A Hero without a Villain… Say What?

We’re swimming in candy post Halloween trick or treating. I don’t think the extra steps outweighed the onslaught of sugar, but fun was had either way. Characters of all types parade down the street. Year after year I can always count on a super hero in the mix. It is a staple in the culture that I know. The good guys, the bad guys, the ones to be saved… they all have a place in American storytelling. But what effect is it having on us?

In my work as a 1:1 leadership coach I spend my day observing how internal narratives impact our thinking, feeling and behavior.

It is fascinating how a single thought change can create an entirely different emotion or experience of a specific situation.

Storytelling, especially the stories we internalize, hugely impact our thinking.

And so, I want to offer my reflection on how aspects of superhero culture may be negatively impacting our leadership.

To say our culture is OBSESSED with super hero is an understandment.

The stories of an individual who “saves us all” and puts the “bad guy” in their place. We love it. And spend a LOT of money watching it play out.

Honestly, it makes sense…. Let me explain.

When a super hero exists our fears are calmed and we are relieved of the pressure of personal action to fix the situation. On screen and in life.

Fortunately (or unfortunately) the reality is that social change and the move towards justice has NEVER been accomplished by a single individual. Even if the histories are told that way. It is in community and a supportive movement that creates change.

The other challenge with hero culture is that there has to be a villain and a victim to make the drama work. Rarely is the villain given a back story and when there is, it understandably makes it more complex. The victim is often deemed powerless and is rarely shown dealing with the collateral damage of having a “hero” arrive on scene and blast the bad guy away.

But what if heroes existed without the villain & victim?

• Could you be a hero without blaming or saving someone outside yourself?
• What does radical responsibility and powerful action look like when you are solely focused on the impact you want to make?

It is a paradigm shift and a step outside of the “drama triangle”.

But I’m not ready to throw out the idea of heroes all together.

Typical attributes of a hero include:

• Compassion
• Integrity
• Bravery
• Risk-taking
• Altruistic
• Perseveres
• Determination
• Inspiration
• Direction
• Wisdom
• Leadership

None of these attributes require a villain.

Imagine how much energy you could regain when you stop worrying about the “bad guys” or fretting over who you feel like you need to save?

I’m not saying we don’t strategically and carefully assess the challenge presented when other’s values do not align with the outcome we want. And we most definitely should take action to create a world where the rights and voice of marginalized people is elevated. But treating whose who have suffered violence as victims in our own hero story actually furthers the disempowerment.

Everyone can be the hero in their story choosing to live with the qualities of a super hero.

With no villain you are fighting your energy will increase and your strategic thoughtful responses to the challenges will improve.

What do you think?

Hit reply and let me know. I’m so curious what you think of this idea. I always love a discussion and to expand the color and insight on particular concepts.

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