In this day and age, we’re born and bred into a culture that pushes us to become increasingly self-sufficient. With a plethora of technologies and do-it-yourself devices at our fingertips, we possess an unprecedented level of control over our own personal goals and achievements.
· Want to get fit without hiring a personal trainer? Buy a home gym, and you’ll have ripped abs in less time than it takes for you to complete the order form!
· Looking for directions, but don’t want to face the embarrassment of asking a random person on the street? Punch the address into your GPS, and you’ll be there in no time!
But in light of all these advancements, are we forgetting the value of seeking out others for help? Have we built up such individualistic mindsets, that it may even convey weakness or ineptitude if we ask for assistance?
I would argue that even the most determined, most capable individuals in our society would have to admit that sometimes, we all require the support and aid of those around us.
Lonelyyyy…I am so lonelyyy…
For as much recognition as is lavished upon comic book superheroes for their awesome powers and spectacular exploits, comparatively little attention is paid to the supporting characters that play vital roles in their lives. Oh, sure, we see Batman delivering Gotham City from its many insane criminals, Superman ensuring that justice is kept throughout the ends of the universe, and Spiderman web-slinging from one building to the next to ensure that New York remains safe and sound. But though we so readily acknowledge these godlike beings as fearless, indestructible, and capable of handling any sort of adversity, one has to wonder whether they’d really be able to hold their lives together without the aid of those close to them…
“Ugh. This mansion’s getting pretty dirty; I gotta get me a few of those Roomba’s, because the Swiffer just isn’t cutting it with all this floor space. Hm, what’s for dinner tonight? Takeout, again? I wish I had a maid/personal chef/close friend all wrapped up in one…that’d sure make my life a lot easier.”
“Whew, I’m tired...Been swinging from building to building all night, and there hasn’t even been a single crime yet! And on top of that, I still have to finish up my homework and do the dishes before bedti—AWWW, MAN!!! Got bird droppings on my outfit again! Stupid pigeons!!! Ok, that’s it… The police department better start putting up Help Wanted ads, because I’m not doing this anymore.”
“Sigh…all these superpowers don’t mean a thing when it comes to women. How was I supposed to know she wanted roses instead of tulips? Just because I have X-ray vision, doesn’t mean I can read minds!!! Cut a guy some slack here…”
Everybody Needs Somebody, Sometimes
The life of a sidekick or supporting character is never easy. Such roles are often underappreciated and overlooked. Some might even suggest that their purposes are insignificant and meaningless – that they are no more than butlers, clingy girlfriends or glorified wingmen. Yet despite this seemingly trivial capacity by which many seem to measure their existence, those who take a closer look can no doubt admit that their impact on these characters is indispensable. They counsel and affirm our beloved protagonists when the rest of the public stands against them. They remind the heroes of their purpose when they’re discouraged, or when they question their own motives for continuing to fight the good fight. And to a certain extent, they can even temper the sting of loneliness that comes with the job. These confidantes comprehend and assist these heroes in a manner that few can, and hence play a huge part in preserving the perceptions that we have of them today. For every Batman, Superman and Spiderman who has been out and about saving the world, there has been a Robin, Lois Lane, or Aunt May who have acted as constant pillars of support throughout their time together.
I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
So, why deal with the hassle of interacting with other people? Why account for their schedules, their perspectives, or even their personalities? Why try to partner with them when you can seemingly accomplish something faster, more efficiently, and simply better on your own?
There comes a point at which even the strongest of us reach a breaking point if we try to go it alone. Much as we may try to deny it, we’re confined by our human limitations- physical and mental fatigue, emotional distress, or even a lack of resources, to name a few.
These bounds are unavoidable, and as such, only allow us to do so much as individuals. However, therein lies the irony of cooperating with those around us- though teamwork has the potential to make things more inefficient and more difficult in some cases, this also offers us the capacity to accomplish greater things than any singular individual would on his own.
Thus, it seems that true change in a community comes not only from having a self-motivated desire to help others, but in also learning to accept the support of others, and allowing them to help you as well. This grants a certain sense of empowerment upon those who provide the assistance, and in turn, these things done in a collaborative effort grant all involved a unique sense of triumph that is far greater than any individual sense of success.