Secrets

Superheroes (and Villains) lead a double life - they lead an alternate life in secret and have to constantly protect the alternative in whatever way possible, always and only. But like everyone else, they long to be ordinary yet can never be. They long to share a 'normal' life with someone else but are unable to. It has been Superman's trial, Batman and Spiderman's as well; even Daredevil and many others.

Torn between their humanity and 'super/uber-human(ity)', they often have to choose. Yet the choice has never quite been offered; it never really was a choice to begin with. They would protect their secret in order to keep others safe and, often, in fear of what others might think.

I chanced upon today's episode of 'Smallville' whilst whiling away a 'no-life' Friday night. Challenged by a girl named Alicia, who incidentally possesses unique powers like Clark, to tell the people of Smallville about themselves so that everyone could come to not fear what they do not understand, Clark refuses. In a series of events, Alicia is murdered and Clark, in his depression, admits that he did not do so because he feared - of what others might think of him if they knew about his powers.

Earlier, Chloe learns of Clark's powers in a set up accident by Alicia. Wanting to confront Clark, Chloe is stopped by Lois who counsels her that people keep secrets for a reason - even from the ones they are closest to ...

It's got me thinking again - about myself and having to cope with being 'different'. We often judge others before we know them. And we often fear what we do not know - difference; people who are different, situations that are different. Perhaps like Clark, that is why I choose to keep secrets about myself even from the ones that I'm closest too. I too fear the unacceptance that comes with being different. It is not dishonesty. It is merely the fear of losing someone you care for ...