I believe family historians and genealogists possess superhero powers, traits, abilities, skills, and senses.
Superhero – one possessing extraordinary talents, supernatural phenomena, or superhuman powers and dedicated to protecting the public. Superheroes follow a strong moral code which includes a willingness to risk one’s own safety in good service without expectation of reward. They are motivated by responsibility and often assume secret identities. Most superheroes work through the night; some only work at night. Their headquarters or base of operations is usually hidden from the general public. Many superheroes work independently; however, some superheroes are more powerful as a group.
Can you already see the similarities?
Let’s review a few of the popular superheroes and their traits that
family historians and genealogists share.
Batman
Genius-level intellect
Peak mental conditioning
Master detective, escapologist, strategist, and tactician
Use of high-tech equipment and gadgets
Master of stealth and disguise
Advanced technological proficiency
Excellent observational skills
Access to vast records
Trained computer hacker
Photographic memory
Awake all night
Young sidekick named Robin
… written into the story to attract youth.
Superman
Superhuman hearing, longevity, stamina, and intelligence
Multiple extrasensory and vision powers
Leaps through brick walls
Stands for truth and justice
Wonder Woman
Super strength, agility, reflexes, senses, stamina, and endurance
Magical Weaponry including the Lasso of Truth
The Flash
Super speed
Time travel
Supercharged brain activity
Probability prediction
Enhanced strength, endurance and agility
Velocity sharpened perceptions
Accelerated reflexes
Green Lantern
Higher sense of awareness
Time-space manipulation
Large scale reality manipulation
Aquaman
Able to speak and understand any language on Earth
Green Arrow
Intelligent tactician
Trained computer hacker
Peak mental condition
Use of high tech vehicles and gadgets
Captain Marvel
Superhuman strength, speed, stamina and courage
Genius-level intellect
Incredible Hulk
Superhuman strength – breaks through brick walls
Spider-Man
Superhuman strength, speed, agility, stamina, reflexes, and endurance
Ability to cling to most surfaces
Genius-level intellect
Iron Man
Genius-level intellect
Highly proficient scientist, engineer, and businessperson
Superhuman strength and durability
Regenerative life support (sometimes powered by solar power)
Captain America
Master agility expert and tactician
Excellent field commander
Bionic Woman
Amplified Hearing
Strengthened right arm
Jumps over brick walls
Six Million Dollar Man
Enhanced strength, speed, and vision
Eye has 20:1 zoom lens and infrared capabilities
Power of a bulldozer – breaks through brick walls
Did you identify any powers, traits, abilities, skills, and senses that
you have as a family historian or genealogist? Leave your thoughts in the
comments.
Superhero traits listed above were found on Wikipedia.
I definitely relate to working through the night! I like the part about "probability prediction" - that's what makes researching family history so fun. I don't think I've really come up against any figurative brick walls, yet, being relatively new to the whole genealogy obsession, but when I do, I'll remember that it's not my "kryptonite" and I can push through!
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