An Ultraman paradox

This morning, Maomao encountered his classmate in front of the kindergarten gate and Maomao mentioned to his little friend that he created three ultraman with Lego bricks and he always played the ultraman VS monster game with daddy at home. I did not realize how important ultraman was to my little boy’s school social life until hearing what he said.

I have always known about ultraman and understood that boys love those masculine and powerful superheroes. When Maomao told me he wanted an ultraman figure, I immediately bought two for the boys. I also led them into the store and asked them pick the ultraman figures they like. My support for their interest in this animation character was obvious. However when I opened a box of ultraman cards I ordered for them online, I saw dozens of monsters with truly spooky and bizarre looking and  violent description, and these made me wonder whether the ultraman culture was age appropriate for my kids.

And the above photo is not the worst in the cards! Young children’s eyes should be exposed to the beauty of the world and seeing these ugly and spooky monsters I believe does no good to them.

Also personally, I do not think ultraman is a hero, or at least not a hero on a daily basis. Ultraman is a violent and powerful animation figure, while a hero in life is someone who uses his or her wits to solve problems.

So, to support or to dispel?

Maybe I should introduce more heroes into my boys’ lives.