Wednesday, June 02, 2010

Gods and Mermaids: The Secret Sun Goes Nationwide


Here's the 20/20 spot on Superheroes- that voiceover at the end is mine. And here are a few snippets from the article on the piece, written by the unbelievably cool Jon Meyersohn. And being mentioned in the same breath as Elaine Pagels? 


I am not worthy, but I'll take it anyway:
Knowles said mythic figures have always been an important part of society, dating back centuries. "Superman is really the modern incarnation of Hercules." In the ancient world, said Knowles, "gladiators would dress up as their favorite god or hero. You would have generals that would pray to a certain god, before they went into battle. So this is something that's very deep within ourselves. It's an impulse, this need to transcend human weakness and immortalize ourselves." 
Every culture -- and every religion -- has its mythic heroes. Princeton University professor of religion Elaine Pagels, a leading expert on the history of Christianity author of several books, said even Jesus appeared to be imbued with certain "superpowers." "He heals people with a touch," said Pagels. "He can raise the dead. ... When people feel vulnerable, they look at Jesus with the superpowers who's going to come in the clouds ... and right all the wrongs. What could be better than a God who could come and do all of that? "

..(a)nd they don't have to wear spandex to fulfill the role.

"A really interesting example ... is Twilight," said Knowles, who contrasted the familiar image of a frightening Dracula with the new image of vampires as sexy and young. "They glow in the daylight. ... They're beautiful, they're intelligent ... they give young girls what they want in life ... eternal youth, eternal beauty, everlasting love. These are not vampires anymore, these are superheroes."
SYNC LOG UPDATE: OK- seriously. Seriously. Siriusly. Hannah (read:"Inanna") Fraser? Fraser?

So I take that screenie from the ABC site and come back to my blog and whose face is peering out at me on the LinkWithin?

  The Siren, Elizabeth ("Eloah-Isis-Beth") Fraser. You see, this is why I have no power in this world. I'm more jazzed about Synchronicity than I am about being (ever-so-briefly) on network TV. 

 But I will tell you this- Synchronicity is not only a major part of my work here, it's also at the center of my life. It is a very real power that transcends mere coincidence. It's an extremely powerful tool. So maybe I was wrong about having no power...