Monday, June 16, 2025

Spider-Man’s lessons for us all on the responsibility to use our power, great or small, to do good

 

A large statue of Spider-Man at a mall in Dubai. Giuseppe Cacace AFP via Getty Images

As a child, I watched reruns of the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon on television. I was drawn to the action and colors and, of course, the catchy tune. This was my early introduction to Spider-Man, as it was for many children who grew up in the 1960s-’80s.

Spidey, as he is affectionately called, was a huge part of popular culture. The Spider-Man story was first released in 1962 as part of another comic book, Marvel’s Amazing Fantasy (192) #15. A year later he became his own title character, branching out into cartoons, merchandising and feature films. In other words, Spider-Man became ubiquitous.

With the advent of films featuring him in 2002, however, Spider-Man reached an entirely new level of influence, so much so that academic interest in him increased. I edited a 2021 book in which I wrote a chapter about Spider-Man’s creeds – his main sets of beliefs, or one might say his religion: “Theology and Spider-Man.”

A phrase that has appeared in various forms in Spider-Man lore – “with great power comes great responsibility” – is an example of such a creedal statement. I examine how this one phrase can resonate with readers and viewers to such a degree that it shapes their everyday lives and makes Spider-Man a moral exemplar to many of us.

More broadly, however, I believe that as a moral exemplar, Spider-Man exemplifies the struggle for virtue that most of us face every day.

Spider-Man is relatable

Moral exemplars are figures who transcend the average human experience, achieving extraordinary feats in pursuit of virtue. They serve as models for others to follow. They can be historical figures or people we interact with every day.

A 2017 study led by educational psychology scholar Hyemin Han states moral exemplars influence others because their stories seem relevant and attainable. The study shows evidence that people are more likely to respond to a peer’s example of good behavior and be motivated by that. This means that role models who feel relatable to our daily lives tend to have the greatest impact.

I would argue that Marvel superheroes and the films they have inspired are popular because we see ourselves in these stories. These characters are the sort of moral exemplars that can influence our behavior because we identify with them so closely.

Spider-Man particularly fits this bill. Peter Parker is a teenager who unexpectedly gains superhuman power. In this transformation, he is forced to struggle with moral behavior on a higher level because he now has newfound abilities to do things normal humans cannot. He can use his powers for good or selfish ends, and the effects are much more damaging than for a normal person.

A man dressed in a Spider-Man costume sits among a crowd of onlookers.
Spider-Man is popular because many people identify with him closely. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

Moral exemplars are connected in a fundamental way to virtue ethics – a framework of behavior based in core virtues such as honesty, bravery and kindness. Virtue ethics focuses on building character within versus following a set of rules.

Moral exemplars are the people who represent virtue ethics in its purest form. They are the most virtuous in their character, displaying what all humans should aspire to when practicing virtue ethics. The virtuous hero is the one we emulate and build our own character around, being a representative of a virtuous life.

Spidey is a perfect moral exemplar because he is relatable. He is one of us. He has limitations but invites us to work beyond them.

Morality is Spider-Man’s strength

In the 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” Spidey is confronted with the choice of using his power for good or for revenge. As a portal opens to other dimensions, he encounters a number of villains from past films, including the Green Goblin from the 2002 film.

In contrast to the Green Goblin, Spidey chooses to use his power for good. Green Goblin kills Aunt May because he wants Spidey to embrace the power he has and use it for selfish means. Aunt May serves as a moral foundation for Peter Parker, and with her gone, perhaps the Goblin sees an opportunity for Spidey to embrace power for power’s sake. He tells Spidey, “Morality is your weakness.”

Spider-Man must struggle with the temptation to kill the Goblin in a fit of revenge – exactly the kind of self-serving thinking that the Green Goblin himself encourages. Green Goblin is the anti-moral exemplar. He embraces power and vice, while Spidey embraces doing good for others. Earlier in the film, the Goblin states, “Gods don’t have to choose; we take.” For the Goblin, there is no real morality. His power entitles him to any action.

On the contrary, Spider-Man sees his power as a gift to be used – “with great power comes great responsibility.” Spider-Man continually sacrifices the joy in his life – his relationships, his health and his family – in order to fight villains and protect the innocent. This is practicing virtue ethics at a high level, one that reaches the status of a moral exemplar.

Spidey’s determination to use his power for good arises out of his origin story in the original narrative found in Amazing Fantasy #15. Spider-Man feels a strong sense of guilt and responsibility due to his uncle’s death, which he feels is the result of his inaction. Thus he is committed to using his power for good.

At first, he uses his abilities to make money wrestling or finding fame on television. In the aftermath of a television appearance, however, he allows a thief to escape because he doesn’t feel morally responsible to stop him. As the thief escapes, Spidey states, “From now on I just look out for number one – that means – me!” Soon after, he finds that same thief has killed his uncle.

It is out of this origin story that is born his adoption of the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility.” His uncle’s death was necessary for his moral tranformation.

Spider-Man shows us that moral responsibility does not go away just because one has power. It is in this lesson that Spider-Man exemplifies morality for us. He becomes a moral exemplar.The Conversation

George Tsakiridis, Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and Religion, South Dakota State University

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. 

Monday, June 9, 2025

Educational Toy & Stationery Drive for Informal Settlement Children

 


 Educational Toy & Stationery Drive for Informal Settlement Children

Help Us Bring Joy and Learning to Over 1,000 Children in Need

The Makuase informal settlement is currently home to more than 30,000 people—individuals and families who are destitute, unemployed, and struggling to hold on to hope. What began as a vacant piece of land has transformed into a densely populated informal community.

Shacks made from whatever materials residents could find—wood, zinc sheets, scrap metal—stand tightly packed together, often compromising health and safety. There is no proper infrastructure, and access to basic necessities like electricity and clean water remains a daily struggle. Crime has become another major concern, leaving many residents living in constant fear.

South Africa, as a developing nation, continues to face challenges in service delivery. Millions still live without adequate housing, water, or electricity. As a result, informal settlements like Makuase have become the only option for survival for many, growing rapidly since the early 2000s as desperate families seek shelter on unused land.

But it is the children—especially the little ones who cannot attend a crèche, and the young ones who are of school-going age—who face the greatest challenges. We estimate that over 1,000 children in Makuase live in extreme poverty, without access to the nutrition, education, and stimulation they need to grow, learn, and enjoy the innocence of childhood.

Our team has visited the Makuase informal settlement several times and witnessed firsthand the overwhelming need for support—particularly for the children. Residents have voiced a heartfelt plea: for their children to have a chance, to learn, to experience stability, and to feel valued and loved.

By providing educational toys for toddlers, along with books and stationery for school-aged children, we aim to meet some of these pressing needs. More than just items, these are tools of hope—sparking curiosity, joy, and a sense of belonging in young hearts. Together, we can help shape a better future for these children and their community.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE = www.clrfoundation.com and make a donation.  


 


Saturday, May 17, 2025

GET ROCCO TO SCHOOL

 


Rocco is a remarkable 16-year-old special needs learner with a passion for learning and an impressive academic record. Currently in Grade 8, he still has a few important school years ahead. For Rocco, school isn’t just about lessons—it's his happy place. A place of adventure, joy, connection, and personal growth.

Despite the challenges he faces, Rocco consistently achieves over 80% across all his subjects, proudly declaring Math as his favorite. His enthusiasm for learning, combined with his kind and loving nature, is a recipe for success.

But Rocco’s dream is in danger.

Due to South Africa’s harsh economic climate, Rocco’s mother, who battles diabetes and has been unable to secure employment, is struggling to make ends meet. Without transport, she relies on extended family for support, but it’s simply not enough.

Rocco urgently needs help to cover:

  • Transport fees to and from his special needs school
  • School uniforms
  • Essential learning materials

The special needs school is quite a distance from his home, and the monthly transport fee has fallen into arrears. Without intervention, Rocco may soon be unable to attend the school he loves so much.

The CLR Foundation has pledged to support Rocco’s educational journey, but we need your help to make it possible.

Let’s keep Rocco in school where he belongs.

Every donation, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to securing Rocco’s future. Together, we can stand behind his potential and keep his dream alive.

 

https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/lets-get-rocco-to-school


 


Monday, May 12, 2025

Designed to Rise: Support Gladys’ Next Chapter


 

Let’s come together to help Gladys turn her dream into a reality. 

She’s a young, ambitious woman with a vision: to launch a creative and successful t-shirt design and printing business. Now, she needs our support to take that first bold step.

 In Gladys' own words:

 “My name is Gladys, and I'm a passionate t-shirt designer with a dream of starting my own business. 

I'm reaching out to inquire about potential donation opportunities from the CLR Foundation to support my venture. As a budding entrepreneur, I've developed a range of unique and creative designs that I believe can resonate with a wide audience.

 However, I'm currently facing financial challenges in securing the capital needed to launch and grow my business. Your support would be instrumental in helping me overcome these hurdles.

 The donations would help cover key startup costs, including: • Purchasing equipment and materials • Setting up an online store and marketing efforts • Initial operational expenses I plan to begin working from home to test and refine my business model.

 If successful, I hope to expand into a dedicated workspace.

 To get started, I estimate needing R2,500 for initial t-shirt stock. Additionally, I would need help purchasing two essential machines, with a combined estimated cost of R20,000. 

 Thank you for your support and belief in my journey. I'm excited about the future and deeply grateful for the opportunity to grow with your help.”

 

 Together, we can make a difference.

 Donate today and help Gladys become the successful entrepreneur she’s meant to be. 

Your generosity lights the way for those with dreams, offering hope and opportunity where it’s needed most.

 With gratitude, 

The CLR Foundation 

Committed to uplifting, empowering, and inspiring individuals to move forward in victory.