First, correct me if I'm wrong, but this reads like a rewrite of an essay you posted some months ago. I no longer remember that one well enough to say if this was a significant improvement, but I'll assume it is. Hopefully, I won't rehash too much of what I've said already.
The idea that someone is duty-bound to act like some supernatural cop just because he or she possesses special powers is RIDICULOUS ... For me, it compatible with the military draft. How can anyone in their right mind support such an idea? Well, some people are in favor of the military draft. Just sayin'.
In the Season 4 finale, "Witch Way Now?", the Angel of Destiny offered the sisters ... the chance to give up their magical powers and lives as supernatural crime fighters as a reward for vanquishing the top demon - the Source ... As far as I am concerned, they should have made that choice. I see your meaning, here, but if they do have the choice, doesn't that mean they should be able to choose to go on as they are
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No. This is not a rewrite of an article I had posted some time ago.
The only Buffy articles I had written in the past were about fashion and the roles of the Powers to Be in Buffyverse.
For CHARMED, I posted articles about Prue's death, questionable story arcs on the show, Leo's views on morality and free will, fashion, Phoebe and Cole's relationship, Cole's humanity, aspects of CHARMED I found questionable, and the Halliwells' powers. I also posted a few reviews of two or three episodes.
Why does the idea of superbeings or those with special powers making the decision to lead their own lives instead of acting like a bunch of supernatural or costumed vigilantes bother people like David Brin so much? I wonder why?
I would make the same decision as you and tell those people to screw you. Look, I don't mind helping others every once and a while . . . especially if someone or that person's situation attracts my attention. But to do something like that on a daily basis, whether you want to or not?
It's one thing if that special someone actually likes the idea of being some kind of special vigilante or savior. It's another if he or she doesn't really like the job, but feel that they have to . . . no matter what.
Sorry, I guess I wasn't very clear. Mr. Brin's problem is with the idea that superbeings have some cosmic duty to lead/protect people. Just like yours. Only he comes at it from the point of view of the common people, showing how they usually don't have a choice in the matter except which group of superbeings to follow. You come at it from the point of view of the superbeings themselves (the good ones, anyone), showing that they often aren't given the choice either. I think they're both equally valid points.
I believe Mr. Brin would applaud a superbeing who decided not to lead armies or don a costume and become a vigilante, and instead settled down to a quiet life at home.
It's one thing if that special someone actually likes the idea of being some kind of special vigilante or savior. It's another if he or she doesn't really like the job, but feel that they have to . . . no matter what.Agreed
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For one thing his first complaint about people only getting to choose which elite leads them? Anyone who can become qualified to lead a group of people has become elite even if they weren't born that way. So I'd basically say that's true whether he wants it to be or not.
Han Solo isn't anything special by birth but he's pretty damn important.
Luke and Leia may be royalty on their mother's side but on they're father's side they come from a prostitute. And that's the side where any Force powers come from.
Leia may have been a princess on her planet but considering she's also a member of what sounds like an elected(if a figureheaded) body the Imperial Senate.
Also Vader, Luke and Leia aren't the rulers in charge of the war.
And even if they had been born with special powers, I still believe that fighting crime or confronting some form of dangerous evil should be A CHOICE on their part, not an obligation. Unfortunately Burge, Kern and their writers never considered this.
I'm quite sure they did consider this. Otherwise they never would have bothered with the eps where they get to choose to quit only to choose not to and affirm their heroism.
would make the same decision as you and tell those people to screw you. Look, I don't mind helping others every once and a while . . . especially if someone or that person's situation attracts my attention. But to do something like that on a daily basis, whether you want to or not?
I honestly feel that's a terrible attitude. I'd hate it but if I walked through my life and I heard people screaming for help every day I'd have to help if I could. I'd hate myself if I didn't.
Why does the idea of superbeings or those with special powers making the decision to lead their own lives instead of acting like a bunch
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First, correct me if I'm wrong, but this reads like a rewrite of an essay you posted some months ago. I no longer remember that one well enough to say if this was a significant improvement, but I'll assume it is. Hopefully, I won't rehash too much of what I've said already.
The idea that someone is duty-bound to act like some supernatural cop just because he or she possesses special powers is RIDICULOUS ... For me, it compatible with the military draft. How can anyone in their right mind support such an idea?
Well, some people are in favor of the military draft. Just sayin'.
In the Season 4 finale, "Witch Way Now?", the Angel of Destiny offered the sisters ... the chance to give up their magical powers and lives as supernatural crime fighters as a reward for vanquishing the top demon - the Source ... As far as I am concerned, they should have made that choice.
I see your meaning, here, but if they do have the choice, doesn't that mean they should be able to choose to go on as they are ( ... )
Reply
The only Buffy articles I had written in the past were about fashion and the roles of the Powers to Be in Buffyverse.
For CHARMED, I posted articles about Prue's death, questionable story arcs on the show, Leo's views on morality and free will, fashion, Phoebe and Cole's relationship, Cole's humanity, aspects of CHARMED I found questionable, and the Halliwells' powers. I also posted a few reviews of two or three episodes.
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I would make the same decision as you and tell those people to screw you. Look, I don't mind helping others every once and a while . . . especially if someone or that person's situation attracts my attention. But to do something like that on a daily basis, whether you want to or not?
It's one thing if that special someone actually likes the idea of being some kind of special vigilante or savior. It's another if he or she doesn't really like the job, but feel that they have to . . . no matter what.
Reply
I believe Mr. Brin would applaud a superbeing who decided not to lead armies or don a costume and become a vigilante, and instead settled down to a quiet life at home.
It's one thing if that special someone actually likes the idea of being some kind of special vigilante or savior. It's another if he or she doesn't really like the job, but feel that they have to . . . no matter what.Agreed ( ... )
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Sure thing, but don't hold your breath. I work very long-term.
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For one thing his first complaint about people only getting to choose which elite leads them? Anyone who can become qualified to lead a group of people has become elite even if they weren't born that way. So I'd basically say that's true whether he wants it to be or not.
Han Solo isn't anything special by birth but he's pretty damn important.
Luke and Leia may be royalty on their mother's side but on they're father's side they come from a prostitute. And that's the side where any Force powers come from.
Leia may have been a princess on her planet but considering she's also a member of what sounds like an elected(if a figureheaded) body the Imperial Senate.
Also Vader, Luke and Leia aren't the rulers in charge of the war.
Reply
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I'm quite sure they did consider this. Otherwise they never would have bothered with the eps where they get to choose to quit only to choose not to and affirm their heroism.
would make the same decision as you and tell those people to screw you. Look, I don't mind helping others every once and a while . . . especially if someone or that person's situation attracts my attention. But to do something like that on a daily basis, whether you want to or not?
I honestly feel that's a terrible attitude. I'd hate it but if I walked through my life and I heard people screaming for help every day I'd have to help if I could. I'd hate myself if I didn't.
Why does the idea of superbeings or those with special powers making the decision to lead their own lives instead of acting like a bunch ( ... )
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