Be Super!
June 26, 2017
Krystal Kara joins us to discuss Wonder Woman, the Be Super project, and how we can use Superhero stories to teach about justice in our own world.
Matthew Fox has been passionate about deep conversations about genre media since childhood, when watching the original Star Trek series with their mother often led to discussions about the ethical questions it raised.
Beyond podcasting, Matthew helps run a small nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to computer science education for youth and also provides consulting services for nonprofits and small businesses.
Over time, their podcasting interests have expanded, launching a Star Wars-focused podcast in 2019 and frequently appearing as a guest or co-host on PandaVision and other shows. While ethical questions are not always the primary focus of their work, Matthew has a knack for finding them in nearly everything they watch.
They are the host and founder of both Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics on TruStory FM.
Krystal Kara joins us to discuss Wonder Woman, the Be Super project, and how we can use Superhero stories to teach about justice in our own world.
“First, you have to realize that it’s not merely a game; it’s a community. In the end, it’s each of us making the choice—not the character—about what’s going to happen; what we’re going to say, and how we’re going to do it.”
What is the value in fighting fair? Paul and Matthew explore the trope of the “Fair Fight,” looking at its value and its problems. What does a hero do when the opponent refuses to follow the rules?
If aliens and superpowers were real, would we need S.H.I.E.L.D.? Are Lex Luthor and Amanda Waller justified in their fear of Superman? And why do government agencies tasked with managing powered individuals often operate in secrecy?
Logan, the guest, returns to discuss Logan, the movie! He joins Matthew for an in-depth conversation about the portrayal of violence, the importance of recognizing flaws in our heroes, and the film’s reflections on our own world.
Paul and Matthew delve into Iron Fist, exploring questions of identity, the role of martial arts in storytelling, and the complexities of accountability within an extended universe when things don’t go as planned.
Is Magneto a villain or a hero? Can we agree with his goals, even if we don’t condone his methods? How does the fight for mutant justice resonate with similar discussions in our own world? Paul and Matthew discuss Magneto and the X-Men in this thought-provoking episode.
Captain America punched a lot of Nazis — does that mean we should too? While we’re pretty pro-Nazi punching, we want to delve into the complexities surrounding it. In this episode, Paul and Matthew explore the ethical issues involved in translating superhero justice from the page to real life.
Did Galen Erso make the right choice in helping to build the Death Star while embedding a fatal flaw? What lessons can Rogue One teach us about rebellion and what it means to find your own path to combat tyranny? Paul and Matthew explore these complex themes in this week’s episode.
Paul and Matthew delve into the enigma of Gotham’s Clown Prince of Crime. They ponder the symbiotic relationship between hero and villain: Does the Joker need Batman, or is it Batman who needs the Joker? And they tackle the contentious debate — who was the best Joker?