Originally Published in Madras Courier
Editorial Note
Western superheroes influence our thinking, shape our world views, and act as instruments of cultural imperialism.
On a May afternoon in 2001, nine-year-old Julian Roman climbed to his apartment roof in Bedford Park, the Bronx. Friends said he had jumped between rooftops, emulating his favourite superhero. This time, witnesses said, he yelled “Look, I’m Superman” before leaping. He fell five storeys and died. Three years later in Kolkata, nine-year-old Reshmi Roy died attempting to spin like Shaktimaan, a towel tied around her as a costume.