Tag rlsh

Originally posted: www.refresheverything.com/blog/2010/07/21/how-to-be-a-real-life-superhero-with-or-without-the-cape/

How To: Be a Real Life Superhero (With or Without the Cape)
By Rebecca McQuigg Rigal of GOOD
So you want to make the world a better place? Maybe start with your block, or your neighborhood. Maybe start with an awesome costume. You don’t need superhuman powers or otherworldly resources to be a Real Life Superhero, just plenty of passion and a taste for the theatrical. We recently spoke with DC’s Guardian, about what it takes to be a costumed crusader for good. He had these six tips for making the world a better place, one neighborhood at a time.
1) Know what you stand for. It’s not a prerequisite to don tights or a mask, but every Superhero builds an identity around good morals and values.  Likewise, you’ll need a cause (or several) for which to crusade. Look around your community for actions groups that need help.
2) Identify your weapons. And we’re talking personal skills here, not nunchucks.  After identifying a cause, ask yourself what you can bring to the table to help fulfill that need. Take stock of your interests and find a way to donate your time and talents in ways that will be compatible with your lifestyle.
3) Dress for the fight. While it doesn’t take spandex to be a Superhero, always come prepared for the task. Whether the job entails managing logistics for a fundraiser, educating local youth, or just showing up to the right place at the right time with the right supplies, you’ll want to be known as a responsible and accountable crusader.
4) Don’t get mistaken for the bad guy. Real Life Superheroes can be activists, volunteers, educators, or neighborhood safety patrollers, but in order to establish an identity as a community crusader for long-term success, you’ll have to work closely with local citizens, civic leaders, and law enforcement. Collaboration and communication are key.
5) Don’t break the law. Never go above the law, and always stands firm behind your actions. As DC’s Guardian says, “If you can’t stand up and say ‘I did this!’ you shouldn’t be doing it.”
6) Be humble. There’s no such thing as a self-serving superhero, in real life or otherwise.
DC’s Guardian is prominent figure in the RLSH community and President of Skiffytown League of Heroes – a national network of original superhero characters dedicated to performing acts of community service.
 

Motor Mouth, Hell-Hound, and Citizen Change were out protecting Oakland during the riots. This is Motor Mouths account of the night.

– Once darkness fell over Oakland, the riot police finally made their move to start taking back the city. My 2 fellow RLSH’s & myself then went to work, weaving in & out of alleys and side streets, attempting to get ahead of the riot squads. We came across some Black Bloc anarchists attempting to break into an ice rink & luckily our very presence made them think twice. Finally we poured out onto Telegraph, which had people running here & there with burning cars and dumpsters littered in the streets. We fell upon alleyway connecting Broadway to Telegraph with a 19th Street subway station entrance in the middle. A group of African-American youths were there, having taken a 4X4 with nails in it they were using as a make-shift battering ram to bash in the side window of what appeared to be a bar. We rushed up on them, weapons out. The second I sparked my Electro Knuckles & screamed “Get the FUCK out of here”, they quickly got lost down Broadway.
– At this point, we finally could see the madness unfolding at the end of the alley on Broadway. Smoke from fires filled the air, people were running in every direction, explosions could be heard here and there. We come to the end of the alley & suddenly there’s an explosion from around the corner. Out of the smoke pouring out of the building, a monstrous black woman comes running out with tons of weaves/hair extensions yelling “Hey niggas look, I got all the weaves, bitches!” then ran off down the street amongst the fires. That’s when Hell-Hound & myself noticed a young black woman drenched in blood on the ground. We picked her up and dragged her into the alley. Hell-Hound got out some of his medical equipment, first starting the wipe the bleeding wound from over her eyebrow with alcohol wipes from KFC. Suddenly Citizen Change & myself looked around corner, we heard 3 loud firing shots, and saw tear gas grenades in mid-flight. The riot police were gaining ground and on the move, directly towards us. I sent Citizen Change to the other end of the alley to see if the coast was clear at all then I looked at Hell-Hound & asked “Can we move her?”. He replied back “I’m not sure, why?”, at which point I said “Cause we’re moving her NOW!”. We picked her up under her arms quickly taking her to the end of the alley when we ran directly into another riot squad on Telegraph. We put our free hands in the air to give the sign of surrender, asking the police if they could help the young woman with medical aid. A white police officer look the young black woman over, looked back at me, then said “Not my problem. You have feet so go walk 3 miles that way to Highland General”. At this point, we luckily came across a street medic (part of the peaceful protesters, I assumed). He took over taking care of the young woman for us & we were back on our way, away from the riot squads & back again after the looters and trouble-makers of the night.
– Weaving in & out of burning trash cans and dumpsters, we made our way behind a fast food resturant. We crouched down, downing what water we had available & trying to get our bearings to formulate a game plan. Some protesters came & hid with us which is when we noticed a glow of sorts coming off of their faces. We looked behind us & a couple of dumpsters and a car were lit on fire in the back of the parking lot for the fast food joint. We realized the riot squads were quickly gaining ground so we booked it, heading down Grand Ave towards Lake Meritt.
– We merged into a massive ground (approx. 200 + people) on the intersection of Grand & Franklin. A young black man with a 10 speed bike started saying next to us “Damn, I wanna get a fuckin’ drink”, staring at the bar on the corner. Him & 2 young women started for the door of the bar, at which point the bar owner shut & locked the door. The young black man then went around the building and started slamming his 10 speed into the bar’s giant main window, all to the horror of the bar owner & his 10 or so patrons inside. That’s when my 2 brave RLSH’s and myself sprung into action. We whipped out all the weapons we had (Change with his standard tazer, Hell-Hound with his 2 shivs, & myself with my Electro Knuckle and my riot pepper spray) and thrust out way against the window, all the while screaming for people to get away as we sparked our electrical devices. The crowd jumped back as we held our ground, with all of them staring at us with their fists balled and seeming to want our blood for us stopping their “fun”. As people started throwing things at us & the riot squads in the distance slowly came closer, Citizen Change jumped the street’s center divide to ward off would be looters from attempting to break into a resturant. As the angry mob in front of the bar started heading down the street, Hell-Hound & myself went to go back up Citizen Change. Suddenly an explosion around the corner and dozens of people were diving into a sake store. A freelance photographer & a reporter started trying to speak to us, asking who we were working with and what not when I noticed out of my peripheral vision that some of the angry mob from before were lobbing giant bottles of sake at us. We pulled the photographer & the reporter aside to their safety as the crowd took off down the street. The female reporter started asking Hell-Hound questions when he simply flashed his Pacific Protectorate badge at her. She gave a puzzled look which is when I yelled “Dude, not everybody understands and we have shit to do. Come on!” at which point we jetted down the street. We ran past a riot squad when I heard one of them yell “Hey, I think that guy has a gun” (in the dark, they mistook my pepper spray canister for a firearm). They flashed a light over but we kept going after the mob of looters & rioters.
– Once we reached the next block, we paused for a second. A second later, 5 or so unmarked cop cars swooped up upon us, drawing their guns and yelling “Get on the ground and put your hands out!”. We dropped to the ground immediately, following all instructions given to us. A female officer dug her knee into my back & put handcuffs upon me, helping me up to then stand. She then brought me over to a cop that seemed to be in charge, he said “Throw the big guy into the car. We don’t need shit from him”, and I was placed into the back of a squad car (keep in mind that Miranda rights were never once read to me nor was I told what I was being held for). I helplessly watched as Hell-Hound & Citizen Change were being handcuffed and sat up while the Oakland Police went through all of their belongings. After long while, they pulled me out & put me on the back hood of the squad car. While they were going through my belongings, a fat white police officer started telling me that they were going to charge me with Possession Of A Deadly Weapon (my Electro Knuckles). I immediately started reciting California State Penal Code on stun devices & weapons (with my Electro Knuckles being one of the legal ones). He was stunned and shut up then gave me a dirty look & shoved me back into the squad car. I watched as the photographer from earlier pleaded our case with the police, at which point they released Hell-Hound & Citizen Change then a minute later, the same fat white police officer opened the door next to me and asked “Do you want to go home or to jail?”. I replied “Home obviously” at which him & another officer helped me out of the squad car, un-cuffed me, gave me my belongings, and sent me on my way.
– After catching up with Hell-Hound & Citizen Change, we walked to the western edge of Lake Meritt & relaxed with some water and cigarettes. I applauded the both of them for their fine work in the field that night, at which point they thanked me for my ability to lead them through what seemed like Hell on Earth. We hugged each other, gave each other high fives, walked to the Lake Meritt subway station near Laney College and as they caught the train home to San Francisco, I walked to my vehicle about 6 city blocks away or so.
– Upon arrival to my vehicle, I realized that I head left my headlights on from earlier and that my battery was dead! Luckily, I had parked in front of The Haz Mat Warehouse & an old friend of mine walked out. He took pity of sorts upon my situation, welcomed me indoors, and I relaxed with his roommates & himself for a bit. Not long after, I went back out to my vehicle to fall asleep with my pillow & blanket so I could get a jump for my car battery in the morning.
Well there you have it, folks. That’s my story. We went to Oakland, we defended it’s businesses, we protected it’s people, and were bold in what we did. The Bay is our home and we stood our ground for it.
– MM

Originally Posted: http://www.nypress.com/article-21418-brooklyns-own-superheroes.html
A fantastic foursome of Real Life Superheroes tackles crime fighting on borough at a time
By Tea Krulos
Z bounces from foot to foot, ducking and weaving, and then works the bag: Left-Left! Right! Left! Right-Right! Left! Right! He keeps swinging while some heavy tracks from Penthouse (aka 50 Tons of black Terror) blast in the background. His fists connect with the punching bag so hard that it leaves gouges in his knuckles that he later bandages.
The twentysomething is known only by that single letter, and is a member of a team of crime fighters known as The new York Initiative, a small group of brooklynbased vigilantes who spend their spare time fighting crime.
The new York Initiative is a splinter group from a worldwide movement of people calling themselves Real Life Superheroes (RLSHs), who adopt costumed personas of their own invention and take a number of approaches to the concept. It may seem like mere role-playing or a cheap copy of the popular The Watchmen comic and recent movie, but this growing cohort take their responsibility to do good seriously.
Some conduct charity fundraisers or visit children’s hospitals. others do civic duties like picking up litter or handing out food, water and supplies to the homeless. many do “safety patrols,” much like a concerned citizens’ walking group might. A few of the superheroes, like the NYI, actively fight crime. This anonymous, leaderless Justice League has been estimated to be anywhere from 100 to 400 members strong in cities from coast to coast, as well as around the world. They convene online in chatrooms and message boards or form groups on Facebook.
Unlike many other RLSHs who dedicate a small area for their alter ego—a spare room, basement, the trunk of their car or a sock drawer—the NYI have devoted their entire apartment to the lifestyle. A lot of the “crime fighting gear” is illegal in new York, so it remains unused, stored in the apartment. Z flaunts the collapsible batons, stun knuckles (that make a loud zapping sound), throwing knives and spiky hand guards that look like something Genghis Khan would brawl in.
He also hands me weapons out of an umbrella stand of pain: a couple of giant ax handles bound with duct tape, a metal pipe and an ordinary walking cane, which he wields as a fighting stick. Another rack holds more practical items such as protective arm gauntlets, gloves, flashlights, walkie-talkies and binoculars. I notice a decorative battle-ax and a pair of katanas. A workbench and shelves hold a mess of tools, building materials and armor.
The group’s “gadgeteer”—he calls himself Victim—shipped a box from his home in seattle with a sampling of different panels of polycarbonate squares, hoping to test the durability against a variety of weapons. Z shows a panel with a few minor dents in it; the polycarbonate has withstood a variety of knives and blunt instruments.
Then there’s Lucy, a kitten they found on the street that they nursed back to health. she’s purring and rubbing up against body armor. A strange juxtaposition of cute and cruel.
Near the workbench, a dry erase board lists some nYI goals for the next year. A mirror on the wall has a piece of paper stuck to it with a quote: “What can be broken, must be broken.”
Z shares his Brooklyn apartment with Tsaf and Zimmer, two other self-proclaimed superheroes. (since they are trying to maintain their anonymity, they asked that their exact location not be disclosed.)
Tsaf (pronounced saph) is the team’s only active female member. she is small but toned and emits a Zen-like calm. While Z punches, she meditates in her room.
Zimmer, 22, has no secret identity or code name and since he already has a snazzy surname, he uses it. He first learned about RLSHs when he was a teenager in Texas. He later started patrolling at 18 in Austin. He moved to new York and has graduated from an EMT certification course and serves as the “field medic” for the team.
Zimmer gathers gear and adjusts the straps on his “Northstar non-lethal backpack,” a powerful but compact LED light, clasped to the chest with backpack straps. The light is blinding and can be used to daze attackers. When he demonstrates it outside, the spotlight hits the night sky like a bat signal searching the tops of buildings. The power source is a row of batteries in the bottom of the small backpack, wired to the light. His backpack also holds a first-aid kit, cPr mask and handcuffs in case of a citizen’s arrest.
The only person missing is Lucid. The fourth NYI member, Lucid isn’t available for the night’s patrol because he’s working his job as bouncer at a Williamsburg bar.
After a couple more rounds with the punching bag, Z sits down and begins strapping on his full body armor, a homemade medley of leather, pads and stainless steel bits and pieces, which he describes as a “poor man’s Iron Man suit.” The suit includes boots, leg, knee and ankle pads. A pair of arm bracers he made out of leather and steel are attached to his arms with truck ties and work as both defense and offense. To complete the look, he wears a black Predator-type mask sure to creep out anyone who sees it on the street. He then puts on his “butcher mail,” a stab-proof apron of metal scales over a lightweight bulletproof vest, which he then covers with a sleeveless, brownleather zip-up.
As Z buckles and snaps his gear into place, he begins to describe what it feels like to don his costume. “It depends who is around,” Z says as he pulls the straps on the arm bracers. “But I’d say it’s almost like a holy, sacred feeling for me.”
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REG BY DAY, SUPERHERO BY NIGHT
Z and Zimmer say they have similar goals, but they often have different ideas on the proper approach. Zimmer compares himself and his philosophies to the movie The Matrix and Z relates his persona to Fight Club. It’s a pretty accurate description of their personalities: Zimmer as the cyber rebel and Z as an enigmatic underground street fighter.
Zimmer has strong connections with the RLSH movement and is an administrator for the Heroes Network, one of the two major online forums for RLSH. His gear includes jeans with built-in kneepads and calf-high canvas shoes, along with his signature T-shirt printed with the binary code for the letter “Z” (01011010) in white numbers down the side. He also works as a freelance writer, churning out articles about science and technology, and his room is overflowing with piles of books on computer programming.
Z has chosen the last letter of the alphabet for other, mysterious reasons. He also explains that he’s had issues with the RLSH movement, including a couple of RLSH who claim they have “metaphysical powers.” He feels some RLSHs have inflated egos or are simply bloviating. And then there are the spandex outfits: Don’t even get him started.
“Everything I wear is either protective gear or to blend in during plainclothes patrols, with gear underneath. No spandex. Ever,” Z explains. “If I ever wear spandex, I deserve to get shot down in the street like the dumbass that I am.”
Z moved from Detroit to Philly and finally to New York, and his room is spare: the punching bag, some weights, a mattress.
Z and Zimmer say their goal in moving to the city was to assemble the NYI. Several others had planned to make the pilgrimage to New York as well, including Death’s Head Moth from Virginia and Lionheart from London. For a variety of reasons, it didn’t work out. The NYI remains a gang of four.
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SHOW AND TELL
On its website, the NYC Resistor describes itself as “[a] hacker collective with a shared space located in Downtown Brooklyn. We meet regularly to share knowledge, hack on projects together and build community.”
Zimmer claims to have a lot of involvement with hackers, and has spoken about RLSHs at two different hacker conventions, including one in Austria. “I think hackers and Real Life Superheroes have a lot in common in what they do, but a lot of people in this community probably don’t see that,” he says.
The three of us walk to the collective’s warehouse near the Fulton Mall for its first “Show and Tell” night, an open invitation to share any useful gadget. Inside, 15 or so people show off things: a portable UV light and a self-balancing unicycle. Zimmer takes the stage and demonstrates his Northstar and explains the premise of the NYI, and then calls Z up, who shows off his stainless steel arm bracers, clanking them together loudly. When he dons his new mask and turns on an LED light attached to its side, some in the audience gasp. Because the mask resembles the Predator alien, someone asks if he also has a missile launcher built into the shoulder. Afterward, one young man in his twenties approaches the duo, saying he’d like to be involved with tech support for the NYI.
As we head back to the NYI headquarters, we’re stopped half a block from the subway platform by the police. They ask to see what is in the metal suitcase we’re carrying and find Z’s arm bracers. “Skateboard pads,” Z explains. They seem to accept his explanation but decide to pat us down anyway. The cops tell us they stopped us because we’re white and therefore, the only reason for us to be in the neighborhood would be to buy drugs.
When Z and Zimmer say that they live a block away, the cops are surprised. “In fact, we’re trying to do something kind of like a community block watch or safety patrol,” Zimmer explains.
“Block watch?” one officer snorts. “Naw, fuhgetabout that. You’ll get shot. The guys in this neighborhood, they’ll shoot you and no one will tell us who did it. There’s a strong ‘no snitching’ rule out here.”
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SKATE-AND-BAIT PATROL
Warnings from police and others don’t deter the NYI, and shortly after encountering the cops that night, the trio of superheroes begin their pre-patrol rituals. They plan to stage a “bait patrol.”
The strategy is that Z will skate ahead on a longboard, a sturdy, fast skateboard made for cruising. The longboard is also a good excuse to be wearing a lot of protective gear. Next in the lineup is the bait (described as the “nucleus” of the patrol)—usually TSAF or Zimmer. In tonight’s case, TSAF wears a white dress, purple eye makeup and is carrying a bulky purse. She tries to lure predators looking for someone vulnerable. Zimmer follows on foot about a block behind her.
Lucid, if he were here, would act as a runner, skating back and forth on his longboard between the group members as they move forward. TSAF watches for Z; Zimmer watches for TSAF; and Lucid would be watching everyone. Communication is vital: All parties are connected by cell phone, ready to leap into action if anything happens.
——————————————————————————–
“I don’t see this movement fading away, superheroes are real now and there is no turning back.”
——————————————————————————–
It looks good on paper, but we encounter some problems. First, I am trying to keep up with Z, but my board is having some technical issues. We backtrack for a pair of pliers to fix the skateboard. Back on the street, we make it just a few blocks before determining that there are tech problems with the phones. The NYI can’t hear each other. There is much frustration all around, and Z decides to call off the patrol.
The next day, I skate around Brooklyn with Z, running errands. Z and the NYI are more or less everyday New Yorkers, trying to live their lives with normal friends and day jobs. Their secret night patrols are the only thing that makes them feel different. We end the day at a Williamsburg bar, where Lucid works security and the NYI spend spare time hanging out.
After a few games of pool, Z and I decide to skate around for a bit. That’s when we spot an intoxicated young woman stumbling along and tripping over her high heels down the empty street. “Let’s do an impromptu bait patrol,” Z says. “You fall behind, and I’ll skate ahead.” So we follow the woman for several blocks, trying to remain inconspicuous. I hang way back and gave Z a “thumbs up” sign periodically. The woman stumbles to a bus and boards. All clear.
——————————————————————————–
BATTLES IN WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK
Dark Guardian organized the meet-up under the Washington Square Park arch, while a horde of people enjoyed a science fair on a sunny day. Dark Guardian is from Staten Island and says he’s had several nighttime confrontations in the park. His goal is to try to kick drug dealers out of the park by himself or with other small groups of RLSH.
Armed with a crew of cameramen and a bullhorn, Dark Guardian has walked up to drug dealers in the dark corners of the park dressed in black motocross gear, telling them to leave.
Some left and some didn’t. He was often outsized and outnumbered, and he says one alleged dealer flashed a gun tucked into his waistband. Dark Guardian didn’t let it deter him. He returned to the park several times, relying on the confidence he’s acquired as a martial arts instructor.
Today’s meeting is meant to assemble other like-minded individuals. A few showed up: The Conundrum (New Jersey); Hunter and Blue, a dynamic duo from Manhattan; and Mike, who hasn’t picked a persona yet but is interested in the idea. Dark Guardian has been leading an effort to unite RLSHs of New York—including Nyx and Phantom Zero, Life, Champion, Thre3, Blindside and Samaritan—to work together.
Zimmer also decides to attend, a significant step in Dark Guardian’s quest to unite a larger group of people in New York. Zimmer and Z have had disputes with Dark Guardian, who administrates The Real Superheroes Forum (therlsh.net), which is similar to Zimmer’s Heroes Network. It turns out in real life, superheroes are not free of Internet drama, and the two forums often have disagreements about methodology and public relations, which has led to long, drawn-out arguments. Today, however, Zimmer and Dark Guardian have put aside their differences to pool information.
“I hope to get more people involved in New York City in making their communities a better place,” says Dark Guardian. “I hope to get Real Life Superheroes working together to make a bigger difference. I would like to get patrol groups together, work on community service projects and organize events. Real Life Superheroes can make a real difference here. I see the real life superhero movement growing and more people getting involved. I would like to see things become more organized and for there to be some form of training. I would love to be a part of that. I don’t see this movement fading away, superheroes are real now and there is no turning back.”
As for the New York Initiative in Brooklyn, Z says that its main goal is to try to do the right thing and protect people on the street who need help.
“There’s a lack of decency in the world. That’s something we’re about,” Z explains. “We’re not trying to just be badass dudes. We’re trying to be decent people.”

By Captain Black
I don’t wear a special ” Capt. Black ” costume  while in public but like other members of the real life superhero ( RLSH ) Movement I help out where I can.
Wearing one of my Kufi skull caps means I’m on duty. That and the optional Capt. Black t-shirt.
The following is based on the last two days activities:
Yesterday saw me give a young mother struggling with her baby carriage a dollar for the little one ( Recession-era spontaneous donation rate, lol. ) and tell her, ” Capt. Black is always here for you! ” while walking away. In good Lone Ranger style I often don’t stick around.
Shortly thereafter I held the door open for an apparent stroke survivor after he’d struggled to his feet from a wheel chair to enter a gas station.
Inside, I won $4.00 on a scratch off ticket.
Rationalists will call this coincidence while the more metaphysical say the Universe down loaded a little gift as reward for my efforts.
Today I assisted a senior citizen friend across a busy highway to a nearby store on a rough side of East New Orleans. I secured him and carried purchases back to his apartment. He insisted I take what he gave me ( hard to argue with him when he’s loaded, if you know what I mean ).
I resolved to pass this gift along to others while making rounds in the near future.
All this could be coincidence so I leave interpretation to the reader.
Years ago, I used most of an inheritance by donating to charity and investing in struggling businesses. The idea of using it for scarce joy never entered my mind. Resources are the grease allowing the wheels of philanthropy and industry to roll faster. The spiritual heights and connections made from this period of my life remain unsurpassed.
RLSH and other concerned citizens give from the heart and wallet… often until it hurts.
We specialize in what I call ” micro-good: ” acts that aren’t headline making like curing cancer or million dollar giveaways but nonetheless impact quality of life where were live. These small acts take on a synergistic life of their own as our creative approach makes people reflect.
From reflection comes increased incentive to help others at a time when it’s hard enough helping oneself.
As this examination of the past two days shows, the ebb and flow of micro-good touches those offering outreach and recipients alike.
Karma; coincidence; Divine Intervention on a very small scale, I leave the final judgement to each of you.
I close with this observation: micro-good works! Share your instances of unexpected rewards from doing micro-good.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes wellness; crime prevention and self-development. http://www.captblack.info
 

I have known about RLSHs for years, but never gave them much though until about march of this year. After finding www.therlsh.net and reading everything i found, i realized this is something i have always wanted to do, i just didnt know how to express it.
My idea for this blog is to simply keep track of my own journey as an RLSH. What i do and what i learn, and hopefully someday i can look back on this and see my own evolution.
I guess i’ll start with this; I never planned on being an RLSH. Well to be honest i was steadfast against calling myself an RLSH. Some of my very first posts on therlsh.net are me stating that i would never call myself that as i dont believe there can be “real superheroes”. Over time, getting to know the members of the community, what they do, and why they do what they do, i have changed my mind on the RLSH title. I still believe there are no real “superheroes” by the comic book definition, but i realized that the word superhero does not just mean those guys in the comic books. “Superhero” in and of it’s self, has come to mean more then characters. It is an ideal that we have in society. it stands for something. For some that puts “Good” above all else. For someone who can be counted on when needed. For the type of person that most people in our world dont believe exists.
Those type of people do exist and it is my hope that over time the world will start to believe it the way we used to when we were children. Back when superman and batman and wonder woman really DID exist. No there were not super powerful beings running around out planet but they did exist. They existed because we believed that that was how things were. We believed that good would always triumph over evil. That if we were ever in trouble that there would be someone there to help us. That no one in our world would ever stand there and watch as bad things happened, without doing something about it.
Unfortunately, the fact is we live in a world  where, be it a purse being snatched, a store being robbed,someone drowning, or a man dying on the sidewalk, our society tends to stand there and think “i’m sure somebody else will help.” “i’m sure somebody else has already called 911 so i wont bother.” It’s called “the bystander effect”. The tendency for everyone to think “somebody else will do it” and when everyone thinks that, it doesn’t get done.
I have though long and hard over the past 4 months about why i want to do this. why i want to put myself in danger to help others. The fact is it is something i have always done, and even as a child i never understood why anyone would feel any other way. now i realize why i felt that way…
..I guess I’m somebody else.
 

Real life superheroes ( RLSH ) are a growing Movement of cyber escapists who crusade only online alongside creative activists hitting the streets with new names and outfits.
It’s an exciting time to help stretch the ( usually, yawn! ) concept of concerned citizenship into broader, bolder forms.
As usual I caution against inevitable cultural blowback. I don’t do it as a kill joy nor being a hater. I just look at trends in related fields and consider us with this in mind.
Because we haven’t amassed a series of high profile civil rights violations like 1990s Bounty Hunter Scare ( a RLSH related field if EVER there were one ), there haven’t been Congressional hearings and states tripping over themselves to slap down varying degrees of regulation.
Currently unlicensed and potentially unlimited, we are largely self-policed and advise ourselves on legal and other vital concerns. While a host of RLSH books have been written with many more pending, we don’t have a hand book per se ( though Knight Owl’s RLSH Manual serves admirably ) or defined industry standards.
As private citizens being conscious of HUGE criminal and civil liabilities this caveat keeps the vast majority of us out of trouble. Related fields like private security and bounty hunting have copious case law chiefly documenting false arrest; impersonation of officers and excessive force cases.
Unlike government counterparts, when a security officer; bail enforcement agent and especially a real life superhero grabs the wrong person or unlawfully inflicts injury, he/she QUICKLY goes to jail and has roughly a year to plan his/her defense before a potentially skeptical court.
There’s very real legal risk in being a RLSH. Keep in mind most of us don’t have official status with the local PD like some versions of Batman or Doc Savage commissions from the NYPD and feds of his pulp novel America. Ideally we can work on establishing relationships with law enforcement to avoid future conflict.
We’re still fleshing this role out. Kinks remain to be smoothed out but a doctrine ahs been established. We’ve also grown to include conventional concerned citizens in what I term RLSH-inspired community coalitions ( RICCS ) to patrol the streets and dispense food supplies alongside our colorful peers.
The devil is in the details and regarding the real life superhero Movement, it remains to be seen what ultimate form our details will assume. We’re still a work very much in progress.
That said, there remains very real legal risk in being a RLSH.
Ask an attorney or visit RLSH sites where you can e-mail or chat with experienced folks about this one-of-a-kind lifestyle.
*Informative RLSH sites include:
Superhero Law
Real Life Superheroes
Superheroes Anonymous
Heroes In The Night
Real life Superhero Project
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-developemnt. http://www.captblack.info.
 

Geist is an interesting guy, even among fellow real life superheroes ( RLSH ).
We’ve never communicated except by e-mail and an ocassional IM chat. I stay current on his media appearances and consider him a modest standard bearer for this very unusal lifestyle.
What I like most is how he sold a comic book collection to finance his new role as a masked activist. His portfolio includes assisting flood victims; regularly helping the homeless and ongoing donations to various people in need. Geist is always somewhere, helping somebody.
He’s like a one man Red Cross and Justice League all rolled into one green outfit.
Among the better known RLSH, Geist still maintains a low key profile. His shades and scarf gimmick has ” pulp novel ” written all over it. As someone pulp-influenced I like the regular clothes look as much as costumes.
Geist is the kind of subtle humanitarian our Movement should celebrate. He doesn’t toot own horn nor could ever be accused of vigilantism. He’s become a presence who makes himself known and disappears. He’s definitely got the mystery man part of the RLSH role down pat.
Don’t be surprised if he pops up on the Comments section of an online story congratulating you. That’s the kind of guy he is.
His balanced approach invites study by anyone considering becoming a RLSH or even those already active.
So many lives can be touched with a little money and time invested. Do yourself a favor and google Geist.
Those already familiar know what I’m talking about. Newcomers are in for a real treat.
Geist was one of the first RLSH I researched after going public like this. All I can say is he’s a quiet force for good.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-development. http://www.captblack.info

From Tea Krulos
I’m glad to extend an open invitation to all RLSH (and associated personnel) to join myself and the Milwaukee RLSH for a meet up July 30/31.
The purpose for the meet up is the Riverwest 24 bicycle race. The RW24 is a grass roots community event organized by a small group of people. it is a 24 hour long race (7PM July 30- 7PM July 31) for people in a few different categories (solo bikers, groups sharing one bike, groups that each have their own bike) last year had 400 some bicyclists from Milwaukee and all over the midwest.
Website: www.riverwest24.com
The Watchman patrolled during the race last year, by foot and car. The race organizers invited him back this year. They also asked if RLSH would like to participate in a “bonus checkpoint.”
RW24 has asked the RLSH to do one, so we’re trying to think of something that will be fun but that people might take something away from. In any case, it’ll be good for the local guys because they’ll get to meet several hundred people who will at least know who they are when they see them in the neighborhood.
When Watchman, Blackbird, and myself talked about it we agreed we should invite other RLSH to join us, if they wish, in presenting this bonus checkpoint and then walking (or possibly bicycling) during the RW24 race, keeping an eye out for bicyclists that may need our assistance. In addition, we’ll have some down time and may develop other ideas on what to do.
Further Details
-Going to start patrol at nightfall. Not sure on method of patrol yet.
– At the stroke of Midnight, RLSHs have been invited to host a “bonus checkpoint” which will take place on Reservoir Hill. This is large hill with a great view of the Milwaukee skyline. The bonus checkpoint lasts two hours, and probably a couple hundred people (minimum) will be cycling through. We’re probably going to have them participate in a video project having them dress up and declare heroic things. Should be a chance to introduce a lot of people to the RLSH concept in a fun way. Also will be handing out water to the cyclists (this is actually really helpful; there were a few cases of dehydration last year).
– Afterward, will continue to patrol the course at least until sunrise.
– French journalist Pierre-Elie de Pibrac will be on hand taking photos.
-Anyone from the RLSH community is welcome to attend and participate. I think this will be a great event. The organizers are very into it, and I think you’ll find the neighborhood open to what you guys are doing.
More Details can be found at: http://www.therlsh.net/upcoming-events-f10/milwaukee-meet-up-t3106.htm

By Jonny Lupash.
Fowarded to this site by Geist
Author’s Notes:  I have not experienced all the scenarios mentioned in this piece and I mean no offense to the RLSH involved in the ones I have.  I’m not a critic nor a naysayer, and I only use the terms “Real-Life Super Hero,” “movement” and “community” as basic blanket terms to avoid long-winded definitions of the undercovers, the vigilantes, the charity workers, the groups vs. the individuals and so on.  Thanks for understanding.  If you have any doubts of my sincerity or purpose with this piece, please go look up anything I claim here about journalism.  I actually encourage it; I have nothing to hide and gain nothing by lying.
I’ve conducted four interviews for my project on the Real-Life Super Hero movement.  In my research I came across several news articles and televised segments featuring the RLSH, and all of them have had at least an undertone if not open slander against the subject in question.  I’ve watched news anchors unable to keep a straight face discussing an RLSH; I’ve heard insults slipped into context as happenstance.
So when I started my interviews, I was amazed anyone would speak with me.  The TV had done enough damage, completely ignoring the degree of privacy and anonymity that comes with the job.  I expected to be met with shut doors, folded arms, unreturned phone calls and no luck.  My result was so far the opposite that part of me is still waiting for the other shoe to fall.
As a token of appreciation for the candor, open-mindedness, time and patience the Real-Life Super Hero community has given me, and for the superhuman bravery, goodwill and selflessness it exhibits in each of its members’ nightly endeavors, I offer this.
I received a BA in journalism in December of 2006.  I finished with a 3.9 GPA, having spent a full two years of my life devoted very specifically and very solely to every aspect of print journalism.  I learned all the tools necessary to guide and shape an interview to my liking, and the deaths of journalism and trust that accompany their misuse.  All journalists can do is ask questions; the difference between a good reporter and a bad one is what questions they ask and how.  So by way of thanks, and of apology, here are some of the pitfalls and how to avoid them.
1.  The Leading Question.  When someone asks a question that, from the outset, sounds like “Don’t you think that…” or “Wouldn’t you agree…” they’re doing so very purposefully.  This is a cheap device used to twist words from sources and get quotes before the source has time to think about their answer.   A reporter will do his or her best to paint you into a corner this way.  Here’s a perfect example.
Reporter:  “Wouldn’t you agree that people don’t necessarily have to wear a costume to go support a charity?”
RLSH:  “Well, sure.”
This will run in the papers as you saying there’s no reason to do what you do.  If a reporter wants more information about your charity work specifically as an RLSH, they’ll ask you the following.
Reporter:  What benefits do you find working with charities as an RLSH that you may not in civilian dress?
The main difference is that reporter #2 is asking an unbiased question to get facts about the subject and not leading you into saying what they want.  Here’s why this is the best practice.  If they don’t agree with costumed charity work and they ask you this, there are two outcomes: You’ll either tell them about drawing more attention to (and rallying more people around) a cause as an anonymous Good Samaritan than as a casual civilian, or you won’t tell them any benefits and they’ll get their answer anyway – but they’ll do it honestly, and without being sneaky and making you the bad guy.  On the other hand, if they support you but have to stay objective, this is your chance and theirs to explain what you do in a positive light without them leading you into showboating by asking “Isn’t being an RLSH just the best?!”
2.  Body Language.  I recognize that many interviews are done over the phone or via e-mail or an instant messaging service.  For those done in person, beware journalists who interrupt, speak aggressively with their hands, fold their arms, cross their legs or let you see what notes they’re taking.  Ideally, newspersons will sit with both feet flat on the floor, arms at their sides, taking notes on a pad whose back faces you the whole discussion, and let you finish speaking and wait three to five seconds before asking another question.  Gesturing and speaking passively with hands is no problem, but pointing and cutting motions are always a red flag.
3.  Closed-Ended Questions.  Probably the quickest way to determine whether a reporter is even worth your time is to listen for “closed-ended” or “closed” questions.  These are questions that are answered with one or two words.  Some questions have to be closed, like “Where did you say you live again?” or “How old are you?” but any question that can be answered openly should be asked openly.  Here’s another example, since the closed- vs. open-ended discussion gets a bit jargony.
Reporter #1:  I read on your MySpace that you often visit outreach centers and orphanages to bring food, clothes and toys to the less fortunate; is that accurate?
RLSH:  Yes.
 
Sure, it’s nice that they care enough to do their research, but this is no way to engage a source in a conversation.  If the reporter asks this question the right way, it will sound very different – in fact, odds are there are at least two questions there if not a whole new line of discussion.
Reporter #2:  I’m interested in your work with charities; can you please tell me how and why you got started with that?
RLSH:  [Answer.]
Reporter #2:  Which charities do you currently work with?
RLSH:  [Answer.]
Reporter #2:  What have been some of your highlights or best achievements with those charities?
 
4.  Baiting.  This is similar to my notes on body language.  Since about 2005, when a lot of the 10-year contracts on the first reality shows like The Real World and Survivor have been running out, the fantasy of reality shows has reared its ugly head.  In 2007, a special aired on VH1 detailing added sound effects, re-shot footage, re-edited dialogue and interviewers asking bait questions on these and other programs.  A scathing criticism of The Real World appeared on an episode of Mission Hill in 1999, featuring hidden cameramen directing the actors to act and react certain ways.
Perhaps the most dismaying example of this in television was when several cast members of Big Brother started surfacing on news programs after their contracts expired to discuss the hostess and interviewers making up things that other cast members said and asking them to react.  Relationships were made and broken on-air from one such reporter saying, “Did you hear that so-and-so wants to sleep with you?  He brought it up with us in his last interview,” when the man in question had never said anything of the sort.  This caused the woman being interviewed to believe a bond was forming, which caused the man to believe he was just flirting with her, and they ended up dating for the remainder of the season.
Any time a question feels like it may be asked of you to elicit an emotional response, it probably is.  The most obvious sign is when an interviewer presents you with a “fact” and is unable to tell you its origin.  Finally, no good question is blunt.  Keep this in mind at all times.  “So why do you wear a mask?” is not a good question.
5.  Intuition.  For some reason I’ve always been able to read people like a book.  Five seconds into a conversation I can tell you if they’re going to be my friend or not, and ten seconds in I can determine the course of the rest of the interview.   My final red flag in Yellow Journalism is built on hunches, colloquialisms and, most importantly, intuition.  If you get even the slightest idea in the corner of your mind that someone’s making fun of you, they are.  If they’re not, they’re too stupid to realize how to phrase a question, in which case I guarantee this is not an interview you wish to give.  Remember, these are people who, like me, have devoted two years bare minimum learning how to phrase a question.  If you find yourself being asked “So, do you live with your parents?” or “How many comic books do you own?” it’s time to check out.
I can’t guarantee that every bad interview will be set in stone to these guidelines, but no proper reporter worth his or her salt will behave in the ways mentioned above.  Occasionally we all have our flubs – I think I had to call one subject back four times due to bad reception in my apartment and put another on hold to calm down my newborn – but by and large, there are some mistakes that the press just can’t afford to make these days.
So now that we’ve covered some passive resistance and warning signs, there’s still something to be said for active – yet respectful – defense.
1.  The “No Comment” Comment.  Never say “no comment.”  Never.  Erase it from your vocabulary.  Regardless of circumstance or topic, don’t say it.  This is seen and heard by the public as “I’m guilty” or “I have something bad to hide.”
Now this is not to say you have to comment or divulge every secret in your vault just because some busybody asks you.  Let’s look at another scenario with our bad reporter and how you can turn the tables on them.
Reporter #1:  How do you feel about the criminals you haven’t stopped yet – the pedophiles, the murderers?
RLSH:  No comment.
Of course everyone can recognize that some things are out of your control, but saying “No comment” is always a bad idea.  They teach in colleges to go in for the kill on a topic when someone says “No comment.”  In that scenario, the RLSH sounds ashamed and self-deprecating – like he (or she) can’t even bring himself (or herself) to talk about their inability to be everywhere at once.  Let’s try that again with just a bit more optimistic frankness.
Reporter #1:  How do you feel about the criminals you haven’t stopped yet – the pedophiles, the murderers?
RLSH:  Obviously there’s no way for me to be everywhere at once, but one can only hope the crimes I have stopped – the muggings, the rapes, the drug deals – are inspiring other civilians to stand up for one another and inspiring the criminals who hear about my interventions to stay home.
 
May sound a bit cliché, but you’ve avoided that horrid “No comment” comment.  The hardest judgment call to make, from my perspective, sounds like this from the RLSH.
Reporter #1:  How do you feel about the criminals you haven’t stopped yet – the pedophiles, the murderers?
RLSH:  I’ve done a lot of anonymous investigative work that’s led the police to X amount of arrests in the last 5 years.
 
A couple of my interview subjects have said this, and of course I believe them and will vouch for them in my own writing, but that bad reporter will ask you to prove it.  If you can’t go into it specifically (which you obviously can’t due to compromising a pending investigation), the reporter may become defensive and feel stonewalled, which will only convince them to make you sound less than credible.  I wouldn’t say never to say a comment like that, nor do I feel fazed when I receive that answer, but please be careful regarding to whom you say it, and if any cases are closed, try to provide as many specifics and details as are permitted by your work as an RLSH.  It will go a great length in solidifying your credibility and maturity for the rest of the interview.
2.  Keeping it “Off the Record” for real.   Since I’ve started this project, I’ve heard maybe a half-dozen jaw-dropping stories that have been requested as staying off the record.  I’m happy to oblige; I’m not a paparazzi or a gossip writer, I’m trying to bring a modicum of dignity back to investigative journalism and I can’t afford to burn any bridges besides the fact.  I’d much rather compromise and use non-specific examples to illustrate a sensitive subject, or drop the matter entirely, than to betray a source’s trust and lose that contact and risk being ousted from the story itself.
But not everyone is like me.  When giving an off-the-record story to another reporter, never say the following (keeping in mind I’m making this up and nobody actually told me this).
Reporter #2:  So how did you first decide to become an RLSH?
RLSH:  Well, my house was robbed while I was in it and I was hogtied to my bed and saw them take everything I own…oh, but that’s off-the-record.
 
Please, please lead off with that off-the-record remark.  It’s way too easy for the tape recorder to run out of batteries or tape (or for it to be stopped by the reporter).  If that off-the-record comment goes on-the-record because you said it was off the record too late, that comment is admissible in court.  If you take that reporter or paper to court for slander, they will win.
Let’s look at it the other way around.
Reporter #2:  So how did you first decide to become an RLSH?
RLSH:  Well, off-the-record, my house was robbed while I was in it and I was hogtied to my bed and saw them take everything I own.  On the record, I guess I’d just seen enough crime and was sick of it.
There are audio experts who can hear the difference in background noise when a portion of a tape has been edited or cut and they can and will bring that to a judge’s attention if your accord has been compromised.
3. Question for Question.  Nothing raises a red flag to a reporter higher than answering their question with a question.  Don’t fire their question back at them and don’t answer their question by asking them another one in return.  It sounds suspicious and evasive to them, and they’ll magnify that effect to the public.  Here’s an example.
Reporter #2:  How do you feel the Real-Life Super Hero movement has affected the public since its inception?
RLSH:  How do you feel we’ve affected the public?
Or
RLSH:  Well do you feel safer walking the streets at night, knowing we’re out there?
 
Ideally, reporters aren’t supposed to take sides, but whether or not they’re good enough to stay objective, I guarantee you don’t want their answers.  If you have to answer a question like that and want to retain some humility, here’s a perfect answer I received (which you can only give if applicable, of course).
Reporter #2:  How do you feel the RLSH movement has affected the public since its inception?
RLSH:  Well I hope they’re inspired to go out and make a positive difference in their communities, and I’ve seen the crime rates in my area drop since my patrolling began.  If I had something to do with that, I’m not sure, but I believe and can only hope that I have.
 
4.  Stupid Questions Can Be Your Best Friend.  Just because someone asks you a dumb question doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t care or hasn’t researched.  Reporters are required to get some of the most basic information straight from the horse’s mouth, so don’t take offense.  Simultaneously, we have to ask some of the questions we know for a fact you can’t or won’t answer, or our paper/syndicate/etc will have our jobs, so bear with us, and keep in mind this is your chance to shine.
In the world of journalism, brevity and uniqueness are keys to quotes going in articles and on segments.  If, hypothetically, I interview Batman and I ask “What’s your secret identity?” the best answer on Earth he can give me is “Batman.”  This puts things into an amazing perspective for the reader and is a short and sweet answer to a played-out question.  I can see that exchange blown up in a different color in a magazine; it’s exactly what we’re looking for as reporters.
One final note: it goes so far, psychologically speaking, that human beings are so protective over their own identities that it’s almost a rule in journalism that no matter how flattering or how honest you are in regards to a subject, their perception of your coverage will be very negative.  The first day of many classes the professor will tell the students that never, under any circumstance, is a reporter to allow a subject to see what the reporter has written about him or her before the article goes to publication.  It’s the worst mistake you can make as a reporter, second only to not verifying a claim.  So again, take reporters with a grain of salt – even if we’re trying to help, it may not always seem as such.
So be careful on the streets, be careful in front of a camera, and with luck, these nine tactics can help flourish the relationship between the RLSH and the journalist.

I could have made Capt. Black a separate identity.
Given the flak previous activism stirred that would have been bright. But I LIKE BEING CAPT. BLACK ALL THE TIME: in the supermarket; at the drug store; walking down the street. Cap is me and I am ” he.”
This isn’t another self- it’s my best self with a flashy name tied on like a bow. Comic book, pulp novel and many real life super heroes hide who they are for very good reaons, retaliation being the main one.
Despite my philosophical bent and love of RLSH writing, I’m also a fighter who refuses to run from anyone, anywhere, anytime. Anybody who doesn’t like what I do has a personal problem, one he’s well advised to keep to himself. I’m big on de-escalation and threat management so if you ever read I had to touch an opponent, rest assured it’ll be justified.
That said, secret IDs make alot of sense.
Most people take pains to avoid potential 24/7 confrontation. Another identity, where you’re not sticking your nose in others business, is a smart move.
Strategically, some RLSH need to have public identities simply to avoid hassles with law enforcement and others likely to have problems with masked citizens.
California’s Mr. Extreme encountered this barrier when trying to attend a community meeting inside a police station. While I think they over reacted, government has that tendency when we don’t march in lock step.
My reasons for not wearing a mask are myriad: eye sight ( I’d need prescription lenses; shades or goggles to make it work! lol ); being Black and masked in my hometown of Savannah, GA- not a good idea; Fictional inspirations like Doc Savage; Mr. Fantastic; Luke Cage, Powerman and Buckaroo Banzai bare their faces to the world and last but not least, real life inspirations from the civil rights Movement went unmasked.
It’s my way of telling society’s bullies someone isn’t afraid to stand up and show who he really is.
I’m not knocking secret ID RLSH. If you have kids I understand. Why bring all this heat down because some percentage of RLSH will have stalkers or violent opposition to our do gooding.
That should be factored into everyones game plan.
Our web presence plus movies like Kick Ass and being featured on 20/20 means more attention, good and otherwise. Keeping a safe, seperate other life is worth the trouble when weighing the odds of harassment.
I’m used to being hated. It means I’m doing my job right.
Comes with being big, Black and vocal. Look at the warm receptions Bill Clinton or Karl Rive get from varied factions and you don’t always have to be big and Black to be hated! lol.
Hatred is someone else problem, not mine. If the hater attempts to make his problem mine then I respond with all appropriate measures. Most haters are cowards and wouldn’t attempt harm even if they stood before you.
The violent minority amongst haters have to be dealt with decisively. Anyone making the quantum leap from jealosy to assault needs some sense knocked into him.
Whether pre-RLSH or RLSH, I’ve known that standing up and being vocal invited more hostility than sitting down and shutting up.
When or if some hater gets worked up enough to attack me then I’ll answer this article’s question, ” May I see your ID? ” with a reply that’ll make headlines!
I PROMISE YOU!
Obviously other RLSH are to deal with this in their own manner. My task was to outline some of the unlikely consequences being creatively good to create.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-development. http://www.captblack.info