Real Life Superheroes

Originally posted at http://hubpages.com/hub/Real-Life-Superheroes
What is happening to America? Our once proud country is becoming a black hole of despair. Social Security is going broke, Our national debt is sky-high. Health-care costs are rising through the roof. People are losing their jobs, their homes and their hope. As the dreams of our fathers slip farther and farther from the the sight of most Americans, people are losing faith in our politicians, our systems and each other.
What can we do to bring back our hope? Here are the stories of a few people who decided to fight on the side of hope and justice. People who believe that one person CAN make a difference. People who are trying to make our world a better place…
Real life superheros…
Do You Have a Superhero In Your Neighborhood?
These superheroes live in our neighborhoods, patrol our streets and help our needy. They live normal lives and hold normal jobs. The superpower they hold is caring. These heroes have taken upon themselves the daunting job of helping others. Their super-caring has led them to a life where action is preferable to inaction…where lending a helping hand is necessary…where love and justice are not just words, but a way of life.
What makes a superhero? Many will never understand, but there are a few people in this world who know. We may or may not sympathize with their need to don the superhero uniform and go forth to help others, however we should be able to recognize the altruism that is behind it. Let’s get to know some of today’s real life superheroes before we judge them.
Phantom Zero
From: http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=48882705&blogId=457750147
“I’m a relatively normal citizen who wants to increase the amount of good in the world…” (Phantom Zero @ MySpace)
Phantom Zero speaks of how he did not always fit in as a child. Growing up, his feelings oscillated between a longing to fit in and a pride in being different. Phantom Zero’s sense of being different was one reason he found superheroes appealing. Here were some who, due to special powers or extraordinary life events, would never be like the other people in their lives. He connected with these misunderstood “monsters”.
Over time Phantom Zero came to realize that different was not bad…different was unique, special, and admirable. Realization that it is the person, not possessions, that makes the man, a sense of self strengthened in his soul. Phantom Zero acquired the power to be himself, to know himself and to love himself.
Phantom Zero…an ordinary man turned superhero or a superhero disguised as an ordinary man? Many of us question our ability to change our world. We question our ability to alter our reality. Not Phantom Zero! He knows that change is within each and every one of our grasps. We are each superheroes, all we need to do is to make a decision…a decision to live with honorable intent. Phantom Zero has made “a pledge to increase the amount of good in the world to counteract the evil.” Will you join him in his pledge?
Phantom Zero’s Philosophy on being a Real Life Superhero
“The most important aspect of being a Real Life Super Hero is as simple as this:
You selflessly serve a pro social mission.

It’s not about conquering groups of people to display your physical or martial prowess.
It’s not about having scads of cutting edge technology at one’s disposal.
It’s not about training one’s mind to the limits of human perfection so they can out think everyone and everthing that comes their way.

It’s about being a champion of good (and almost everyone has the capacity to do a little good every day).
The reward one receives from doing good deeds is the deed itself, the service to the greater good, and the benefit that said service offers to mankind.

At least, in my mind, that is what being a Real Life Super Hero is.
Sincerely,
Phantom Zero”

Quoted from: Phantom Zero’s MySpace Blog)

Learn More About Phantom Zero
Nyx
 
From: http://www.myspace.com/nyx22
“I respect all RLSH [Real Life Super Heros] of every sort, it’s not an easy life we’ve chosen but we’ve chosen it nonetheless.”
(Nxy @: MySpace)

In legend, Nyx was the shadowy, black-winged Greek goddess of the night. Seldom seen, Nyx has existed since the beginning of time. As shadowy as the Greek goddess, Nyx writes, “Like the night, I cannot be proven or disproven to certain degrees; and also much like the night, when morning comes there will be no trace of me.” (MySpace)
Patrolling the streets of New York City and northern New Jersey, Nyx watches over their inhabitants. Under cover of the night, she is there to help and protect. Preventing and intervening, Nyx makes her stand to preserve the safety and welfare of humanity. Nyx writes, “I feel a certain degree of loyalty to every being that inhabits this earth, a compulsion to watch–to help–to protect.” (MySpace).
Nyx’s true identity is as obscure as the moonless night. She does not seek acclaim or fortune. Her only pay is increasing the amount of honor and benevolence in this world. In these anonymous actions, Nyx strengthens and nurtures the tide of good.

Learn More About Nyx
Mr. Xtreme

“We don’t harass people, don’t violate their civil rights. First and foremost, we prevent crime…We do what we are allowed to do legally as citizens.”

(Mr. Xtreme-quote from UPI article Cops Not Fans of Real Life Superheroes) Security guard by day, real life superhero by night… Mr. Xtreme fights his archenemy apathy on a daily basis. He had spent years watching and hearing of apathy’s evil deeds. One day he decided he could no longer put up with apathy’s callous disregard for the people in this world. Donning his mask of caring, he formed the Xtreme Justice League to counteract the heartless deeds of apathy. Now you will find Mr. Xtreme patrolling the streets of San Diego. Utilizing his power of super-caring he scans the city for people to help. His secret power of xtreme conspicuousness allows him to present a visual deterrent to would be criminals. Understanding that the best offense is a good defense, Mr. Xtreme knows it is easier to prevent crimes from happening than to stop them once begun. A true champion of justice, Mr. Xtreme campaigns to increase the public’s safety awareness and to empower others to take action. “…I don’t mind if people get on their cell phones or call the police or try to shake me down… At least I’m getting people to see what I’m doing and hopefully that will get them into the habit of calling the police when there are problems and suspicious activities.” (The Daily Aztec)

Mr. Xtreme’s Motivation

“I’m trying to give back to the community and do something positive,” Mr. Xtreme said. “All this apathy just kind of bewilders me and makes me kind of lose faith in humanity sometimes because nobody cares. ‘Another victim, another statistic’ and all we hear is, ‘it’s time for a wakeup call’, and I’m tired of hearing of wakeup calls…instead of getting on with our lives we need to devote and dedicate our lives to take a stand… …Our role out there is a neighborhood watch: Deter crime and make sure it doesn’t happen in the first place or raise awareness… When I go out and do this it feels really rewarding…I’m not bound by society’s rules, I don’t have to be a kissass…I’m trying to do something positive and give back to the community in a time when not too many people care.” (Quoted from The Daily Aztec-“Superhero Makes San Diego a Better Place“)
Learn More about Mr. Xtreme

A Change in Perception When I first read about these Superheroes, I thought it was just a joke. After doing the research for this article, my thoughts changed drastically… From humor, to interest, to wonder, to joy…I have found a group of people who are actively working to increase the amount of good in the world…without any wish of return. True altruistic activity! I have focused on Real LIfe Superheroes found in North America, but rest assured, Real Life Superheroes are actively increasing the good all around the world. I have not yet seen one, but when I do I will personally walk up and shake their hand and thank them. In the meantime, here is a big shout-out to all the Real Life Superheroes in the world: Thank You for all you have done and will do! You have my respect and support. Knowing you are there has increased the joy in my world. You are dawn in a night of strife. Your effulgence radiates outward, rippling toward a better world. Let us all be a part of this ripple; let caring and compassion unfurl in our world, expanding and pervading to touch each of us. There were too many wonderful Real Life Superheroes out there to cover each one. I have included a few more of the videos I found and links to find out more about them. You will find several others if you take the time to search. It will be time well used. When you need a pick-me-up from the greed and apathy of our world, read of these beacons of hope and be inspired. Master Legend “I’ve cut trees and rescued people and animals. I’ve brought water and snacks (to those in need) with the help of my friend “The Disabler”. I’ve done big things and little things and they all seem to equalize. I’ve saved a few lives and shut down a lot of crack houses. I love watching them get torn down. I want people to realize this is not a joke. I have almost been killed doing this. I am always out to save and protect in costume or not. I have scared some people and have been attacked by people I was helping. I walk or drive around looking to help if needed, giving what ever kind of help I can supply. I did not choose this life, it chose me.” (Master Legend: Quote from The EnemyBlog.com)

Learn More About Master Legend

Superhero “I have the exact same arrest powers as anybody reading this article: citizen’s arrest. If a perp is going to leave the scene or is hurting someone, then I will step in and use reasonable force to detain them.” (Superhero quoted from: Rational Reality)

Learn More About Superhero

Amazonia “I do what I can to help stranded motorists and others who may need assistance to handing out supplies to the homeless. I also do the crime fighting side of RLSH work, I have helped people who were being mugged, beaten or otherwise harassed in one way or another. I will do whatever it takes to ensure that another human being is safe. I don’t have a death wish, but I will lay down my life if it means the preservation of anothers.” (Amazonia @ MySpace)

Learn More About Amazonia
Thanatos, the Dark Avenger
“I’ve learned that in order to fight evil, you have to fight apathy, ignorance and indifference as well.”
(Thanatos @ MySpace)
Learn More About Thanatos-The Dark Avenger
The Watchman
“In order to make a real difference, people need to know that we’re out there. We must inspire others as we have been inspired. We must be actively contributing to the betterment of our world, and people need to see us doing it.” (Watchman @ MySpace)
The Beetle
“I am not sure who will take the time to read my words, and uncertain who will even take them to heart if they do indeed read them. We stand at the crossroads, we few. Perhaps I should say we many, but in the grand numbers of the populace it is indeed we few. We stand for something everyone should believe in. We are the eyes for the blind, the hand that lifts the fallen, and the voice for those too afraid to speak. Still we stand. Holding a constant vigil for truth and justice in a time of disbelief and scorn. What makes us hold this post I wonder? I know that I do this for my children, for the weak, and for those who are afraid. Something tells me most of you also hold these same truths. The fact is, we stand, while others lay down and let the evil overcome their neighborhoods. We fight when no one else can find the courage. And yes, we face the every day onslaught of nay sayers to our cause. I know I have said it before, but alas I must say it again. I am truly proud to stand and fight along every other RLSH. It is not our fight alone, but sometimes it does feel that way. Thank you all.”
(The Beetle @ MySpace Blog)
Learn More About The Beetle
Ferrox
“I am just an ordinary person with my heart set on a goal. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of as many creatures as I can. I don’t want recognition or praise. The feelings I have inside are more than gratifying enough. To shield off others from knowing who I am, I have chosen to follow my husband into the league of RLSHs. At first I laughed when he told me what he wanted to do. When I explored deeper and found out that their were others like him, I was motivated. These people are not “weirdos in costume” they are people who share the same goal as me. To change the world we live in for the good.”
(Ferrox @ MySpace)
Learn More About Ferrox