Marvel and Netflix are subconsciously encouraging you to be a more active and better citizen. That may sound counterintuitive, because isn’t Netflix synonymous with binge watching and staying up all night? How does that sort of thing make you a better citizen?
Back in 2015, Netflix — in association with Marvel — released the web series “Daredevil” and watched it’s ratings soar. At the time people were really just excited to see a hero on the small screen with some grit and questionable ethics. It’s a theme that is still in high demand for the superhero genre. What “Daredevil” really did, however, was lay the groundwork for what is essentially the small scale Avengers, known as the Defenders.
Later in 2015 Netflix rolled out “Jessica Jones,” and beyond that in 2016 released my personal favorite “Luke Cage.”
“Daredevil” is about a young lawyer in New York who is blind but has increased senses in all other aspects. He uses his special abilities with words in the courtroom, but when he feels that something is wrong and the law cannot achieve justice he sets out to right the situation in a more vigilante-like style.
“Jessica Jones” followed the story of a private investigator/superhero who was a victim of rape. In the first season she goes up against the man who took advantage of her and sets out to help others struggling with mentally damaging crimes.
“Luke Cage” tells the story of a former convict with impenetrable skin. When Cage finds himself in Harlem, New York he experiences loss that drastically affects his thinking. He loses role models and realizes that he can use his power to protect people, maybe even resurrect a declining community. “Luke Cage” may be my favorite of all these shows because it is the series that has been the genesis of my idea: Saving a community is just as important as saving the world.
Lots of us want to be Tony Stark, flying around the world fighting off aliens, evil robots and all manner of malice. But what if not all of us are meant to be Tony Stark, Thor or Star Lord? Is that okay?
Of course it’s okay. The internet has led to a rapid increase in globalization, information can be spread in seconds. You are used to this though, it’s almost cliche for me to tell you. What you may not have realized is how often you get worked up over things that are completely out of your control.
Upset about the election? Angry at imperialistic Russia? Imperialistic America? Burned out by the Syrian Civil war that, unlike the thousands of Syrian citizens, won’t seem to die? There are tons and tons of problems in the world that, for the moment, we have no say in deciding.
What these new Netflix programs would instead propose is to put away your Mark 46 Iron Man Armor and Vibranium Shields and take up your words, like Daredevil; your mind, like Jessica Jones; and your courage, like Luke Cage.
Now this is not an attempt to say, “Don’t ever worry about elections, don’t watch for the next executive order, don’t watch the news if it isn’t local, never bother yourself with things outside of your control.” We should always be observing the systems that govern our lives, whether they be political, constructual or natural. What I propose is that instead of yelling at your computer in anger over that depressing headline, instead of posting it to Facebook and arguing with all of your in-laws, instead of being a false Iron Man, become a local hero.
The United States is just one of many countries all intertwined with one another on the global stage. The states, counties and towns are all microcosms of this very idea. An idea that is perfectly summed up in our nation’s proud motto: E pluribus unum, or out of many one.
The most effective way for you to create change is to become more invested in your community. Visit town meetings and find out if they are doing anything of use and if they could be. Donate to local clubs that encourage free thinking and educational opportunities for their members. Watch out for local elections, support local business and be a respectful neighbor.
The teachings of “Jessica Jones”, “Daredevil” and “Luke Cage” are essentially to be a better citizen. Watch out for the big stuff and help when you can, but understand your strengths and use them to help your community; the place you can bring the most change and experience the benefits. Leave the big stuff to the Avengers and when you can help them — help. After all, the Avengers and the Defenders are rumored the cross paths in the upcoming Infinity Wars films…
Senior Mack Doebler can be reached at doeblerma0930@daretolearn.org.
