As children we read stories of crime fighters with super human abilities and unending courage protecting those in need and making the world a better place. For many of us this will never be any more than a dream, considered a childish fantasy and outgrown as we venture into adulthood. Little do people know that in many cities around the world we have real life super heroes patrolling the streets, helping society by doing what they can whether it be breaking up bar brawls, helping old ladies cross the street or just serving as a visual deterrent to those who would break the law.
In recent months more and more details about these heroes have been unearthed in the media, none more so than the Seattle Superhero Phoenix Jones, leader of the Rain City Superhero movement. Since finding fame through the media he has been in high demand for interviews with news channels from around the globe. This is not just a man running about in tights and a mask thought to have mental problems. He walks the streets in a bullet proof vest, various stab plates, rubber body suit reinforced with wire as well as trauma plates in his legs! In addition to his armor he is fully equipped to defend himself carrying pepper spray, a taser night stick and mace!
It was his choice of weapon that seen him in the news most recently after he was arrested for breaking up a bar fight and spraying one of the fighters in the face with pepper spray while trying to resolve the situation. This raised many debates around the purpose and intentions of real life superheroes. Opinions are divided, while some see them as a source for hope and justice others see them as nothing more than vigilantes getting involved in things that are none of their concern.
The police have gone on record with spokesman Det Mark Jamieson quoted as saying "Just because he's dressed up in costume, it doesn't mean he's in special consideration or above the law. You can't go around pepper spraying people because you think they are fighting."
While technically the police are correct in their statement you can't help but wonder, the police were not there to resolve the situation. Is it not your civic duty to help your fellow man? That is the difference between your Average Joe in the street and a hero like Phoenix Jones. We will see something happening and think "the police will sort it". What if it's too late by the time they get there? He will see a situation and have the courage to take action until the police get there to prevent escalation or further damage. Yes, maybe his methods are a little extreme for our carebear 21st century legal system where criminals have more rights than victims. Is it not better to seek crime out BEFORE it happens rather than sit and wait?
Another aspect to consider is what are the required qualifications to be a superhero? For example who is Phoenix? Is he a well travelled, battle hardened war veteran? Perhaps he is a government experiment? The answer, he is a 23 year old martial arts expert, father of two who works 9 til 5 as a care worker! During his evening shifts patrolling the streets he has been shot, stabbed and endured countless injuries.
In one of his early interviews Jones was quoted saying "I don't condone people walking around on the street with masks. Everyone on my team either has a military background or a mixed martial arts background, and we're well aware of what it costs to do what we do."
For my money these real life super heroes have my undying respect. Crime is everywhere now more than ever, Police are in smaller number and unable to handle demand it's only natural for us to defend our right to a decent life, the fact that these people who have wives, children and loved ones put everything on the line for no pay, no reward just to defend you means they truly are superheroes.
Would a local superhero make you feel safe? How would you feel seeing someone like Phoenix walking down the street towards you? What's your take?
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