"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives

"The best thing we can do with power is give it away" - On the leftist critique of superhero narratives as authoritarian power fantasies:

The ongoing "Jason Todd is a cop" debate has reminded me of a brilliant brief image essay by Joey deVilla. [EDIT: I SCREWED UP! This was created in 2019 by the guy who runs the Midnighter-Core page on Facebook, and Joey just reposted it!]

So here it is, images first and the full essay text below:

"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives
"The Best Thing We Can Do With Power Is Give It Away" - On The Leftist Critique Of Superhero Narratives

"A common leftist critique of superhero comics is that they are inherently anti-collectivist, being about small groups of individuals who hold all the power, and the wisdom to wield that power. I don’t disagree with this reading. I don’t think it’s inaccurate. Superheroes are their own ruling class, the concept of the übermensch writ large. But it’s a sterile reading. It examines superhero comics as a cold text, and ignores something that I believe is fundamental, especially to superhero storytelling: the way people engage with text. Not what it says, but how it is read. The average comic reader doesn’t fantasize about being a civilian in a world of superheroes, they fantasize about being a superhero. One could charitably chalk this up to a lust for power, except for one fact… The fantasy is almost always the act of helping people. Helping the vulnerable, with no reward promised in return. Being a century into the genre, we’ve seen countless subversions and deconstructions of the story. But at its core, the superhero myth is about using the gifts you’ve been given to enrich the people around you, never asking for payment, never advancing an ulterior motive. We should (and do) spend time nitpicking these fantasies, examining their unintended consequences, their hypocrisies. But it’s worth acknowledging that the most eduring childhood fantasy of the last hundred years hasn’t been to become rich. Superheroes come from every class (don’t let the MCU fool you). The most enduring fantasy is to become powerful enough to take the weak under your own wing. To give, without needing to take. So yes, the superhero myth, as a text, isn’t collectivist. But that’s not why we keep coming back to it. That’s not why children read it. We keep coming back to it to learn one simple lesson… The best thing we can do with power IS GIVE IT AWAY." - Joey deVilla, 2021 https://www.joeydevilla.com/2021/07/04/happy-independence-day-superhero-style/

- Midnighter-Core, 2019

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0bU6TrKdX6QgMLnUFk64jResHMVwiSyENASvJk7efasgZ94G4c81XJCVgGcLFPgPsl&id=594855544368212&mibextid=Nif5oz

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8 months ago

hello dear 🌹

how are you?

I am Maria from Gaza, I am eight years old. We lost everything we owned in Gaza. I was waiting impatiently to learn, but the occupation took everything my parents owned. We fled to Egypt without anything, but my wish is to learn, me and my brothers. I hope you can help us with this. Donate and share the link.Please share my campaign on other social media if you like. Thank you and may you be happy.

currently at €1, 297 / €10, 000 (03/09/24)

EXTREMELY LOW FUNDS

please donate if you can! please boost & reblog!


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2 years ago

Hello please reblog this if you’re okay with people sending you random asks to get to know you better

8 months ago

Hello, my dear friend 🌟

I am Mahmoud Jihad from Gaza, currently living in displacement camps after losing my home, university, my PC, and my city. I was studying Information Technology and caring for my sick father and siblings.

I am raising funds to help my family and to escape from Gaza, as well as to continue my studies abroad 🎓. I started a GoFundMe campaign for this purpose. Your support can make a significant difference ❤️.

My campaign has been verified by @beesandwatermelons ✅.

Please share, like, comment, and donate even a small amount 🙏.

Could your support save my family and help us survive in this fierce war 😔?

GoFundMe link: https://gofund.me/463cbf01

Thank you! 🌹

Donate to Help Mahmoud and his family escape Gaza & continue education, organized by Renee Hassert
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Help Mahmoud Jehad and his family to leave Gaza to study and … Renee Hassert needs your support for Help Mahmoud and his family escape Gaza

currently at $674 / $25, 000 (30/08/24)

EXTREMELY LOW FUNDS

please donate if you can! please reblog & boost!


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10 months ago

I am consumed by fear that my mother might die in Gaza while I am far away, unable to help her. The thought of her suffering alone in such a dangerous place breaks my heart. I feel so helpless and terrified, knowing I can't be there to protect her or bring her to safety. Every day is filled with anxiety and dread, as I hope and pray for her survival amidst the chaos.

Donate to My mother's life is in danger, time is running out, organised by Issam Aziz
gofundme.com
My name is Issam Aziz, and I am 26 years old, living in the Netherlands.… Issam Aziz needs your support for My mother's life is in danger, t

I Am Consumed By Fear That My Mother Might Die In Gaza While I Am Far Away, Unable To Help Her. The Thought

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8 months ago

‼️Please don’t skip taking a look 🍉🇵🇸

I am Fidaa from Gaza. I am 29 years old. I stand before you as a person trying to preserve his family. I am married and a mother of two children, Sila, who is two years old, and a child named Muhammad Amr, 2 months old. I gave birth to him during the war and in very harsh conditions that no human being can bear. I moved from the hospital directly to the tent, and I cannot describe the extent of the suffering and difficulty of living in the tent🇵🇸💔💔

We try to live under miserable conditions in tents in Mawasi Khan Yunis, south of Gaza. It is difficult for me to find the words to describe what we face every day in Gaza. No food, no medicine, no clean drinking water, oppression, helplessness, psychological pressures, doubts, and daily trauma due to the loss of loved ones. In Gaza, it's not just hunger, disease and fear; Rather, it means actual death.

We have been forced to move more than 7 times, and my house has been completely destroyed, and I cannot provide enough milk, diapers, medicines, and vitamins for my children.💔🍉🇵🇸😭

Now, I find myself in this difficult situation, and I strongly and humbly ask for your help to save the lives of my family, especially my children, by getting us out of Gaza. The situation in Gaza has become unbearable due to slow death as a result of hunger, thirst, displacement, the spread of diseases and continuous bombing.🍉🇵🇸💔

The past months have been full of hell and horror. This war has gone on for too long, and our mental health and lives are constantly at risk. We have reached a point where there is no hope anymore in Gaza, as if we are waiting for death. Even if a ceasefire is reached, the devastation in Gaza in all its forms cannot be quickly repaired

Please help me and my children to get us out of genocide🍉🇵🇸💔

Your help will contribute greatly to alleviating our suffering. I hope you will share my story with your family and friends.💔💔

I will be forever grateful for your kind assistance in this difficult time🇵🇸🇵🇸

Thank you for your kindness and generosity❤️.

Donation link 🇵🇸👇

https://gofund.me/94b9dfe0

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-fidaa-and-her-children?

Donate to Help Fidaa and her children, organized by Abby Stagner
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I am Fidaa from Gaza. I am 29 years old. I stand before you as a person trying to preserve hi… Abby Stagner needs your support for Help Fida
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸
‼️Please Don’t Skip Taking A Look 🍉🇵🇸

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8 months ago

currently at €10, 252 / €15, 000 (30/08/24)

(68% of target reached! we're almost there folks!)

please donate if you can! please boost & reblog!

My name is Aya, I'm 29 years old. I'm married to Jihad, who is 32, and we have three beautiful children: Abdelrahman (7 years old), Jori (5 years old), and Adam (2 years old). We live in the northern part of Gaza.

Donate to Save Gaza: A Brighter Future for Aya and Her Family, organized by Aya Alanqar
gofundme.com
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Abdelrahman, Adam, and Jori are the heartbeat of my heart and the light of my life.

My Name Is Aya, I'm 29 Years Old. I'm Married To Jihad, Who Is 32, And We Have Three Beautiful Children: Abdelrahman (7

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Jori: my beloved girl, the one closest to my heart, and my little mini-me.

My Name Is Aya, I'm 29 Years Old. I'm Married To Jihad, Who Is 32, And We Have Three Beautiful Children: Abdelrahman (7

Adam: my little hero and my spoiled child.

My Name Is Aya, I'm 29 Years Old. I'm Married To Jihad, Who Is 32, And We Have Three Beautiful Children: Abdelrahman (7

Since the onset of the latest war in Gaza, our home has been completely destroyed, forcing us into displacement. We’ve had to move more than thirteen times in search of safety. During this harrowing journey, we faced severe hunger and malnutrition that nearly took my life and the lives of my children. Additionally, we were exposed to numerous contagious diseases and dangerous epidemics.

Before: This is our home, our dream, and our promising future.

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My children have to travel long distances just to get water and stand in line for hours to get food. Their mental health has been shattered by the war, their education has come to a halt, and they have suffered from catastrophic hunger that almost claimed their lives.

After: This is our home, built with our sweat and effort, and it has been completely destroyed.

My Name Is Aya, I'm 29 Years Old. I'm Married To Jihad, Who Is 32, And We Have Three Beautiful Children: Abdelrahman (7

The Right to a Peaceful Life

My children deserve to live a peaceful life free from fear and anxiety. I dream of your help to support my family and escape this genocide. Your assistance means the world to me and my children.

Your donations can be a beacon of hope for us. Every dollar can help save my children's lives and give them a chance to live in peace. Your prayers for us to overcome this ordeal and lift the siege are greatly needed.

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9 months ago

DONATIONS

URGENT PLEASE SAVE LIFE SAVE FUTURE SAVE GAZA

I am Perrie I am 23 years Old,I have been suffering from cervical cancer diagnosed 3 years ago,it has been threatening my life ,I have been informed by my doctor that my survival relies in Kokilaben Dhirubai Ambani Hospital,Mumbai India.

My struggle to travel to India has been challenged by finance i am therefore seeking for well wisher with good heart to assist me travel to India .

MY TARGET

300/2500

CLICK TODONATE


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8 months ago

currently at €620 /€70, 000 (06/09/24)

EXTREMELY LOW FUNDS

please donate if you can! please boost & reblog!

🚨 Hello friends 🇵🇸

I am Maram Nabulsi from Gaza, a 17-year-old girl. My home in Khan Younis was destroyed, and I found myself and my family living in a camp for displaced people in Mawasi Khan Younis, under the scorching sun, inside a tent swaying in the wind.

Every day is a new battle. I was deprived of studying for my last year in school and graduating from it, my dream of joining the human medicine specialization was taken away from me, my hopes and dreams have faded since the outbreak of these damned events on October 7. 🇵🇸

I feel as if the world has abandoned me, and no one cares. In our small tent, we are under physical and emotional siege. Every night I reach my hands to the sky, and ask God to give me the strength to overcome this nightmare, I need your help to save my life and complete my dream abroad

Donate to Please help my family in Gaza, organized by Nabulsi Family
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Hello, I am Mohammed nabulsi . My family consists of five members and we live in Khan Yun… Nabulsi Family needs your support for Please help

Please donate +20€ to save my life🙏❤️‍🩹

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8 months ago

currently at €5, 563 / €40, 000

please donate if you can! please boost & reblog!

The Story of Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor and His Family: A Journey of Struggle and Hope

Hello everyone

I am Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor, 38 years old, and a father of three daughters. My life and the lives of my family have changed drastically because of the war, and I am writing to you today hoping for your support and assistance during this difficult time.

Donate to A family seeking a safe haven amidst harsh conditions, organized by Salahaldin Hor
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The Story Of Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor And His Family: A Journey Of Struggle And Hope

My Family

My family consists of five members: my wife, Sundus (34 years old), and my daughters, Maria (10 years old), Farah (8 years old), and Maryam (3 years old). We used to live a simple life filled with hope and ambition.

The Story Of Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor And His Family: A Journey Of Struggle And Hope

The Beginning of the Crisis

When the war broke out, we had to leave our home in the north. The family was split, with half of us staying in the north, suffering from famine and displacement, while the other half moved to the south. But even in the south, we were not safe. The house we sought refuge in was bombed, and Maria and Maryam were injured by shrapnel.

The Story Of Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor And His Family: A Journey Of Struggle And Hope

Daily Challenges

I studied accounting and obtained a master's degree in accounting and finance, aiming to advance my career and achieve my personal aspirations. However, the war prevented me from completing my thesis and destroyed my dreams of development. Our home was completely destroyed due to this brutal war. I lived in Belgium for six months, but I chose to return voluntarily to be with my daughters and not leave them alone in this ordeal.

The Story Of Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor And His Family: A Journey Of Struggle And Hope

hope and Prayer

Now, I am searching for a shelter for my family and me. My greatest wish is to reunite with my daughters and wife and start a new life together. We seek your help to overcome this ordeal and return to our normal lives. We need your support to provide medical care for our family members, continue our education, and build a better future.

A Call to Humanity

Please, I need to raise the necessary funds to leave the country and save my small family. Your support will be the hope we need to start anew, far from war and destruction. Any help you can offer, whether financial or moral, will make a significant difference in our lives. We ask you to share our story and help us raise the funds needed to evacuate to a safe place and find peace.

From the depths of our hearts, we thank you for any support you provide. We will never forget your kindness and generosity in these difficult times.

Thank you,

Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor

Donate to A family seeking a safe haven amidst harsh conditions, organized by Salahaldin Hor
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The Story of Salahaldin Ahmad Khalil Hor and His Family: A Journe… Salahaldin Hor needs your support for A family seeking a safe haven amids

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hauntedcloudtheorist - hauntedcloudtheorist
hauntedcloudtheorist

. Short stories, prompts, rantings, fandoms, OTPs , blah blah blah Critics are welcomed, it helps me improve. Requests are greatly appreciated. I'm a female bisexual aspiring writer and hv no problem with people wanting to chat.

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