Saloman died a hero. Unfortunately, we are now less interested in heroes than in superheroes. Everyone can follow Ben's example of courage under adversity. Nobody is ever going to be Batman or Spider-Man.
A hero is an example; a superhero is a spectacle. An encounter with either in any medium gives one the same warm feelings. The difference is that, as you note, superhero status is unattainable. This is much the same dynamic as finding a girl versus patronizing an e-thot, with the same sterile, and system intended, result.
I feel as though our respective essays today came at the same idea through two approaches.
Saloman died a hero. Unfortunately, we are now less interested in heroes than in superheroes. Everyone can follow Ben's example of courage under adversity. Nobody is ever going to be Batman or Spider-Man.
A hero is an example; a superhero is a spectacle. An encounter with either in any medium gives one the same warm feelings. The difference is that, as you note, superhero status is unattainable. This is much the same dynamic as finding a girl versus patronizing an e-thot, with the same sterile, and system intended, result.