can be accomplishing something that your family and friends will stick by your side and be there to cheer you on about it. I think it would happen for me when I graduate college because it's something that I have accomplished and I will in return be able to put my degree to use to make the world a better place by a job.

-Thom’s first kiss occurs under difficult emotional circumstances. Describe the “perfect first kiss”. Is it possible to achieve? Like Thom, have you ever had a crush on a famous figure? Why do you think we have crushes like this? 

 

I'm choosing not to reflect on this question.

Reflection #9

Since this reflection is an open topic I decided to reflect on the movies that we have been watching in class pertaining to our readings. I personally feel that watching the movies are a good idea for class discussion. Many of us have seen the majority of the movies but watching them after learning about superheroes in more detail from class makes me think of them in a much different perspective. Especially for having one of our analytical papers being focused on a movie. I think from here on out when I watch a superhero movie that I will be viewing it in a way that I never did before taking this class. I think if the class continues than you should contintue to show the films and discuss them in class as well.

Reflection #8

1.     What would you construct your costume of? Keep in mind that this is distinct from the fantasy, comic-book-world superhero self you are creating as part of your final project. Here, think about real world materials and equipment, keeping in mind your human limitations and the limitations of the law. You can use the heroes from the film as inspiration. Would you wear a mask? Why or why not? What about other equipment?

I believe that my costume would definitely consist of using a mask first off because I wouldn't want people to know that it was really me because that could always cause problems towards people. I would have a tighter fit costume that would consist of a bullet proof vest in case of problems. I think that I would always wear a cape to distinct myself as a superhero.  

2.     The heroes in the film worked to help the homeless and to deter crime: What is a specific problem in your town that you might combat in your superhero identity?

I live in a small town so there is not a lot of crime or homelessness in my town. I feel like my duty would be to prevent drug deals and also smaller, pety crime such as car break ins.

3.     Which hero from the film do you most identify with, and why? How might we all be inspired by that hero to make a difference in our communities?

I feel like the hero that I most identify with is the guy that tried to stop the drug deals in the parks. Since I could most likely relate to those same problems in my hometown I can relate in such ways. I also liked how he called out the drug dealers with a megaphone because people know what is going on and they tend to just look the other way. 

Reflection #7

In a number of the readings for this week as well as in the film X-Men, The Last Stand, the concept 

How are the two experiences you imagine different? How are they similar? Can you make connections to individuals or groups in real-life society? How might X-men comics, TV shows and films help those groups or individuals understand themselves and their place in society?

Finally, Which mutant do you identify with most, and why? Would you seek out the "cure" if you were a mutant?

The two experiences of mutant power seem to be different when I imagine it. The way society would look at me would be different as an external view than an internal with the other mutant. The difference would be passing a homo sapiens. They are similar because even though the views may be different there is still the fact that I am a mutant. Society would be able to understand the mutant-like forms because of seeing the examples of the tv shows, comics, and movies. I believe that I would most identify with Storm because of the fact that she is somewhat like a mom like figure in the movie we watched. She takes care of not only herself but others in the school as well. She is also a very strong character that many people look up and respect. 

Reflection #6

What kind of friendships do you have in your life, in Aristotelian terms? Can you imagine one of your current relationships ascending to the level of a Friendship of Virtue? What conditions would have to be present for this to happen?

I have some friendships in my life that I could never imagine not having. These friendships have been important to me because there have been times in my life that without them I really don't know what I'd do. I could imagine some of my friendships ascending to the level of a Friendship of Virtue because I would do anything for some of my friends and they would for me, just like the quote I'd take a bullet for you. 

When have you experienced a time in your own life when one of your core beliefs or an essence of your own identity was questioned or challenged? How did you deal with it? If you have not experienced this, how might you imagine a similar challenge arising in the future? Like Kyle,  have you ever reacted to a situation purely from a place of emotion, without regard for the consequences? What happened?

I don't believe that I have experienced a time where my beliefs or identity has been questioned in the past, however I can imagine a similar challenge arising in the future when I go into the work force. As a woman there is judgement whether or not if you could perform to the standards of men. I could see myself reacting in a way of purely emotion because just because of gender does not mean one will be or do better than the opposite. 

Reflective Essay #5

Creativity is very different depending on the person. Looking back in my past I felt that I had a lot of different creative and imaginary times. Growing up in a very sports loving household Sundays were like Thanksgiving every week during football and baseball season. My whole family enjoyed watching sports. Every Sunday my twin brother and Dad would assume their postions in front of the big screen. In the kitchen, my Mom would start cooking and baking, what she loves to do and I fell somewhere in between there. However my name was always being calling to grab this or that during the day for my mom or dad. My neighbor Mandy who was my age always came over and we would hang out and play around. One day we were bored and decided to pretend we were waitresses to my Dad, Mom, and brother. They absouletely loved the idea of not having to get up during the big game to grab a bite to eat or refill their drinks. My mom helped us "prepare" their food as they ordered it. My mom used to be a waitress and had old aprons and she even went to the store one day and bought us actual waitressing notepads to use. I loved pretending I was a waitress. As I look back at it now I like to believe that that was part of a reason why I think I am a good waitress. I waitress back at a home town pizza place and actually enjoy doing it. I feel that it solved a problem by not knowing what type of job I wanted to get when I started looking for a starter job. Right away my mom made the joke that I was always playing waitress when I was younger, why not try that. So I like to look back and think that solved my problem of not finding a job. When I look into the film Captain America that we just watched I think back to the time when he was fighting in the alley and used the grabage can lid as a shield. And with his character Captain America, he actually uses a shield.

Reflective Essay #4

As my "fiction suit" of myself I decided to have a conversation with Superman. In the conversation we talked about secret identities and how it's difficult at times to deal with two different identities. I thought back to my secret identity of my own personal self and the sports version of myself that is my "hero." In the conversation Superman gave me pointers on how to deal with my two different identities and most importanatly not to let them clash because that could cause many problems.

I decided to talk to my roommate as my good friend. I told her how much I really appreciated her as a friend and a great roommate. In the past I have not had good roommates at all. I really appreciate the way my roommate and I get along. We are like best friends. Her reaction was what i expected. She was very thankful and really appreciated me telling her I am thankful to have her as a great roommate.

Reflective Essay #2

Respond to one or more of the concepts that we discussed this week in class: secret identities vs “real” identities, the morality of superheroics, the rise of superheroes in a specific historical context/moment. What insights on your own life can you take away from these discussions?

In this week's class we talked about secret identities and how they differ from our own real identities. I decided to take what we’ve learned in class this week about the different identities and reflect on my own life.

To begin with my real identity is just an ordinary 21 year old that is outgoing and likes to have fun. I have a good amount of really good friends here at school and back where I live as well. I feel that some characteristics of mine are that I am caring, understanding, outgoing, and passionate. I feel that I am different in a few different aspects of my life.

The way I am when I play sports is completely different than the way I am in class. In high school I played volleyball, basketball, and softball all four years. As a well rounded athlete I had to maintain a personality that was for game time only. When it came to classroom work and study I was a quieter girl that focused on learning. A lot of my friends, teachers, and family members always used to tell me I was a completely different person on the court. For volleyball I was a very outspoken, loud, energetic leader to my team as a setter. In basketball, I was an extremely aggressive point guard. I lead my conference in steals, assists, and probably most fouls. When it came to defense I won every award possible. I was a very aggressive defensive player that many people did not like to have on the court as the person that was guarding them. I was mean and vicious at times, in a good way. At times my temper would get the best of my and there were situations where I fouled out a lot or even had a technical or two. In softball, I was very similar to how I was as a volleyball player. I was the leader of the outfield, playing center field and very outspoken.

I like to think that people who did not know me in high school sports at times wouldn’t believe the “secret identity” that came out on the court. I never thought of it as a secret identity until I took this class. I feel that it fits as one very well though. It was interesting to read about the different types of secret identities to real identities with the superheroes.

Reflective Essay #1 & #3

If I had to choose one superhero to be my favorite I would choose Batman. I think Batman is a very creative superhero because he’s got two different identities, Bruce Wayne and Batman. I think that makes a superhero unique when they are living a double life. I also like that batman rids the city of Gotham from evil. It reminds me of some what the show Dexter. Dexter is a serial killer but only kills the people who have killed once before. I was never really into superheroes growing up as a kid. I have a twin brother that was so that’s where I remember liking Batman. He would have the Batman and Robin figures to play with and I would always be my brother’s sidekick Robin. There were some fond memories playing with the toys growing up and I liked the idea of him having a sidekick as well. I especially of course have liked the movies that have been developed and going to six flags theme park and they way the ride is like you’re inside the comic. I feel like since the movies have came out is when I started getting more involved with superheroes. I have never read or own a comic about superheroes before this class. Thinking about Batman and my real life experiences, I feel like he would help keep my calm when something bad in my life happens instead of lashing out in anger. He never attacked any innocent people and always took care of the crimes in a well mannered way, and I feel that I would do the same thing if I had a situation where I was angry, I would be able to control my anger and emotions.

Going off of what I typed about Batman before I feel that we have learned about many other superheroes since I last typed this essay. I would still think that I would like to live in Batman's shoes but since learning about Superman I find some interest in him too. I think that I would like to live like Superman because of the double identity. I enjoy thinking about having two identities since we last did our reflection essay on it. My two identities would be my normal identity and my sports identity. I feel that I could relate more with Superman's life and identities more than I could with Batmans now.