I am curious about whether this applies to other individuals. If someone thinks of Gandhi, does it have the same effect? Jesus, I wonder? Perhaps those that believe in an occasionally jealous, wrathful God who is also occasionally loving and kind would be more likely to be charitable than those who believe in an all-loving God.
This study reminds me of an 18th century thinker who suggested that we should not read stories of fantastic heroics (if the purpose is moral education), but we should read books about people who sacrifice a great deal for the sake of doing what is right. So another possibility might be that we tend not to think of Superman as really sacrificing anything.
I also wonder if the era and means of exposure to Superman has an effect. I have a Superman radio program from the 1940's on tape that is a propoganda tool for the Marshall Plan. Batman is kidnapped by some isolationists who oppose the plan and Superman and Robin try to save him. Would people who grew up listening to that kind of Superman be more or less inclined to charity (when thinking of Superman)?
Another question is whether one's background has an effect on one's response. Perhaps those with humanities backgrounds would respond in an opposite way from those with engineering and business backgrounds. Or perhaps poor people would respond differently from wealthy people or people of a big metropolis from a small Kansas town...
Of course, the study referenced here is much too limited to answer any of these questions. |
