Many people love to be superheroes. This is most especially true for kids, who see superheroes in action in animation. But the superhero image might have its drawback. Superhero culture might be promoting more aggressive behavior on people.
In animation and films, superheroes are often portrayed as those who would come to defend the helpless. This has been one of the lessons kids can learn by watching them. Reality though is far from what is seen on the screen. What kids see are the aggressive themes of these animation and films.
This has been the conclusion of the study made by Sarah M. Coyne, a Professor of Family Life at Brigham Young University. While such animation and films try to show the positive aspects of being a superhero, much of the positive values aren't understood by kids. What they see instead is the aggression that is shown there.
Coyne's study has found that children who are into the superhero culture tend to be the aggressors toward other kids. Instead of being the defenders as the superheroes they watch are, the kids who are into superheroes tend either be aggressive, or else would not defend those who are the target of bullies.
This is not the first time that Coyne has made a study on pop culture's effects on children, according to BYU News. Last year Coyne has made a study on the effects of Disney princesses on children. Her study about it has become talk in both traditional and social media.
Coyne has stressed on the importance of parents guiding their kids when watching animated shows and films. Parents should be able to explain to children what is happening as well as be able to point out the positive values that the shows promote. Kids who are unguided tend to see only the entertainment side, and will latch on more to the aggression than on the positive messages of the shows.
Such shows are complex for children, as Science Daily reports. Many of the superhero animation today have complex storylines that children might not readily understand. 240 school children along with their parents have participated in the study. Many of the children's responses about the superheroes tend to focus more on the violent aspect, such as heroes punching or destroying things.
Superheroes have been created to be positive role models for people. This has made them popular. However, the superhero culture might be promoting more aggressive behavior among children. An earlier study shows that weekend warriors might have some benefit after all.
