From MSNBC.com, the "Greatest Superheroes in the Universe." Now, these are mostly folks who take care of crime and justice everywhere, at least as far as we're concerned.
What I object to is the earth-centric notion. "In the universe?" First of all, note that we have no name for our "earth" and "sun" other than "earth" and "sun" (Well, "Terra" and "Sol", but who calls them that other than astronomers perhaps?) If there are sentient beings in planets around, Alpha Centauri, say, ya think if they have the concept of pop culture, they might have their own idea of superheroes who are "the greatest?" Makes me think of the "3d Rock From the Sun" episode in which the aliens are watching the Miss Universe contest and are disappointed to see there are no contestants from other planets or galaxies.
Second, these heroes, even though some come "from other planets," are measured by human standards. Who are they involved with emotionally? What do they look like? What do they aspire to? What are their goals (good or bad)? Think about Superman's motto--"Truth, Justice, and the American Way!" Whether or not we approve of them, or like them, we measure them in human terms, and yes, I understand why they have to look human--someone has to play them in the movie. Or if not--if a computer can generate them, audiences have to connect with them when they appear on screen. Ultimately, I understand that pop culture is mostly fun, but it does reflect human values, but human values are sometimes hidebound. It would be nice if people reflected on those as we contemplated spaceflight and the possibility that we might encounter other intelligent life, which may not look or think like us or our vehicles, even if Optimus Prime the semi-truck does.
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