Jeri Al-Jeri

Comic books, novels, and movies all reassure a sense of old school heroism. But let us not forget that heroes need their polar opposites: 'evil doers.' Batman's greatness is dependent on villains, with all their stereotypes, to punch in the face, and to defeat. He can only remain the Dark Knight and gain what vote-dependent politicians desire, popularity, when he is out 'fighting' the good fight.

The world's police, however, does not veil its 'muscles' with a stealth attire. Instead, it champions justice loud and proud, imposing [where necessary] basic 'good' worldwide. Without being called an empire, the US federal government took it upon itself to advance a number of intercontinental missions to secure territory across the globe, regardless of how debate-worthy it is, as Senator Ron Paul would argue.

For the time being, wherever there is evil, it is going to be its last place, the soaring eagle of the west will put the fear at rest. Yet, there are louder voices that disagree. Do US President Donald Trump's supporters have a point in calling the military as fictional as a DC Comic's character? What happens to the eagle if it nests in the west permanently, with no fear-worthy enemies left in the world?

The feathers are getting too expensive, the nest is crashing down economically, the multiracial demographics are a in state of antagonization, scientific progression is not living up to the standards of the past generation, the funding of NASA decreased, and yet Silicon Valley thrives. Tragically, race relations and religious tensions have been inflamed by the government's political rhetoric. Will New York City or Washington, DC transform into Gotham? Is the true American way of life lost? Will America be great, but only historically?

Michael Moore laid down all of the signs of how empires fall: Rudeness sexuality, aggression as entertainment, violence for the sake of itself, and the social disintegration of the 'nuclear' family (which is very unfamiliar concept for other nations). I find Moore's observation to be exaggerated. Still, I believe that there is a noble soul in the rib cage of each American, a genie in the lamp, an eagle to be. A kind of Batman that is not fictional.

For example, one blond teenage girl who 'could not take it.' One sunny day, a hijab-wearing brown skinned Muslim woman was being kicked out of a shop by the cashier under a barrage of racial slurs when, in the far back, a white young girl came forward. She marched to this racist employee and lectured him on how America became great through racial acceptance. Then she hugged the Muslim lady in tears, and made sure she bought her groceries and escorted the woman to her vehicle.

This was on TV. Soon afterwards, a cameraman came in and the TV host appeared to thank the girl and shake her hand. And then 'gotcha': it was all an act! But to the girl who thought it was real - and to people behind the TV show who set up the prank - the idea of racism being allowed was too much. America does not need a new Batman, just ordinary people willing to stand up against the casual racism of their compatriots and their leaders.

By Jeri Al-Jeri