Japanese Anime and American Fictional Heroes Research Paper

men and Hamatora are very similar in the way that society treats minority groups they do not completely understand. In the case of the X-men, society is fearful of their abilities to cause harm, but often neglect their ability to do well. Much like in society the bad deeds of a few characters in the series, negates the over good behavior exhibited by the X-men. No matter how many lives are saved by the deeds of the X-men, they are often overshadowed by the deeds of other, more destructive mutants. In the case of Hamatora, Nice has established a private investigation unit, with the purpose of doing well for the world, but he often does this in secret. As a result, both groups must continue to innovate and rise above misplaced anger. In the case of the X-men, they must overcome negative public sentiment, anti-mutant legislation, and overall societal fear. In the case of Hamatora, the agency must overcome the general lack of public knowledge, secret mafia connections, and public perceptions. Both parties must overcome these negative aspects and challenges to grow and develop as individuals (Beckerman, 2006).

Also, in both instances, the characters are given elite abilities, and therefore held to a higher standard. For example, due to the sheer force and power that the X-men possess, they could easily cause severe destruction in the world. This problem is exacerbated by the hatred that many in society feel towards their god-like abilities. Because they are so hated, it would be easy and seamless to simply give in to the negative publicity and destroy society. In the case of the X-men, it would provide an instant gratification for all that the world has put them through. However, due to these powers, they must be held to higher standard, and show restraint. This restraint, it can be argued, is the strength of the X-men. In Hamatora, those who possess the minor miracle are bestowed gifts and benefits. These individuals are provided better schooling, better training, and more privilege then the ordinary citizen. Many characters in the X-men are also bestowed many of these same gifts from society, albeit out of fear. In both instances, these characters must exhibit a greater duty to society due to their privileged status (O'Neill, 1993).

In the real world, society also expects those of privileged to be held to a higher standard. They are often expected to provide for the less fortunate, donate to charity, or organize philanthropy to better society. Much like the X-men, society requires the rich to show restraint. They must not cheat the system even if they are aware of loopholes. Instead, they are expected to help make the system better for all. A very recent example of this concept has occurred with tax incentives in America. As the tax system stands today, the rich appear to benefit over the rest of society through lower taxes. A person, in a high tax bracket, who obtains a majority of his income in capital gains and dividends, enjoys a lower tax rate than the ordinary individual. The rich individual is expected to pay more taxes due to his privilege wealth than is the ordinary person. This parallels perfectly with the expectations placed on mutants and those who posses the minor miracle.

Those who use their privileged status for society often, help to provide benefits to all. Bill Gates through his foundation, for example, has helped to literally eradicate polio from the earth. Large individuals, with their privileged status are doing wonderful things in society that improve the quality of life for everyone. Google, and the ability to obtain any form of information needed is benefit for the world. Likewise, mutants who are able to help save lives from destructive forces benefited society in their fictional universe. The X-men in some instances, through the privileged position have helped to…