About The ProjectAbout The Project
Do you recognize a superhero when you look one in the face? Do you think such men and women truly exist? If not, then look. And think again.
Indeed, there is a real subculture of genuine heroes, that bridge the gap between the fantastic and the practical. Anonymous and selfless, they choose every day, to make a difference in the world around them. Whether it be feeding the hungry, comforting the sick, or cleaning up their neighborhoods, they save real lives in very real ways. These are not “kooks in costumes,” as they may seem at first glance. They are, simply put, a radical response… to a radical problem.
So who are these modern day heroes? They are our neighbors, our friends, our family members. They are artists, musicians, athletes, and yes, politicians. Their actions serve as reminders that as most giving today has become reactive—digital and removed, temporarily soothing our guilt and feelings of helplessness—we have blinded ourselves to simple principles and practice of compassion and goodwill.
Photographer Peter Tangen has earned the trust of this loose network, to visually document the genuine power of these individuals—and in the process, reveal the soul behind their endeavor.
At first, The Real Life Superhero Project was conceived as an avenue to shine some light on this new breed of activism and altruism, through a photographic installation to benefit the established organizations the superheroes believe in. But as more people were brought into the wholly volunteer project, largely through Tangen’s infectious enthusiasm, the scope and purpose expanded exponentially.
Now, what began as a gallery exhibit, has come to serve as the launching pad of something far greater—a living, breathing community that inspires people to become the positive forces for change we all can be. To become more active, more involved, more committed, and perhaps, a little super in the process.
The website you have arrived at is your starting point. Look around, learn, absorb and ultimately, act. Here you’ll find continually evolving content, offering fresh insights into the superheroes themselves and opportunities for you to become involved, as well as news about the project and its progress. And hopefully, you will come to realize that it doesn’t take a cape to go out and help someone, just the desire to become an active force in your own life, and see how that can affect others.
Through The Real Life Superhero Project, Tangen asks you, the viewer to embrace the intention of the heroes, to take a moment to discover the morality and conscience behind their actions, and ultimately, make the commitment to making a difference yourself.
Celebrate and honor them. And find the hero in all of us.
Im just an ordinary guy i know that now, but what i also know is that i have potential, i can be a super hero all i need to do is beleive im a super hero. thank you guy’s for making me beleive in myself again
I don’t have a comment other than my own admiration for what you and yours are doing, but I have a question: If I understand correctly, one of the founders of this site, Zetman, is also a graphic artist. Would it be posssible to contact him through this site?
Hello All. I would like to inform you about an area just outside of Philadelphia. It’s in Delaware County and it’s name is Chester, PA. It is riddled with crime and corruption. If any have the ability to help, may I suggest looking into it.
Also, for those of you that are fabricating your own tools, may I suggest looking into NextFab Studio. You can learn specific skills needed to create your own devices or design it and have someone else build it for you. Here is the link: http://nextfabstudio.com/about
Be careful out there and keep up the good work. If I can be of any assistance you may call on me and I will do what I can. Thank you.
~C
you know i actually considered suicide untill i found out about this site, guess you guyz were the inspriration i needed to have the will to keep on living guess i owe youse alot, i dont think your rlsh movement is crazy though alota people do, dont really care what anyone else says i aplaud you for trying to make the world a better place
Is anyone here in Maryland?
this awesome ive always been a fan of superheroes!!!!!
What do I have to do in order to become a superhero? P.s. u guys r awesome.
THIS ISN’T A GAME YOU IDIOT!!! This is about saving people, doing what’s right, and doing whatever it takes to do whatever you can to help!! This isn’t some huge publicity stunt! Those of you that are here today to find a way to become famous, or become a hero for publicity go f*** yourself!!!!!!!!!!
I need to get a grip but still, to do this for publicity isn’t the right way, the right way is to do it to help people.
Dark Spider founder of the New Warriors
Out
Right now in New south wales (australia) crazy stuff is going down, Bikers are being shot up, Ice and speed are tearing familys apart and destroying lives along the way, a new wave of knife culture has began, tagging, gang beatings, destruction of pubic utilitys and property.
I live in a quite little blue mountains town that will be named k-town for now, in my entire life never have i heard of so many people being randomly beaten down within such a matter of week’s. its gone from a once a year thing to a nearly very week ordeal and iv had enough. my best mate who has a kid and wife had thier house broken into, had it not been for the family dog who knows what would have happened. and this is a small town. It’s not even the big city sydney.
And if the local police wont stop them, then I will.
I thought being a super hero was just some crazy thought iv had for a few years, now I see it’s not.
Most respect fellas, thank you for leading the charge.
Anyone in Canada? Or do I need to start a branch on my own.
This is great and all but needa recruit more.
Here is a question to all those super heroes out there.
It is clear that if you plan on doing more than helping the homeless and cleaning litter that physical violence is almost assured. My question is what type of protection do you use?
I have looked at the gallery of heroes listed here and it certinly seems that a knife or a gun would spell the end of quite a few of them.
My name is Guardian Angel, and I came to help. While where I live is not exactly a big city like I want it to be (its a pretty small town in MI), I still am trying to rise up in the society and help anyone who needs it. Whether it be a source of true help, or some reassurance and comfort (Depression, aggravation, etc.), I try to keep up w/ my namesake. So to those who see only the darkness ahead in life, your light is here.