Socyberty > Psychology

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Superman, the Metaphorical Introvert

(contd.)

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Kryptonite comes in different colors that have different effects on Superman. Similarly, different kinds of people (I'm talking about personality types: not ethnicity, political views, or the like) can have different effects on the introvert. Generally speaking, however, the introvert has a limited tolerance for being around most people. Socializing will gradually tire or weaken the introvert as they lose contact with their empowering inner world. Kryptonite essentially overpowers the solar energy and lighter gravity that help make Superman strong. It's very similar.

Fortunately, if Kryptonite is taken away, Superman will soon regain his strength and power. If an introvert gets time to recharge through solitude and reflection, they will return to normal. Lead will also block Kryponite radiation. Perhaps you can develop your own lead shield, figurative or literal, to protect you from overexposure to other people as needed.

Magic: Surprise, Chaos, Deviation from Routine, Powerful Emotion

As mentioned above, Superman is generally powerless over magic. It can punch through his defenses like they aren't there and can subvert his other abilities. Magic doesn't follow the rules; it reinvents them on the fly. If you encounter something that keeps changing the ground rules that you've lived by, you can feel powerless. In fact, you can be powerless.

The introvert's weakness to chance, random events, and powerful emotions are similar to Superman's weakness to magic. Introverts can survive and thrive under guidelines, rules, and routines. If those rules keep changing or mutating (e.g. changes in work or school rules; introduction of new people in your life; natural disasters; illness), the introvert can feel powerless to respond appropriately. If the introvert finds that they cannot avoid stressful situations, filled with unpredictable people or events, then they can feel powerless, anxious, and fearful.

Superman's best coping mechanisms for magical villains were either out-thinking the villain, stripping the villain of their powers, or else getting other magical help to prevail. If you can find real life equivalents of these solutions, like getting help or reimposing order on your life, you can generally survive randomness and chaos in your life.

Great Power Tempered by Limitations

Introverts aren't mighty superheroes, but they do have their share of strengths to balance out any challenges that they face. Despite all of his superpowers, Superman has some specific weakness that can hurt him. However, Superman always found a way to prevail, either through his wits, his courage, or his friends. Introverts can also prevail over challenges in our life. Maybe we can identify our own strengths and weaknesses, like Superman did, so that we can grow in personal power and strength so we too can be a shining example to the world around us.

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Comments (9)
#1 by Liane Schmidt, Dec 2, 2007
I really love this article. It was unique, insightful and interesting.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

-Liane Schmidt.
#2 by Mark Dykeman, Dec 3, 2007
Thanks Liane!
#3 by Jessica Rowe, Dec 6, 2007
Very interesting article, I really enjoyed it.
#4 by Mark Dykeman, Dec 7, 2007
Thank you, Jessica
#5 by rmillsjonson, Dec 13, 2007
Very well written, and bordering on prolific (all your contributions). Your introversion is a gift don't hide it.

r.mills
#6 by Kimberly, Dec 14, 2007
I like it have you read my artical about Superman hehe?
#7 by Mark Dykeman, Dec 15, 2007
rmillsjonson and kimberly, thank you both.

I'd have to know your last name so I could read your article, Kimberly.
#8 by Ivana, Dec 16, 2007
A brilliant article, now I know why I've always liked Superman so much :-))!
#9 by Mark Dykeman, Dec 17, 2007
Thanks Ivana!
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