Discussion Text

Ulva Khairani

1200963

K.1 / 2012

Discussion Text

Revision 3

Superhero Movies Are (Not) For Children?

Superhero movies are not strange for some children in the world. If you ask some kids in your circles whether they know some movies such as Superman, Power rangers, Spiderman, or such, they might be answered ‘yes’. This kind of movies has been a primary show for children around the world. In fact, it might become a main topic to talk about for them and their friends. However, this kind of movies will bring advantages and disadvantages for under–aged audiences. Then we may ask a question: are superhero movies safe for our children?

Let us start from the advantages. As we know, superhero movies can teach children a few things. First of all is about struggle. In this kind of movie, the good characters are always pictured as patriots. With their superpower, they will struggle to fight evils and help society. Therefore, children as audience can learn about it. They may know that to reach something, we often sacrifice many things, even our soul.

Another advantage is children can learn much about responsibility. In the movie, a superhero often is pictured as an ordinary man but has responsibility. His main duty is to protect the society, and fight for the right. No matter how the situation is, a superhero will take the responsibility to save people. Thus, it will be a good lesson for children.

When we talk about the advantages, it cannot be separated from the disadvantages, also for this case. A study reveals that superhero movies nowadays have been a bad model for children. It is because superhero movies nowadays are rather different from formerly. Let say, in early era 70 – 90, this kind of movie more concern in fight between Good and Evil. It contains less of violence, instead cartoonish, amusing, and funny, yet children like it.

In contrast, superhero movies nowadays are not as innocent as formerly, instead it more concern to action scenes or violence. We know that violence is cannot be allowed for under-aged children. They will imitate it in their daily activities. For instance, if children see a scene in Superman movie, let us say, jump scene, Superman jump from a high building, he definitely will not get injury. However, how will it be if children do the same thing?

Furthermore, this kind of movie nowadays not only consists of violence, but sex as well. Indeed, sex is often included in a movie to intrigue people to come and watch the movie, no matter what the genre in the movie is. With this intention, superhero movie will no longer safe if consumed by children. It definitely will bring children to deviate situation. They might be asking some questions that related to what they see on the scenes. Consequently, it will bring fatal effect for children if they do not get clear explanation about the scenes.

As has been mentioned, superhero movies can bring many advantages and disadvantages for children as audiences. In this kind of movie, children may learn many things, such as struggle, sacrificer, and responsibility. Meanwhile, this kind of movie which is consists of violence and sex; also bring some bad effects for children.

For those reasons, what should parents do to restrain bad effects of watching superhero movies for their children? Should parents prohibit them to watch superhero movies? It may not seem like a good idea. Being that, as quoted from a psychology book for children, generally if a kid is not permitted to do something, they instead try hard to do the thing that is prohibited.

According to me, children should not have to prohibit watching superhero movies. However, it will be better if parents allow their children to watch it, as long as children are guided by their parents or people that are older than them. Thus, parents can explain each scene in the movie; warn them not to do dangerous scenes in that movie either.

Refferences:

http://marvciputra.blogspot.com/2011/08/super-hero-movies-kids-or-adults.html

https://id-id.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=468701624531&comments

http://www.vemale.com/relationship/ibu-bayi-dan-balita/34639-hati-hati-dengan-film-superhero.html

http://www.hai-online.com/Hai2013/Entertainment/Movie/News/Film-Film-Superhero-Pengikis-Keragaman-Kebudayaan-Bangsa

http://www.examiner.com/article/are-superhero-movies-appropriate-for-kids