The Psychology of the Costume

**Navigating the World in Superhero Attire: A Lesson from Aikido**

After class, I found myself engaged in Aikido training with Kevin, a seasoned practitioner in his late 60s. Our recent sessions revolved around ground wrestling, an unexpected twist to my usual Aikido routine. Kelvin, with his Japanese heritage, brought a unique approach to our training—complete with unexpected facial expressions that threw me off my game. For the next 20 minutes, we engaged in a playful exchange, making kissy faces and Google eyes, testing our concentration amidst the physical challenges.

Post-exercise, Kevin shared insights into the physiology of Aikido and its relevance to the world around us. “The only thing you can control is how you breathe,” he emphasized. Aikido, according to Kelvin, is about receiving attacks and redirecting them. Physical conflict, he stressed, marks the end of a situation, not its beginning. This philosophy extends to controlling a situation through personal attitude, redirecting force, and choosing an appropriate response.

How does this philosophy tie into the realm of dressing like a superhero?

Choosing to don a costume or uniform immediately alters the world’s perception based on preconceived notions and experiences. Different clothes convey different meanings. A police or military uniform signifies authority, a lab coat implies a medical professional, and superhero attire often elicits a bewildered “What the F—?” response. This initial contact sets the stage for the ensuing interaction, influencing its outcome.

Having encountered numerous Real-Life Superheroes (RLSH) in my relatively short career, I’ve observed that a visually intimidating appearance often provokes negative reactions. People tend to make swift assumptions based on visual cues, and an RLSH who appears menacing may inadvertently trigger hostility. Even my armor, intended to look impressive, sometimes conveys an aggressive tone. To counterbalance this, I’ve taken to wearing a cape during functions to offset the aggressive appearance.

So, what’s the solution?

Earlier, I discussed evaluating personal goals, and the same principle applies to choosing attire. Dressing in spandex and a cape commands attention, even if the reaction is amusement or derision. In this state, an RLSH can effectively present their cause or issue, akin to carrying a billboard. The advantage lies in the universally understood and respected image of a “Superhero,” representing ideals of Truth and Justice.

The superhero concept, I believe, holds a certain purity in the collective public consciousness. These characters embody simplistic ideas of doing right in the face of adversity, concepts that still resonate with us. Utilizing this concept provides a degree of control over any situation, be it fighting crime or engaging in charity work. By dressing as a superhero, a person can shape external perceptions and influence their role—whether they act as the receiver (Nage) or initiator (Uke) in a situation.

For some, avoiding initial confrontation by adopting a stealth approach is preferable. This method conceals true intentions, offering a valid operational strategy. However, for those opting for a more visible superhero persona, the attire becomes a powerful tool. Captain Jackson’s experience of criminals running at the mere sight of him demonstrates the visual deterrent effect. Living an open life, as I do, makes me accountable to the public, ensuring a positive and responsible representation.

In conclusion, dressing like a superhero builds trust with the public. We, as RLSH, stand for ideals, and the trust we build should not be broken. Our attire dictates the beginning of our relationship with the outside world. As we approach the public, we become the receiver (Nage), redirecting external reactions and maintaining composure. Our iconic superhero image channels our intentions to the world, holding us accountable for our actions based on the projected image. Ultimately, dressing like a superhero is a way to establish a relationship between ourselves and the community we aim to serve.

[Note: The views and comments expressed by Zetaman do not necessarily reflect the views of the RLSH community.]

Zetaman, a costumed activist in Portland, Oregon, can be found at [his site](http://www.zetaman.tv) or contacted via email at zetaman@zetaman.tv.