We've all dreamed of saving the world: one fashion faux pas at a time, one angry driver at a time, one guy who cuts in front of little old ladies at the express check-out lane at a time.
"That's a basic impulse, to want to do heroic things," said Jeff Greenberg, a University of Arizona psychology professor. "It's an extension of low self-esteem to need to feel good about ourselves."
Hollywood must be tapping that desire with three superhero movies released already this summer — "The Incredible Hulk," "Iron Man" and "Hancock" — and audiences are already scooping up tickets for this week's release of the Batman film "The Dark Knight."
Greenberg, who said he's done some research on the mass appeal of heroes, said that in real life, people tend to label as evil what scares them.
Power gives people a sense of freedom and security, he said. It allows them to feel more success, more secure and get what they want out of life.
People are also reading…
Superheroes enhance human characteristics, exaggerate them to a superhuman level, said Kelley Hall, associate dean of academic affairs and an associate professor of sociology at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.
Hall teaches a class called "Comic Books and American Society," which examines society through the historical context of comic books published from the 1940s to the 1980s. Some themes her class covers include youth culture and consumerism, racism/ethnic diversity and sexual representation of characters.
"They're compelling stories. Comic books are interesting to read, and moviemakers have the opportunity to tell them through film," she said. "People like good stories that tap into things that are meaningful, entertaining."
And today's special effects make it easier for audiences to suspend disbelief and see themselves in the story, Greenberg said.
"The basic appeal of superheroes is that they transcend our natural limitations. That feels good," Greenberg said. "If you're going to fantasize, why not fantasize about being invulnerable, being able to fly, being able to defeat evil?"
What Tucsonans say:
If you could be any superhero in the universe, who would you be? And what would you use your superpowers to do?
"Superman. I would help everybody, I think. I already try to help people, but I'd have more capabilities as Superman."
Paul Penney, 50
"Wonder Woman. She's cute. I like her outfits. I'd save the polar bears, wouldn't you? They're dying. I care about stuff like that. And the rain forest."
Sarah Maldonado, 13
"My favorite is Spiderman. Save people. What else are you going to do, you're a hero!"
Andy Cheung, 21
"Danny (Phantom). He's on Nickelodeon and he turns into a ghost. He turns invisible. Then he turns back into a boy. I'd make you freeze! Ha, ha!"
Nazhone Hubbard, 6
"The Bionic Woman. She's larger than life. I'd be able to help people. I'd help people in other countries."
Josephine Nelson, 32
"If I could be anybody I'd be a superhero and a politician. Equality. Special treatment for no one. Equal treatment for everyone. That's what I'd do. Saving the world is the whole point."
Patrick Clark, 25
"Stretchy woman from 'The Incredibles' so we wouldn't have to drive when we go on vacation. I could just hop there. Just stretch across, especially when we go to California."
Kylie Hollonbeck, 10
"Thor. That guy who controls the weather. I'd go to sandy places and make it rain. How else would you stop a drought? That's what I'd do."
Albert Deans, 44
"The Green Lantern. I would use my ability with my ring to help out at disasters. Help the police in car chases. I'd help round up the gangs."
Theo Steel, 41
"SpongeBob. I'd brighten up people's worlds. He's an everyday person. But he always overcomes his problems. Everyone's so happy at the end of each episode."
Lance McFarland, 20
"The only superhero I like is Superman. I've collected his comic books since I was 18. Save the world. I don't know how, even in comic books they don't know how. Too many things to save."
Mario Marquez, 40
"Super Nana. I'd like to fly. I'd take my grandson all over the place. Go out to the desert. Fly over the White Mountains and the Salt River."
Olga Franco, 54
"The (Incredible) Hulk. I would use my powers to get rid of all the crime. If I was that big, I could."
Benjamin Dugan, 29
"Superman. Save the world."
Israel Iribe, 21
