typing through my hero

When pondering the possession of power and the responsibility inherent (que the uncle ben clip) one often finds himself in a purely idealistic realm. Where else could it naturally arrive? But there never seems to be a discussion of the individual and his right to withhold said power. It must be excersised. But what if a legitimate excuse is presented, say the protection of ones own family? Then the power, however great, is no longer an imperitive. We will always come to superman for the exception that proves the rule becasue there is nothing that can thwart what is all powerful; with possible exception being something MORE all powerfull (doomsday).

What moral imperative overrides an individuals responsibility to do the most good? Self preservation never seems to be a legitimate choice. But what if said person feels they must survive for tomorrow and subsequently removes himself from play until a time of their choosing? Then you've got not only a power player but one that can be both conflicted and in the end, selfish.

Of course good must always triumph. Why have it any other way? Does the hero return and perform as expected or does he fade away in to shame and obscurity leaving the world to fight it's own battles? I am inclined to the later as a change of pace but the former will always leave a sweeter taste. Do I have a responsibility to the audience to fulfill my end of the assumed contract? I still haven't made it past the stage where I write for myself so it shouldn't be a problem to ignore the audience. Still...

In a good Noir the detective knows when to take action and when to let things lie. Sometimes you pull the trigger, sometimes you gotta let self preservation make the call. It always ends the way Bogie plans for it. And it's not always pretty. Heroes can make it out alive too; though they may not look the part.