The White Whale

Have you ever noticed that great writers seem to have awesome facial hair?  One of these cool writers was featured on a Google doodle this week, he is the first great American writers, Mr. Herman Melville.  Mr. Melville or as his friends like to call him, “The Herm”, was the writer of the great American novel, Moby-Dick. Moby-Dick or “The Whale” as it was known was published in in 1851.  Yeah, you might not want to read it because it sounds old or boring, but trust me, Moby-Dick the book has a lot more to offer than the messed up Hollywood movie versions.

Moby-Dick isn’t just about a whale crazed captain looking for some tail.  The novel is actually a metaphor for life, Melville was teaching us how to live.  His story showcases status, good and evil, psychology and God.  The Herm takes something everyday and weaves religion and how to live and not live into the story in a Shakespearean way.  At the same time he tells a journey of a hero, like Joseph Campbell would say, not an obvious hero, but one who witnesses.

Moby-Dick was a commercial success when it first came out, but was quickly forgotten.  It wasn’t until the beginning of the 20th century that Moby-Dick got a legendary status.  Thanks Google, for reminding us what is awesome.  Take some time and read a book.

What’s in a Hero?

It is funny how something like a hero you like could mean so much.  Kind of like what super power you would as would reveal a lot about you.  At first this seems like kids stuff, you know comics, blah, blah blah, but as those blockbuster movies show us, there is a lot more to then extremely fit people in tights.

As a young boy I would run around wearing batman and superman outfits.  To me they were the coolest guys in the world.  When you are young there is only good and evil, nothing in between.  Who wouldn’t want to fly or be invincible?

When I was a teen my favorite super heroes came from Marvel comics.  At this age in my life DC comics was kind of out of fashion.  I enjoyed the outsiders, like the X-men and Wolverine.  At this age I couldn’t see how anyone would like a goody two shoes like Superman.  This was certainly the age of the anti-hero.

Now, I don’t really side with the X-men and Wolverine as much.  It is a weird, but I’ve started to like superheros like Superman more.  In a world that seems to be covered in gray areas, business and politics.  A true good like Superman is quite refreshing.  He does good and there is no question about it.

While, I do like comics, I would enjoy them only once in a while wouldn’t say I’m a fan boy at all.  If I took a test about Superhero’s I would probably get a C or C+.  So, I’m speaking from an average point of view.  It is funny just how much your favorite hero says about you or what stage of your life you are in.

Who’s your favorite superhero?