Things I've Learned from Batman

Written by Shae Rufe

Since I'm on a little bit of a Dark Knight kick, I figured it was time to talk about some life lessons from Batman. Let's face it, the Bat has been an influence in many of our nerd lives. Many of us here adore the comic, shows, movies, and video games. While Scotty wins at everything there is Joker, I win at everything Batman. I'm just kidding, Scotty wins at that too, I just really love Batman. Growing up with my dad meant cartoons, and I mean the good ones. The 1990's Batman: The Animated Series is how a lot of us kids grew up loving the Dark Knight. Surely there were lessons we could apply to life after seeing this show, right?

Turns out that being super rich doesn't make you exempt from tragic back stories. Seems life doesn't care if you have money or not, money only cares that you can afford to pay your Butler. Which also begs the question of, was Alfred rich? Sure he was Bruce's guardian, but did he inherit some cash from the Wayne's? Raising a spoiled rich brat isn't cheap. Either way, whether you have money, or not, your life can be sad an unfulfilled. Or that your life can be turned upside down, and no amount of money can fix that. Bruce took his parents fortune and continued to grow it, as well as fight crime and make sure nobody felt the pain of loss like he did. Which is admirable.

I guess the life lesson above most is that Batman symbolizes hope. No matter what pain you're going through, nothing beats having your bones broken by Batman. No, but really, for those suffering or going through bad things, Batman is the embodiment of hope. Instead of living in crushing sadness, he works hard to make the world a better place. Even if that means beating up psychopathic clowns. Or rather, especially because he beats up psychopathic clowns. Batman is my personal hero for beating up the Joker. Sorry Scotty, clowns are horrifying!

Let's talk money. When it comes to superpowers, money is the best one to have. No, Bruce isn't super fast, or inhumanly strong; he can't walk through walls or read minds. But he can afford to buy really cool toys that make him an over all badass. Turns out money can buy you the ability to be a vigilante. And also pay your guardian to put up with your shenanigans. Now if you ask me, I'd rather have the money to buy myself the ability to learn several different fighting styles. Need an armored car? Why not! You're filthy rich. You're above the laws of man.

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