To be honest, the fact that Superman still believes in Santa Claus isn't that stupid. I mean... he's an alien with superpowers, lasereyes and is powered by the sun. That doesn't make Santa Claus sound so stupid anymore 😂

"Just being a good person is one of the most masculine things a man can be"..... Amen brother.

There’s a starman waiting in the sky

I’m still surprised and incredibly pleased that the MCU did not mock Captain America’s Boy Scout masculinity and still managed to make him very cool without being corny. Even more heartening was the fact that he resonated with the masses. So I guess there is still hope for our culture.

Optimistic people are often seen as weak and naive today, but imo they are the strongest of all because they choose to fight an uphill battle of cynicism each and every day and puts the adoration and respect of others aside in order to make the world a better place. Masculine or Feminine, kind hearted, wholesome and optimistic people are the real heroes of the world and are pretty much carrying the rest of us on their shoulders.

Don’t forget about Optimus Prime! In issue number two by Skybound comics, he accidentally “killed” a deer while exploring, and admiring the planet earth. He felt so terrible about it. He didn’t know how fragile they were. He became so heart broken over it. Spike (human character) had to comfort him and tell him that it was okay, and that it was an accident. But despite that, Prime took the blame, and held the deer close to his arms while talking about life, Earth, and Cybertron. “Be strong enough to be gentle” - Peter Cullen

The one thing that I appreciate about '97 Cyclops is even though he's a boy scout, he's still VERY flawed. He has anger issues, he's shown to have trust issues, he struggles to bond with his son and he doubts himself and his mission at times. It's refreshing these days to see a hero that tries and tries but when hit with a roadblock they get upset. Cyclops' character shows that it's okay to get mad or have doubts and to rise above it. He's not the perfect role model but he has feelings and isn't afraid to show them. He shows his vulnerability and limits. The poor guy even permanently struggles with his powers as he can't control them and it isn't his fault. So for me, Cyclops is the guy I look to as not just a hero but a human. He has strengths and weaknesses and is not afraid to admit it

I've always loved Superman. he's my hero, and i tried to learn from his kind, optimistic character, but people in this day and age treat you badly and abuse you if you are like this.... it takes a lot of strength to keep being that way regardless of how you end up being treated, which makes these characters (Superman) the best people i know.

I think Optimus Prime is a great example of a blue boy scout who has gone through such horrible but still tries to optimistic depsite not losing so many friends in battle and his world

A strong man takes care of himself, a good man takes care of others. One of the greatest lessons my father ever taught me about masculinity

I am glad someone talking about these beautiful men ,who have heart of gold.

Being a good person is the most masculine a man can be. I had to hear this today and more people should

I always find Superman boring, but after watching Invincible and the boys, now i understand and respect Superman and it's one of fave characters. It's very easy to lose control, but when you have a power of god and yet you have self control, clear mind, morals and kindness as common sense despite all bad things, then you can be called 'Superman' just for this.

"Sometimes Being a good person is the most masculine thing a man can be" God damn, I've felt this way for so long but never heard it phrased so simply. Mainly in real life but especially in stories. Just the other day, I had a friend telling me how he thought that Cap and Superman are boring characters because they are the boy scout archetype at a surface level.

Kindness is badass. Gentility is strong.

I'm glad the internet is acknowledging these "pure good" superheores just for being good, kind-hearted people. I really got tired of all the edgy anti-heroes/villains like Homelander or Patrick Bateman, idolizing them isn't good for mental health. We should learn from characters like Superman and try to be better for a safter, healthier, and enjoyable world.

5:10 , Superman and his parents are sitting next to a literal martian and SANTA CLAUS is unrealistic?

Optimus Prime, Cyclops, Superman, Captain America and Spider-Man, all blue “Boy Scouts” treated like trash by their respective companies and in Prime and Scott’s case corrupted into violent anti-heroes

I like this archetype so much. It's a great example of what positive masculinity and leadership looks like.

"With everything that's happening, the things that are about to come to light, people might just need a little old-fashioned." - Phil Coulson, Avengers

Being edgy makes you a man. A lie I believed for so long. Being angsty and brooding doesn't make you tough or cool. Because depending on who you ask, if you're honestly the type to throw temper tantrums, whine endlessly about all your problems, or hit people at the drop of a hat over small reasons, then that really makes you no different from a bitch or a child. Take Vegeta *(Before* Dragon Ball Super) for example. Much as I love the character, it gets pretty damn laughable at times how people have always considered him more of a man than Goku from the beginning when Vegeta for the longest was this petty, angry, childish man who killed millions for fun, killed his own subordinate just for losing a fight, abused his son, and regularly endangered himself and everyone around him just because he didn't want to let go of his pride. You're really gonna say *That* was more of a man than *Z Goku?* Yeah, their roles have basically swapped now as of the Super era where Vegeta is the more mature and rational one while Goku has mentally regressed to even *worse* than he was as a child, but back during Z, a real man Vegeta was anything but.

I was so surprised to see hbo's my adventures with superman go the traditional superman route. It was honestly a breath of fresh air and a great show

I feel like some points made about cyclops can easily apply to Nightwing as well. Similar to both batman and cyclops, Nightwing also had a tragic past which led him to becoming a crime fighter and being batman's sidekick anyone would easily assume he would end up as an edgy superhero. Yet when he became Nightwing, he looked up to and took on the traits of superman and became an optimistic superhero. Nightwing genuinely seems like he's DC's best hero because regardless of how he basically grew up where everyone and everything around him was "edgy", he stayed optimistic and outgoing. There's a reason why many heroes look up to him and consider him a better leader than batman.

1:04 “Don’t get distracted by the loudest person in the room. Often times the person with the most power is the quietest” - Paul Carrick Brunson

There’s a reason Superman goes by the name. He’s a superior man to many in pretty much every way regardless of wether or not he acts like it. Yes, he’s the strongest, most powerful man in any room more often than he isn’t but he’s also loyal, kind, compassionate, a protector, pretty much as close to being morally pure as it’s even possible to be. He’s the guy you want to follow not only because of his power, but because by his actions, morals and beliefs, he’s actually worthy of being followed. Same with Captain America.

In Superman’s defense, in the DC Universe, Santa is a real dude and they have met.

Honestly I feel like the actual realistic answer to "what would a normal person who was raised right do if they had the powers and abilities of Superman" *is* "use it to help as many people as they can". Clark Kent *is* realistic, it's just popular for cynics to confuse themselves with realists (and viewing fundamental decency and human goodness as "childish" and "unrealistic" is a sign of immaturity. I feel like people like that never really grew out of being teenagers). Hell, some versions of Superman take it even farther - even someone like Lex Luthor becomes a good person when he's given Superman's powers and starts to realize what it's like to live Superman's life.

"Sometimes just being a good person is one of the most masculine things a man can be." More than a few men need to hear this.

'A good person' will always be the most masculine thing a man can be. Superman will always be my favorite superhero. He is what a superhero should be. He is a good person to everyone and takes the time to help, even if it is as small as walking someone across the street or getting a little girls cat down from a tree. My favorite line from the first movie might be his response to Lois asking him,'Who are you? He says: 'A friend.' And he really is a friend.

About the Christmas episode in justice league: Santa canonically exist in the dc universe. And he actually gives Darkside a piece of coal every year

Logan saying to Scott "when there's somebody around worth following, I follow" is a serious complement. Logan doesn't say things like that often, if ever.

I love characters like Captain America, Superman and more recently, Cyclops simply because they are good people who try to do the right thing. To me, that's inspiring , and i believe in a word that is becoming increasingly cynical and tragic, there is hope that there are people out there who keep a positive outlook on life and try to share that with the world

The picture of Superman sitting on a cloud smiling is probably the most beautiful and my favorite representation of Superman

“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” Now tell me, does that sound easy to you? Does that sound weak? To be hopeful in spite of all the darkness around you, to love when seemingly no one else will, that is true strength. It is not flashy, it doesn’t brag, it just *is*, and it never changes or gives up. This is what I believe these characters are trying to portray, and it is a powerful message indeed, one I wish all could hear and receive.

I feel like before being an edgy character, Robin also represent the boy scout leader to the Teen Titans in the original comic. He's strangely a colorful character who's partnered with a symbol of fear. I think Robin works best to be the balance and support to Batman's trauma instead of just "Kid Dark Knight". But again, he's meant to be a kid appeal and I guess modern kid's more appealed with slightly a darker version of him.

Cyclops is a boy scout... for now.

I like how you said that all of the heroes mentioned are great leaders. You need to have strong morals and optimism if you want to be an effective leader.

Optimus prime has a boy scout like masculinity

Snyder cut Superman was a return to a more hopeful and traditional version of the character. Zack purposely wrote a character arc for Henry's superman where he wouldn't start off being the happy and confident incarnation of the hero, but over the course of several films would eventually transform into it. BvS was essentially Superman in his darkest hour while in the Snyder cut he was reborn and truly found his stride especially when he fought Stephenwolfe.

People have been sleeping on Cyclops. The movies did him dirty over the last few decades, but the comics made him into the most interesting characters in the X men. Glad to see he's finally getting some recognition.

I think another good addition would be Leonardo from TMNT he definitely has the blue boy scout vibe

Literally that powerful thumbnail: Captain America: 🗿 Superman: 🗿 Cyclops: 🗿 ...perfection.

in a hateful world, the greatest act of rebellion is love

Many of what you mentioned summed up why I've always been a fan of the boy/girl scout archetype. And I do love characters like Superman or Captain America. Just doing things because its the right thing to do. Not because they're seeking validation or for an ulterior motive. They've got nothing to prove. Just a humble and optimistic demeanour. I also like it when they have storylines which question their archetype and showcase that they can have frustrations with how shitty the world can be. But still try to rise above it. Its why Superman Vs The Elite is one of my all-time favourites.

I think Cavil's Superman is misunderstood, because the actual take is "how much an old fashioned Boy Scout is going to have to struggle internaly in order to overcome today's pessimistic society and stay optimistic and idealistic" wich you can better grasp in the extended cut of BvS.

Thanks for talking about this we need more examples of the different sides of what masculinity really is not just the one dimensional characters that are being thrown in our faces

I send money to my mother regularly from 1,000 to 1,500 to 1,800 to $2,100 every month

Thanks for this video. I always looked up to and wanted to be like many fictional characters (Optimus Prime, The Flash, Captain America etc). Recently my environment made me doubt that the qualities they possess are possible to hold in the real world. But this made me see that there is no problem seeing the best in the world and just trying to be a good man, Thanks

5:14 Ironically, Santa DOES exist in the DC universe....and I mean, if you are an alien who can fly and bend steel with your bare hands and do some other crazy powerful stuff.....believing that an entity like santa exists might not be that far off.

Wouldnt optimus prime, aang, and Goliath fit this role too

Growing up, I always preferred characters that had the rogue and edgy persona, and even to this day, I still do. However, these days I look back to heroes like these and have learned to appreciate them more, especially Cyclops. Ever since X-Men 97 debuted, I had completely forgotten how much of a better character Cyclops was than how they portrayed him in the movies, I was never a big fan of him as a kid but I'm more grateful for his character now after being reminded of how much of a bigger role he always had within the original series.

"Peter, if your gonna be a hero, be a real hero. Don't be one of those hollywood heroes pretending to be tough. Be strong enough to be gentle." -Larry Cullen to Peter Cullen

In general, this trope is best applied when the character in question has flaws and limitations but are depicted as having the humility to accept them and the courage to overcome them just as they would other obstacles they are pitted against. In essence, the ideal conflict for “boy scout” is to not allow themselves or their values to be changed by situations that would see them become as corrupted as either their enemies or even some of their allies. 2:36, In terms of more modern takes on the traditionally virtuous and optimistic Superman, Superman And Lois and My Adventures With Superman return to Clark’s routes as a far brighter character, one that emphasizes hope, love, compassion and generosity, but also one backs up with the will, discipline and courage to fight for his world and the values he stands for. And despite this, these depictions are still allowed Clark to be fallible and flawed, their idealism and experiences as a superhero often driving wedges between humans with more cynical views and motives (wether or not they are justified). Snyder’s vision somewhat incorporates this idea, but is never interested in Clark attempting to prove his ideals as worthy, preferring to have to hover majestically like a god rather than interact with people as a man, performing simple acts of kindness along with his grand acts of heroism instead of just grand displays of power that further separated him for the people he sought to protect. These versions of Clark even lose confidence or their temper at times, but have the awareness to acknowledge their mistakes and not allow failures, losses or the will of others change who they are. 3:47, For Steve, his honor and desire to do good is treated as admirable, but he also backs up his beliefs with the will to fight for them, even against a world that doesn’t share them. However, his ideals can also verge on stubbornness, a refusal to compromise even when it’s arguably necessary. He may he willing to make tough decisions and endure loss, but some lines he refuses to cross no matter who is telling him, his enemies or his friends. But beyond that, he is made interesting because of how much he has sacrificed and lost by being Captain America, how he at times regrets investing so much of his life into being a soldier that he can’t imagine a peaceful world, only the next mission. In this context, his bravest act is being able to have a life for himself even if it was temporary. 5:19, Scott is perhaps the most interesting of these “boy scouts” because his identity as this righteous, dutiful soldier and ally to his people was imprinted on him by Charles, a persona of the ideal mutant, the perfect hero he didn’t make himself. He is expected by humans and by Charles to be perfect, moral and virtuous, and feels the pressure to project this confident image constantly. But combined with his unstable powers is the insecurity he feels about them and about his place as a leader and a symbol. And so, he sometimes cracks under that pressure, letting anger and pride guide his actions, his need to prove his worth. But even with these flaws, he is still a capable leader, still able to coordinate his team and various other efforts to ensure the protection of his kind.

So many roads unknown, so many good hearted trying to make a difference, hopeful against seemingly unending evil, to give their lives for a better future even if not for themselves, how can we see them and not join them, how can we not want what's best for everyone

I’ve always known these 3 were in my top 10 favorite superheroes, but I think you just helped me understand why. Great job on this video.

1:37 Thing in here is that video came too late to make that claim. We're starting to turn back around because now everyone is tired of evil superman

I honestly hope that people can become more like these characters in this year. Someone whos a little cheesy, but is optimistic, fun, and honest to others and themselves. This kind of character I feel goes under appreciated.

Another character like this is Optimus Prime. He's an alien robot but basically embodies the same qualities. He has to be gentle bc everything on earth is so fragile compared to him. And he's so powerful he doesn't need to be loud or boisterous bc realistically, nobody is kicking his a**

Superman and Lois has the best live action version of Superman next to Christopher Reeves.

Many pop culture stories are about an exemplary hero and a rough and/or sneaky one having to cooperate despite their differences. Superman and Batman, Luke Skywalker and Yan Solo, Captain America and Iron man, Thor and Loki etc... There is also female duo like Katara and Toff, or mixed ones like Jim Raynor and Sarah Kerrigan based on the same trope. The first hero is able to build long term alliances based on trust while the second intervene when short time efficiency is needed.

Too many men just blindly accept, embrace and even defend all the negative traits that are attached to masculinity without fighting them.

I send money to my parent. My dad passed and I have been and plan on being there for my mom when she needs me. I helped her with plumbing issues today, splitting the bill with her so she's less stressed and doing the work myself on things I know how to do because its important to me she doesn't feel alone. I love the boyscouts. They are the minority nowadays. We all agree being tough is important for being a man. Some of that is physical. Being a "boyscout" or being optimistic, positive and driven to see things into a better tomorrow is the mental part. Being an emotional mess requires a selfish focus, and it can happen to all of us at a moment. That's normal and human. Living in that way isn't, that's a choice people pretend they didn't make. Me saying that doesn't make me better or perfect, I repeat it so I don't lose sight of that myself. Sure, in real life, you will lose innocence, but acting different because of that is pretending you're too good to be good. That has never and will never be true. It's ok to be hard on yourself. It's not ok to lie to yourself and say you can't do better, or being a bastard is some kinda self improvement.

Being just in an unjust world takes a strength that many do not possess. They give themselves to cynicism, and expediency. The person who can give away power, knowing he still has plenty, that is what strength is; to not fear losing power.

All Might is the modern epitome of this archetype for sure. Much needed as a beacon of hope and giving people something to strive for.

Thus is such a wholesome analysis. Great video!

Great video! Thanks for granting a title to this archetype, and making a video that really resonated with me for a reason I can't quite put my finger on.

This was the best video I've seen all month. Thanks.

Thanks to the Superman Animated Series, my interest in becoming a fan grew into the early 2000s. Yes, the line "cardboard" is epic, but I find his commentary on the death of Dan Turpin to be superior. "Goodbye, old friend; in the end, the world didn't really need Superman, just a brave one." I cry tears every time. You see Superman's tears. How can you not like him?

Thank God I find your channel with this vid... fantastic way to remember us about this great archetype (and characters that I love so much)

I genuinely believe that the Tyler Hoechlin version is the perfect modern portrayal of Superman. He just captured Superman's kindness and heart for me. I was someone who used to think Supes was lame but his version made me a legit fan of the character for some reason

Another great example is He-Man. The original show is still worth watching.

I would argue that Scott has never been a boy scout, despite getting called that a lot in and out of universe, but more of a well-meaning martinet. His trauma and anxieties all revolve around situations outside his control, abandonment, and being responsible for other people's lives, so he craves rules, structure, plans for every situation, and has real trouble letting his guard down. Hence why he ends up in relationships with telepaths; they're the only ones who can see what's really going on in his head.

I used to dislike these heroes a teen, specially Superman. They were too nice, too strong, too reliable. It took me a while to understand that that's the point... I feel that I didn't need these heroes as a kid, but as I started getting a better grasp in how bad people around the world can have it and as my life got just a little bit harder, I started getting it. There is something about an almost overwhelmingly good guy that makes you think that everything is going to be OK, and try hard again.

Thank you for this video. These are three of my favorite superheroes for this very reason. Its nice to see them get proper appreciation.

I think you mean true masculinity

In Superman’s defense, Santa is in the DC Universe and gives Darkseid coal every year for Christmas

To be Fair, Henry Cavill's Superman was picking up from very Dark Storylines, eventually becoming the Superman we all Love! He, the Actor, actually really Loves what Superman stands for & enjoyed everytime he was finally able to portray him how he truly is! He even became a Fan & to this day roots for the NFL Team closest to Smallville, USA (Inspired from) IMHO He was great when The Trinity finally Formed & in ZSJL!

Giving up is easier than being undying loyal to a ideal thats why everybody has fallen nowadays

This vídeo helped so much, to embrace myself. Good video man😁

3:07 was not expecting that😂

"Be strong enough to be gentle." -Larry Cullen

love these videos keep up the good work man 💪

Fun fact: Santa is an ACTUAL character in DC and is POWERFUL LOLOOL

Also Leonardo from TMNT

To be fair, to Superman, a dude who can travel the whole world in a night and has nothing better to do with his year than spending it all making presents for others must sound far more believable than to the rest of us XD

I think to have uncompromising integrity in the face of incredible adversity is one of the bravest thing you can do

I love the Boy Scout hero along with the tragic dark hero. That’s why I love Batman and Superman’s relationship

You left out the part where after his parents died he was sent to an orphanage run by a supervillain named Mr Sinister who separated him from his brother, abused and experimented on him for years.

I'm glad you released this video. Nowadays we're having our minds polluted with junk and bigotry. This vid def slapped me into reality. All love from the Big Apple.

That Bucky part of your video had me cracking up.

I wouldn’t consider cyclops a Boy Scout necessarily in the comics he’s just incredibly repressed fearing he’ll hurt someone for instance he’s cheated on his wife multiple times become the new magneto been a vessel for the phoenix and done a bunch of bad shit not to say he’s a bad person far from it but he isn’t a paragon trying his best to be and that’s why I love him

I’m always happy when I see videos appreciating Superman and his personality and values. I always found him admirable and as much as I’m well aware he’s just a fictional character I look at what he stands for as being something to aspire towards

I find funny how people thinks Superman is naïve for still believing in Santa when Santa not only exists on DC Universe, but he is tough enough to bypass Apokolips defenses just to give a lump of coal to Darkside every Christmas.

Superman was basically a god living among men. A Christ-like one. Him taking time out of his day to take a cat down out of the tree and giving it to the little girl that showed awe in presence of the divine was an incredibly touching scene

Great video and great message!

The crazy thing about masculinity is that no matter what these current popular belief is, their masculinity is going to show true

Thanks, I needed that.

Finally a video like this that talks about actual masculinity. It’s either saying the red pilled version of masculinity or the weak progressive version of masculinity. I find myself trying my best to live that Superman, or captain america. Selfless, hopeful, and honest. Usually when I find a video about a fictional character and masculinity, I find myself disagreeing with everything the person says, but here I have to give my kudos. You did great.

This video really inspired me!

Straight knowledge gems in this vid. Thank you sir