Quck answer
Superheroes have secret identities for several reasons. Firstly, it allows them to lead a normal life and maintain personal relationships without being constantly recognized or targeted by enemies. By concealing their true identity, they can protect their loved ones from harm. Secondly, secret identities serve as a way to separate their superhero persona from their civilian self. This helps them to compartmentalize their responsibilities and maintain a sense of balance in their lives. Lastly, having a secret identity adds an element of mystery and suspense to their character, making them more intriguing and relatable to audiences. Overall, secret identities are a crucial aspect of the superhero genre, enhancing their stories and providing depth to their characters.
What is that? Up there in the sky! Is it a bird? Could it possibly be a plane? No! It’s Superman! He is coming to the rescue. Criminals and villains better watch out. Superman will not tolerate any wicked actions while he is on duty.
If you are familiar with Superman from comic books or movies, you are aware that he possesses a secret superhero persona. When he is not wearing his cape and saving the day, he goes by the name Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter for the Daily Planet newspaper.
Superman is not the only superhero with a secret identity. When Batman is not fighting crime in the streets of Gotham, he is known as Bruce Wayne. Similarly, Spiderman goes by the name Peter Parker when he is not spinning webs to apprehend criminals.
Why do superheroes even have secret identities? Couldn’t they just live among the public as Superman, Batman, and Spiderman? Why go around disguised as Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne, and Peter Parker?
Since superheroes are not real, we have to turn to their creators to understand the reasons behind their secret identities. However, if we put ourselves in the shoes of a superhero, we can imagine that there would be valid reasons for keeping our true identity a closely guarded secret.
Peter Parker’s alter ego allows Spiderman to lead a relatively normal life when he is not saving the world. Can you imagine how challenging it would be for Spiderman to go grocery shopping or watch a movie?
Clark Kent’s identity enables Superman to protect his loved ones from any retaliatory actions that might arise from enemies who know his true identity. If Lex Luthor knew about Clark Kent, you can be sure that Lois Lane would be in serious trouble!
Similarly, Batman would not instill the same fear if his adversaries knew that Bruce Wayne was behind the mask. Keeping his human identity a secret allows Batman to be a more effective crime fighter.
So, how did this whole secret identity concept begin? While people have used secret identities throughout history for various reasons, the use of a secret identity by a superhero dates back to the early 20th century.
In the 1903 novel “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” an Englishman named Sir Percy Blakeney hides his true identity while performing heroic deeds as the Scarlet Pimpernel. Why? According to the novel, “Because the Scarlet Pimpernel works in the dark, and his identity is only known under the solemn oath of secrecy to his immediate followers.”
Give It a Try
Are you ready to delve deeper into the world of superheroes and their secret identities? Ask a friend or family member to assist you in exploring the following enjoyable activities:
- If you had the opportunity to choose any identity and set of superpowers, what kind of superhero would you be? Don’t limit yourself to the conventional idea of superheroes. Use your imagination freely. You can possess any superpowers you desire and live life as any kind of person for your secret identity. Who would you be? Write a brief biography of your superhero self, including details about your secret identity. Share your work with your friends. What kind of superhero would they choose?
- After writing your superhero biography, it’s time to dress up. Search through dress-up clothes and gather items from your home to use as costume accessories. For instance, earmuffs can be used as noise-canceling headphones, protecting you from mind-control sound waves. Use a magnifying glass that can hypnotize evil villains. Put on old swimming goggles when you want sudden X-ray vision. And, of course, no superhero is complete without a cape! Grab a towel or sheet and you’re ready to go… or fly. Dress the part and demonstrate your superpowers to your family members.
- Once you have finished imagining yourself as a superhero with superpowers, take a moment to consider the real superpowers that you possess. That’s right! Even ordinary boys and girls can have truly super powers. Do you have the power of compassion? Can you sense when your friends are feeling down and uplift their spirits? Maybe you have the ability to teach younger friends and siblings how to read, making you a super reading mentor. There are countless super powers and abilities out there. What are yours? Share your thoughts with friends and family members and ask them to tell you what they believe your super powers and abilities are.
Wonder Sources
- https://www.reference.com/art-literature/superheroes-secret-identities-ccb17813ee14421b
- http://geekslop.com/2014/comic-book-characters-superheroes-villains-real-names-true-identities (accessed 19 Jan., 2023)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_identity (accessed 19 Jan., 2023)
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