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1 Superhero Stories and Why They Matter: the Hero's Journey Of Running Head: THE HERO’S JOURNEY OF SPIDERMABLE 1 Superhero Stories and Why They Matter: The Hero’s Journey of SpiderMable on Twitter By Matty Flores Submitted to the Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Communications and Technology July 1, 2017 THE HERO’S JOURNEY OF SPIDERMABLE 2 Acknowledgements This research would not have been possible without the guidance of the Master of Arts and Communications Technology faculty, the continuous camaraderie and support of my cohort, and the direction of my supervisor Dr. Rob McMahon. Thanks Rob for your feedback throughout the process. I would also like to acknowledge my family (Dan, Joyce, and Anne) for believing in me, and my friends who motivated me throughout this journey. Thanks to my support network Rachelle, Trish, and Kris; and Dr. David Black who encouraged me to further my education. Finally, I would like to thank Mable (SpiderMable) for which this research project is based upon, and her mother Lisa for sharing their perspective and story. Thank you SpiderMable for being an inspirational role-model to me and demonstrating the superpower of real-life superheroes… you were able to bring together an entire city, and encourage others to believe that with courage, determination, and hope that anything is possible. You truly make the universe a better place. THE HERO’S JOURNEY OF SPIDERMABLE 3 Table of Contents Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................ 3 Abstract ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1: Research Investigation .............................................................................................. 7 Purpose of Study ......................................................................................................................... 7 Background ................................................................................................................................. 9 Origin of SpiderMable .............................................................................................................. 10 Preview of Literature ................................................................................................................ 12 Preview of Methodology........................................................................................................... 13 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 2: Literature Review .................................................................................................... 15 Overview ................................................................................................................................... 15 Search Strategy ......................................................................................................................... 16 Eligibility Criteria ..................................................................................................................... 17 Data Management ..................................................................................................................... 17 Synthesis of research findings and themes ............................................................................... 18 2a. Superheroes and comics ....................................................................................................... 18 History of Superheroes.............................................................................................................. 18 Impact of Superheroes on Public Culture ................................................................................. 19 Potential Benefits of Superheroes ............................................................................................. 20 Real-Life Heroes ....................................................................................................................... 21 Everyone’s A Superhero ........................................................................................................... 22 2b. Storytelling (The Hero’s Journey) ...................................................................................... 23 The Hero’s Journey (Monomyth) ............................................................................................. 23 2c. Social Influence and Engagement ........................................................................................ 24 Impact of Superheroes on Individuals ...................................................................................... 24 Impact of Superheroes on Society ............................................................................................ 26 Social Influence and Engagement............................................................................................. 27 2d. Social media and networking............................................................................................... 28 Social media content sharing .................................................................................................... 28 Social media connections.......................................................................................................... 29 Example: #Batkid...................................................................................................................... 30 2e. Culture and Theory............................................................................................................... 30 Social Cognitive Theory ........................................................................................................... 31 THE HERO’S JOURNEY OF SPIDERMABLE 4 Symbolic Interactionism Theory............................................................................................... 31 Self and Identity ........................................................................................................................ 32 Reference Group Theory and Reference Idols.......................................................................... 32 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 33 Chapter 3: Research Design and Methodology ........................................................................ 34 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 35 Research Design........................................................................................................................ 35 Research Method....................................................................................................................... 37 Participants................................................................................................................................ 39 Setting ....................................................................................................................................... 40 Instrument ................................................................................................................................. 40 Procedures ................................................................................................................................. 42 Analysis..................................................................................................................................... 44 Summary ................................................................................................................................... 47 Chapter 4: Findings and Discussion.......................................................................................... 48 Analysis 1:................................................................................................................................. 52 Analysis 2:................................................................................................................................. 59 Analysis 3:................................................................................................................................. 65 Analysis 4:................................................................................................................................. 75 Chapter 5: Conclusion ................................................................................................................ 78 References .................................................................................................................................... 82 Appendices ................................................................................................................................... 90 Appendix A - Information Letter and Consent Form ............................................................... 90 Appendix B – Interview Questions ........................................................................................... 92 Appendix C – Definitions: Twitter Metrics (Union Metrics) ................................................... 92 THE HERO’S JOURNEY OF SPIDERMABLE 5 Abstract Stories help us to connect and communicate with each other. Throughout history, the collection of these stories developed into the mythology of a culture and way to share and understand
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