On Superheroes and Superpowers

WHAT IS YOUR SUPERPOWER?

Didn’t we as children love Superman with his ability to fly, his superhuman strength and x-ray vision, flying around rescuing humans from all sorts of disasters? This superhero was created as a comic book character by Jerry Siegel and artist Joe Shuster and was first published by DC Comics in April 1938. (Wikipedia)

The Avengers (Earth’s mightiest Heroes) was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and published by Marvel Comics in 1963. Iron Man possesses a powered armor that gives him superhuman strength and durability, flight and an array of weapons. The original Avengers, along with Iron Man, are Ant-Man, Hulk, Thor and the Wasp. Captain America and others joined the team in later years.

These superheroes each have a superpower which could come from mutations or advanced technology. They usually use their powers to fight against evil.

Lately, I see quotes like “I'm sarcastic. What is your superpower?” Really? I thought that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. Aha! That was until I read the complete Oscar Wilde quote: “Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but the highest form of intelligence.” Why is it that only the first part of what he said is ever quoted?

Be that as it may, I could not choose sarcasm as my superpower, because I would like to think of kindness as mine. I think the two are on opposite sides of the spectrum.

Apparently, some job interviewers like to throw in the question: “What would you choose to be your superpower and why?” This is not a trick question. In essence, they want to know about your strengths, and how you would use them in the company as well as test your creativity.

According to www.indeed.com, superpowers are Flying, X-ray vision, Shapeshifting, Speed, Time Traveling, etcetera. You could, for example, choose Flying, explaining that you are willing to take risks and enjoy seeing things from a different perspective.

Asking people what their superpower is, could also be a great icebreaker on many occasions or gatherings, workwise or socially.

Everyone has their own superpower or superpowers (Why stop at one?) and if you have not thought about it before, maybe it is time. You may not even realize that some ability you have is in fact a superpower. Not everybody can make other people laugh or keep calm in a crisis. Recognize it and own it!

Some funny ones I came across:

Sometimes your job or being different could be your superpower.

Outside of the Superman/ Avengers world, the term “Superpower” was first applied in 1944 during World War II to the USA, UK and the Soviet Union. (Wikipedia) Five characteristics that are used to define a superpower, are Economic-, Political-, Military-, Cultural-, Demographic- and Natural Resources.

And last, but not least if you are tired of being Superman or Superwoman:

Enjoy your superpowers till we chat again.

Cheers!

Shirley Rose

Sources: Wikipedia, www.indeed.com, www.the-american-interest.com, www.csis.org, Pinterest for Illustrations.