Growing Up Doesn't Always Mean Being a Grown Up.
Submitted by Erin on Mon, 07/12/2010 - 12:30
Growing up, every child had the ambition to become a superhero, whether it was Batman or Wonder Woman. Unfortunately, that dream got pushed to the side along with being a princess or a Transformer. We grew up and became more realistic successes, going to school or working, becoming contributing members of society.
Or so we thought. For one ambitious 20-year old in Columbia, Tennessee, being a superhero seemed like a completely reasonable career path, so he did it. Christian Hardee is a chemistry student and a “self-professed comic book nerd” who dresses up as “The Viper” a crime-fighter who, while he knows he’s not full of any super powers, wants to set an example to his community as a way to combat crime and help others.
With an astounding crime rate for a small town, Hardee seems to be trying to do some good for his town. But to the local police department, he’s just an annoying kid who is breaking their “no masks in public places” ordinance. He carries around a baton and ninja stars, and although no one really knows quite what he’s done to help, he certainly is an interesting addition to a small town.
So I have to ask, is The Viper a sign of hope, or proof that our generation really is losing it? With no jobs to be found and not much to do other than go to school, I applaud Hardee’s efforts to help the community. His methods certainly aren’t expected, but they are creative, and he’s having fun with it. There’s no evidence that he’s done anything to harm anyone, and his intentions are good. Sure, he might be better off volunteering at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter, but at least he’s having fun with it. With so many people turning to negative avenues during hard times, I think The Viper is a breath of fresh air. He’s trying to inspire his town and promote goodness, something that you don’t see every day anymore. I say let The Viper have his fun, be a symbol of good will, and fulfill every now-grown child’s dream, because none of us thought to do it.
Related Sources
Amateur Superhero 'The Viper' Protects Tennessee Town
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Comments
Haha, this is rather
Haha, this is rather hilarious. Just imagine The Viper walking down the street and getting Starbucks in the morning. Maybe instead of helping the community in a large-scale, he does the small acts of charity, like helping an old lady cross the street. (Sorry about this cliche example :P ) I guess making a small difference is better than no difference.
I see both sides of this. On
I see both sides of this. On one hand I agree... with how our economy has tanked and the effects permeating into so many different aspects in our local communities, The Viper's actions may come across as a breath of fresh air. This is one guy's way of trying to positively contribute, I totally get it and in some ways it does have that cool factor.
But being from a town (Vallejo, CA) that has filed for bankruptcy in a state that is bankrupt (CA) and seeing those effects personally (My Mom, a research scientist for the state, now makes $7.25/hour til they reach a budget), unfortunately The Viper just doesn't do it for me. I brief and amused smile crossed my face, reacting to his creativity... but he doesn't bring me hope. Yes, I do think his time could be better spent on activities with direct results if his intent it to bring about some sort of positive change.
But like I mentioned, with how dreary the future looks, maybe that brief smile did help.