Hollywood movie plots can be so far removed from reality that the viewer has to wonder which planet the protagonist and antagonist are actually playing out their epic conflicts. Mega-bombs, apocalyptic super viruses, shoot-outs were no one runs out of ammunition, or an insane high speed chase through congested city streets. All so extravagant in their role playing that you're left with a sense of disbelief and amazement (if not nausea) at the utter silliness of how Hollywood interprets modern conflict. But hey, what's a superhero without a super villain and super conflict, eh? That's what makes it fun!
Unfortunately, the modern day domestic superheroes - firefighters, EMS, and police officers are fighting their own epic battles without the special effects glamour and dramatic music of our movie guardians. The villains, however, are very real and very dangerous.
In Gotham, Batman is the dark guardian who protects the vulnerable citizens with is wit, technology, and understanding of the criminal mind. He protects without pay, union intervention, wanted attention or political gain - the perfect protector. However, set this Hollywood plot in any "real" city and Batman's actions would garner politically motivated elected officials to cut paid emergency responders under the semblance of saving tax-payer dollars. Tax dollars collected, in part, to pay for the protection of emergency responders… it's a vicious revolving plot played out in nearly every city in the U.S. and Canada. After all, if Batman is willing to protect Gotham's citizens for free, why pay for first responders?
Makes you wonder which of Gotham's fictitious villains actually occupy your, very real, City Hall.
Batman, where are you?!
.
Comment
You can carry this over to volunteers as well. We are in a constant battle with local elected officials about money, even though we volunteer our time and account for 1/2 of 1% of our town's budget. It continues to be targeted and sliced. Maybe when it gets down to zero, Batman will come and help us.
Hy Paul, Great drawing and comment and if you'll find Batman, tell him we need him too!
Oh, and I can't even begin to tell you how much fun I had drawing the "old-school" Caped Crusader and his Joker and Penguin foes! I love my job:)
The login above DOES NOT provide access to Fire Engineering magazine archives. Please go here for our archives.
Our contributors' posts are not vetted by the Fire Engineering technical board, and reflect the views and opinions of the individual authors. Anyone is welcome to participate.
For vetted content, please go to www.fireengineering.com/issues.
We are excited to have you participate in our discussions and interactive forums. Before you begin posting, please take a moment to read our community policy page.
Be Alert for Spam
We actively monitor the community for spam, however some does slip through. Please use common sense and caution when clicking links. If you suspect you've been hit by spam, e-mail peter.prochilo@clarionevents.com.
Check out the most recent episode and schedule of UPCOMING PODCASTS
45 members
116 members
62 members
73 members
166 members
65 members
277 members
510 members
10 members
106 members
© 2024 Created by fireeng. Powered by
FE Home | Product Center | Training | Zones | Fire-EMS | Firefighting | Apparatus | Health/Safety | Leadership | Prevention | Rescue |
You need to be a member of Fire Engineering Training Community to add comments!
Join Fire Engineering Training Community