Okay, so…
I saved this. I saw it a few months back and stuck it into one of the gazillion files I have for things I like.
It resonated with me.
I knew I’d use it, someday…
Well, you guys, today is that day.
It’s one of Seth Godin’s daily blogs, and it said what I wanted to say. Only it said it better. It was smart, it stayed somewhat a-political, and it remained void of any swear words (a feat I am incapable of, especially when writing about politics).
But it still hits the mark.
What a week we’ve had inside this reality show Presidency. The Joker has unlimited powers and Superman is nowhere to be found. I think I’ll go devour a sheetcake.
Yep. A real slow motion trainwreak…
Carry on,
xox
We like the flawed hero, bad behavior, tragedy and drama in our fictional characters.
Batman and Deadpool sell far more tickets than Superman does.
If we use social media to attract a crowd, we will, at some level, become a fictional character. Reality shows aren’t about reality–they’re shows.
Which means that it’s tempting to become the sort of trainwreck that people like to watch and jeer and root for.
Personally, and for our brand as well.
Every time DC tries to make Superman more popular, they create drama that isn’t inherent in who he is. Brands fall into this trap all the time.
For a long time, people would confirm that they’d rather watch a flawed character, but deep down, they’d like to be Superman. Because his humility, kindness and resilient mental health are a perfect match for his unlimited powers. Unfortunately, as we’ve turned our lives into a reality show, more people seem happier emphasizing their mess.
It’s probably a bad idea to vote for, work for or marry a trainwreck. They belong on screen, not in real life.
Everyone has some Superman in them. But it takes emotional labor and hard work to reclaim it.
~ Seth Godin
