Freedom Forum Newsletter March 1, 2021

March 1, 2021

Superheroes get broad appeal Why Marvel and DC have reached massive public appeal in the last 15 years AJ Minnich, Editor-in-Chief In the last 15 years, superheroes have garnered incredible success from movies to shows and even to video games.

While the actual comics industry is struggling, superhero media is bigger and more appealing than it has ever been.

This is not to say they were not popular previously, but these franchises did not have the same mass appeal as they do now and were generally seen as nerdy.

But now with what feels like dozens of movies and shows coming out every year from DC and Marvel, they are now the biggest entertainment properties along with Star Wars.

So why do superheroes have such a massive appeal? Is it the big blockbuster action? Or could it be the groundbreaking special effects? Well, it is neither. What gives these franchises so much appeal are the sheer variety in content and the inherent appeal of ordinary

Gold Star Sponsor of The Freedom Forum

and godlike beings using their enhanced abilities to help people.

While the argument can be made that a lot of Marvel and DC content can be repetitious, both have immense variety for all viewers to enjoy. Just from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), they have a tense and gritty crime drama in “Daredevil,” a “Stranger Things” like mystery in a sitcom setting with “Wandavison,” and a sci-fi space opera in “Guardians of the Galaxy.” The sheer variety in these universes makes each project feel unique in its own right, and now that both franchises are taking radically new tones with their next projects, it seems as if the uniqueness and variety is only going to increase.

Throughout history, there have always been legends and tales about heroes, from Hercules to Sampson to Sherlock Holmes and to Spider-Man. These tales reverberate throughout human existence of these

inherently good heroes overcoming large feats. It is remarkably inspiring to see people who are or used to be normal people overcome great feats to help others.

The key component of this is relatability. What these heroes lack in regular human abilities, they make up for in their relatable human struggles. For example, Spider-Man constantly has financial and relationship issues, Batman struggles to keep those closest to him in his life, and Superman (as of now anyways) has to be a father. This gives each hero a distinctly human element that grounds him or her in reality. When these heroes feel human, they are more appealing and inspiring because it demonstrates the level and sacrifice of their heroism. It is when a hero is a stoic god when audiences can not relate to them, such as Captain Marvel and Superman in the recent movies.

The common trope is that every superhero has his or

UPCOMING CALENDAR DATES PROGRESS REPORTS

★

Week of 3/1 - 3/5

her kryptonite and while that may not be exactly true, today at least physically each hero has a set of abilities, powers, and personality traits that make him or her unique. This means every hero has to overcome different struggles.

For example, Batman has no superhuman abilities, Daredevil cannot see, and the Flash does not have god-like strength. However, by seeing them overcome their own unique struggles both physically and mentally, these heroes help to bring that message to audiences.

Furthermore, shows like “Daredevil” inspire people to focus on goals, and “Wandavision” demonstrates the effects of grief and how to overcome it without succumbing to it. It is something that not only makes every hero feel fresh but also makes each one uniquely inspiring.

From Batman and Superman to Miles Morales and Captain Marvel, superheroes both new and old have a timeless presence and appeal that is not likely to go away any time soon.

March 1, 2021

America’s largest mall attracts shoppers

Details on the upcoming American Dream Mall Alexis Swoyer, Social Media Editor If you are looking for a new mall and are down for a road trip the new American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey is the place to go. The mall was supposed to have a grand opening that got shortened by the pandemic. The first opening happened back in 2019 and they had to delay the opening of the rest of the stores and parts of the mall until October of 2020.

If you have ever been to the King of Prussia Mall the American dream Mall is almost as big, maybe even bigger. the mall has all types

of stores that you can think of along with, mini golf, roller coasters, a waterpark, an ice rink, a ski slope, an aquarium, movie theaters, and large candy shops.

This mall has been ranked at the second largest mall in the United States.

From Bethlehem, the ride there is only about an hour and a half, but the drive is definitely worth it.

You might get lost in the parking garage but that's okay, it’s all a part of the experience. Forn little ones or even adults, they provide mini scooters like

animals that you can ride around the mall. It is a bit hard to walk through all of the people riding around but it was definitely funny.

The mall is big enough that you can still practice social-distancing safely, the stores are big and so are the hallways you walk down. The Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park has more than 35 rides, and different attractions.

The Dreamworks Waterpark has over 40 waterslides and 15 attractions. The plan has been going on since 2003 to

build this giant mall in New Jersey, it is roughly 3 million square feet and is almost divided by half with the store areas and the attraction area.

This is definitely a new attraction that you and your friends, or even family should visit. It has all the stores you can dream of and so many different things to do. I definitely recommend this mall even with the drive, and will most likely be going back soon.

They are back! Spring Sports Return Spring sports look a little different this year Carly Grozier, Newscast Producer One year ago, the world was hit with a global pandemic. While this affected the greater population, it affected the local community in a multitude of ways, one being the cancellation of schools and after school activities for the majority of the spring semester, meaning no spring sports.

Now, one year later, spring sports will start up on March 8 and hopefully complete the seasons this time around. COVID-19 cases are still being reported, so spring sports will look a little different this year to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including a set of guidelines that will be enforced.

“Limited use of team locker rooms, competition day screenings, and athletes providing their own water bottles are just a few changes that will be seen this upcoming spring season compared to previous seasons. The sidelines will now be lined with athletes, coaches, and staff members wearing face masks and spaced out will be a sharp contrast to the traditional sidelines of seasons

The sidelines will now be lined with athletes, coaches, and staff members wearing face masks and spaced out will be a sharp contrast to the traditional sidelines of seasons past. Spectators will be limited and the ones that are present will need to wear face masks and adhere to social distance protocols,” said Ms. Jennifer Rodriguez, Athletic Secretary.

With spring following the fall and winter seasons, the staff involved with athletics have developed good plans in order to ensure the safety of their athletes.

One concern for athletes that has never been a concern in seasons past is returning to play after contracting COVID-19. The virus can affect a person's heart and lungs long term, which can affect an athletes performance during their sport.

“St. Luke’s has developed a return to play guidelines for COVID-19 athletes ensuring that they are 100 percent ready and prepared to return to full athletic

competition,” said Ms. Rodriguez.

The athletes have their own outlooks on the upcoming spring season, especially the seniors with this being their last season at the high school level.

“It is very upsetting and unfortunate what covid has done to all of our senior seasons. This is definitely not how we imagined this would all turn out, but at this point we all just have to make the best out of this unfortunate situation and keep trying to stay as positive as we can,” said Mataison Piripavel, senior softball player.

But seniors are going to make the best of a challenging situation. “ I obviously wish my senior season was going to be completely normal, but I understand the circumstances and want to make the most out of the opportunity to be able to have a season,” said Brooks Coyne, senior lacrosse captain.

With spring being the only

season cancelled last year, this makes athletes like Coyne even more thankful to even have a season at all this spring.

“I would not be surprised if this year’s games look very different from what we have been used to, but personally I think it is just the price we have to pay in order to get a season at all, and I am just thankful we all are getting the opportunity to play one last time together,” said Piripavel.

It is important to keep a positive outlook on this spring season despite the circumstances in order for athletes to play to their full potential. If there is negative energy on or off the field, that will show in game play, so hopefully athletes this season follow the positive attitudes that Coyne and Piripavel show.