A new study indicates that folks who are thinking about Superman are actually less likely to volunteer to help others. Folks were cued up with images of the Man of Steel — or other images — and then asked to volunteer for community service projects. According to New Scientist:
Students who thought of Superman volunteered much less of their time than those who thought about other superheroes. Furthermore, Superman-primed subjects were significantly less likely to show up at a meeting for volunteers held three months after they were initially asked to participate.
The speculation is that folks are too daunted by their own shortcomings, in the face of folks like Supes, and so are less inclined to take action. Interesting.
(via BoingBoing)
43 view(s)
Totally explains Seinfeld.
I imagine some might consider as well it in terms of volunteerism vs Big Government sorts of things, too. Not sure I’m convinced there, but I could see the argument being made.