Many people consider Batman an amazing superhero. He is set apart from other supers by his lack of a super power. Some might argue this makes him even more heroic. That it takes more personal skill, creativity, and intelligence to compensate for his lack of power which makes him even greater than most superheros. I disagree.
Batman considers himself above the law. He sneaks around late at night attacking those who he judges to be "bad" or deserving of his particular brand of justice. He has many amazing weapons and tools that were developed for him as a product of his enormous wealth. His super power is that he is rich. He is funded by money that he inherited when his parents were killed right in front of him. No wonder he has so many issues.
His primary motivation seems to be anger and revenge and uses intimidation and violence to obtain information.
I must respect the only thing that makes him a superhero though. As far as I can tell he has never directly killed someone. I think that is the most honorable thing about him though.
In the latest depiction of Batman he rebels and leaves his parent's company for an extended time to bum around the world. Is this supposed to grant him some kind of moral depth or greater understanding of the suffering of the weak and helpless? I'm not buying it. He ends up on a mountain where he is taught extreme skill in martial arts. So he gets a new hobby and becomes the ultimate source of understanding and righteous judgement. That must be how he gained the right to decide who's butt to kick with his expensive toys.
Even his secret identity is terrible. Bruce Wayne is a philandering, alcoholic, irresponsible playboy who many people in Gotham, including children look up to because he is such a success and they live in the ghetto. It is true he gives money to charity, but giving money cannot replace the example of hope and progress he could be at the front of his company if he didn't spend all night beating up "bad guys".
I believe that Bruce Wayne is selfish and spoiled. He uses his money to get his own way regardless of rules and laws. I believe Batman is much the same. While Batman has done many good things, he is a loner who gets his kicks from being the "good guy". Bruce Wayne feels better about himself when he beats up people as the anonymous Batman because it helps to relieve some of his rich white boy guilt.
I think deep down he is not looking out for Gotham or its citizens. I think he is looking out for himself. While most superheros hope for a day of peace, I believe Batman would cease to exist without chaos. Without Batman, Bruce Wayne would have to live with himself only, and I don't know if he could handle that.
Batman is lying to everyone including himself when it comes to motives and intentions. He needs to work out his anger problems in a way that does not involve beating on other people who "deserve it".
Batman is an angry little rich boy in a cape who needs to better the world in the life he was given instead of playing make believe.
-Megan Elizabeth Martin
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