With the release of Avengers: Infinity War, Marvel celebrates ten years amassing the money-makingest film franchise in history. They’ve also made some really great movies. And mixed in amongst the epic battles, amazing effects, and side-splitting one-liners there lies a wealth of character-building wisdom. One might even say gems of wisdom.
Just a little over a year into the MCU Decade, I became a father. Few things have given me more joy as a dad than introducing my son to these characters and these films… at age appropriate times, of course. đŸ˜‰
So as a galactic-sized THANK YOU to Marvel and Disney, I’ve pulled together 10 of the great life lessons I’ve gleaned from the films. While my intention was to impart these nuggets to my kiddo, they’ve certainly taught me a thing or two, too.
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1. KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
Superheroes don’t just throw big punches, they’re also often very, very smart. Geniuses Bruce Banner, Shuri, and Tony Stark have used their knowledge of science and technology to give them an edge against that universe’s bullies. Just don’t rely too much on your smarts, or you might accidentally create a sentient robot set on destroying humanity.
2. THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL HYGIENE
Whether it’s maintaining an immaculate mane…
…showing off your winning smile…
…or preventing the spread of germs,
…the Avengers have proven time and again that it’s not only important to do good, but to also look good doing it.
3. THE IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY DIET
These perfect physical specimens weren’t created in a lab (okay, except Captain America… and Hulk, I guess). In addition to the aforementioned grooming habits, Marvel’s superheroes are clearly committed to feeding their bodies with a variety of healthy foods.
So the next time your (and by your, I mean my) kid complains about their meal, remind them that if a Russian spy, a Norse god, a formerly freeze-dried dude from the 40s, and a green rage monster can learn to like shawarma, they can stomach a piece of damn broccoli.
4. MANNERS COUNT
Just because you’re saving the world doesn’t mean you have to be rude about it. There’s always time for proper manners.
For example: Saying hello to a neighbor…
Using your inside voice…
Or by conversing calmly and rationally, without resorting to anger or profanity.
5. SOMETIMES FRIENDS FIGHT…
…BUT TRUE FRIENDS ALWAYS MAKE UP
6. GIRLS KICK ASS
While superherodom is still far and away a boys club, Marvel has introduced us to some fierce females over the last ten years. Whether spy, soldier, scientist, or sorceress, these are characters both girls and boys can look up to. And be a little afraid of, too.
Black Widow in Iron Man 2 (2010)
Okoye in Black Panther (2018)
Scarlet Witch in Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)
The Wasp in Ant-Man (2015)
Nebula in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Shuri in Black Panther (2018)
Peggy Carter in Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
7. EVEN SUPERHEROES HAVE BAD DAYS
8. DREAM BIG!
Solving life’s big problems requires big imaginations… and thinking (way) outside the box. Whatever your goals — making good grades, getting in shape, learning to fly, becoming the ruler of a secret, high-tech, warrior nation — the sky truly is the limit when you look to The Avengers for inspiration.
9. THERE’S NO “I” IN “TEAM” (OR IN “AVENGERS”)
In the words of another heroic super group, “What’s gonna work? TEAM-work!”
Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of adversaries — or inspiration into the hearts of admirers — than when a group of good guys stand together to take on the bad guys.
But it’s not just about dramatically synchronized poses. The Avengers (and The Guardians of the Galaxy to a lesser degree; The Revengers even less so) know that they’re always going to be more powerful, more effective, and more AWESOME when they work as a team.
Here’s hoping the team can all get back together before too long… đŸ™�
10. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, DANCE!
In addition to kicking all of the butt, Marvel’s superheroes must also be applauded for their ability to balance heroic earnestness with refreshing bursts of fun.
Nothing breaks up the monotony of battling evil like a dance break — sometimes it even saves the galaxy.
Whether its behind the scenes or in character, there’s no doubt these guys and gals (and robots and monsters and bugs and raccoons and trees) are having the time of their lives…
…even while the world is falling apart around them.
Counting the days until the next big superhero dance party!
What’s a life lesson you’ve learned from the MCU? Share it in the comments or as a gif on social media!
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Boogie on over to Designer Daddy’s Facebook page, where the party never stops!
