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Every now and then, one hears about people who dress up in costume and "patrol" troubled neighborhoods. Mostly acting as a deterrent, rather than playing true vigilante (again, mostly).

Some will probably think that it's funny, while others will admire them just for trying. I'm probably somewhere in between.

So I wonder, what do others think of these costumed protectors? Did you even realise this was a thing? Are you surprised that it is?

Edited 7/13/17

Here's a link to a recent story about some of them: 15 Awesome Vigilantes That Really Fight Crime

I've heard of that before. I guess I feel like there are other ways to protect the neighborhood rather than dressing up as a fictitious character. That just seems a little odd to me.

I have a different view of what makes something fictitious. If they were dressing as an existing character, yeah, but otherwise I wouldn't call it fictitious. Or no more fictitious than a lot of people.

Culturally, I find it interesting. I mean, does it work just because they're out and are there to play witness? If so, why? Shouldn't they be just another potential victim?
Or has our culture so idolized superheroes that just seeing someone dressed as one will actually deter crime? Like the psychological trick that people are less likely to steal if there are a pair of eyes "watching" them from a picture.

I haven't heard of any "real" superheroes. I've heard of people who dress up like superheroes and patrol neighborhoods and whatnot. I guess if they actually fight crime, put themselves in danger, and help others, much like policemen and firemen, they could be deemed real superheroes.

I believe that is the general thought behind it. Sadly, much like with many positions of authority (even if it isn't strictly "legal" authority), it leads to some bad apples.

I haven't heard of it either and find it odd. I don't think they will actually deter crime dressed like it.

I think it's an American thing. Which probably says it all.

In my university, there's this man with special needs (I believe his brain stopped developing at a young age) who dresses up as a superhero, and walks around the campus. He's not there to keep peace per se, but to provide motivation and positivity to the people he meets. He encourages those who are working out, gives out compliments generously, and is always ready to give you a high five. There are also stories of him helping people cross the street or accompanying ladies who are walking alone between buildings at night. And there's nothing creepy or whatever about him. His kindness is a superpower on its own.

gali wrote:I haven't heard of it either and find it odd. I don't think they will actually deter crime dressed like it.

I actually have never heard of this either, and I can't see how they would prevent or lessen crime by doing so. It seems more like joke or they could potentially become a target themselves in these rougher areas.

Interesting, though, that this exists.

I have never heard of such an incident near my hometown. So naturally I am a bit surprised. But frankly, I do not think costumes make you a superhero. You just have to lend a helping hand to one person to become a superhero in their minds.

Paroca wrote:In my university, there's this man with special needs (I believe his brain stopped developing at a young age) who dresses up as a superhero, and walks around the campus. He's not there to keep peace per se, but to provide motivation and positivity to the people he meets. He encourages those who are working out, gives out compliments generously, and is always ready to give you a high five. There are also stories of him helping people cross the street or accompanying ladies who are walking alone between buildings at night. And there's nothing creepy or whatever about him. His kindness is a superpower on its own.

He sounds amazing!

I've never heard of people patrolling before, but I see stories all the time of people dressing up as superheroes or princesses and going to hospitals to cheer up the patients. I think if their aim is to be more of a morale-booster than an actual crime-fighting type of presence, they can be very beneficial to the community.

I thought it's just a fancy dress thing to wear superhero suits. I think the neighbourhood watch can be heroic without dressing up like a child's action figure.

I don't think it's necessary to dress up in order to do a heroic thing. If someone dressed up in a costume, it would be hard to take them seriously. The kids would enjoy the sight but unless it's Halloween or you're dressing up for Comic-Con, it would be odd to see Batman in my neighborhood.

(Sidenote) I think

"Real" Superheroes that include policemen (?), firefighters, and the like, I don't really take too kindly to. The reason is because I've seen policemen who act like complete jerks and are willing to attack innocent people, like the men you find on the news. When someone calls themselves heroes, I'm already wary of, simply because of the sheer arrogance you have to have to proclaim that you fight for justice, that you have what it takes to beat the bad guys without getting influenced by them. No one's that perfect, not even Superman.

Well , talking about superheroes with possession of some kind of super powers don't really exist . But there are many people that may become your superhero because they may do something for that you believe nobody else would have done