So who are the role models?

[BigFatHairyDeal]

My friend linked me this article today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10957590

The gist is that the "modern" superhero archetype sets a terrible example for boys. My question, then, is assuming the researchers' conclusions are "correct," who among the DCAU heroes are good role models? Who are marginally good, but have a few kinks to work out? Who are the abjectly bad ones?

[k.s.]

My friend linked me this article today:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-10957590

The gist is that the "modern" superhero archetype sets a terrible example for boys. My question, then, is assuming the researchers' conclusions are "correct," who among the DCAU heroes are good role models? Who are marginally good, but have a few kinks to work out? Who are the abjectly bad ones?

That article seems very similar to the trend towards grim and dark superheroes to meet fan demands for mature and realistic storylines, which unfortunately results in superheroes that are no longer kid-friendly. While I don't agree with the study's conclusions, that trend in modern comics makes the study easier to believe.

I personally like to believe that all superheroes, by definition, should be good role models, especially the big names like Superman, Batman, Spiderman, etc. However, every superhero has put through some ordeal that causes them to step into morally gray area at some point in the last decade or so, so I hesitate to label any particular ones as good or bad.

[defunctzombie]

I'm interested in how they did the study. Did they specifically ask about superheroes? Was the base exclusively comic readers?

You also have the problem that certain children may classify someone as a superhero when they're not supposed to be. A kid reading something like Lobo may call him a superhero when he's not.

[Rud]

Honestly, sounds like a load of nonsense to me, Superheroes and Slackers are the only role models boys have these days?, really?

[DerekPowers]

I think that article might be on to something.