The Philosophy of Spider-Man - Wisecrack Edition

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“With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility”- Uncle Ben’s famous lines have defined the inner struggle of everyone’s favorite web slinger across all of its 17,000 reboots. In this Wisecrack Edition, we explore how this mantra uniquely positions Spiderman as a reflection of American international relations. Just as America struggles with how it should responsibly wield its immense power and resources, so too does Peter struggle with how to responsibly use his powers as Spiderman. By drawing upon thinkers William V Spanos, Sacvan Bercovich and other International Relations theorists, we’ll uncover the philosophies that make Spiderman the quintessential American Superhero, and make some predictions as to how these philosophies will carry over in to Spiderman: Homecoming.
=== More Episodes! ===
What Went Wrong? ASSASSIN'S CREED ► wscrk.com/AsnCrdWE
What Went Wrong? MATRIX RELOADED ► wscrk.com/MtrxRldWE
Philosophy of LOGAN ► wscrk.com/LoganWE
What Went Wrong? BATMAN v SUPERMAN ► wscrk.com/BtvSpWE
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Written by: Tommy Cook
Research by: Guy Risko
Narrated by: Jared Bauer
Directed by: Robert Tiemstra
Edited by: Ryan Hailey (www.ryanhaileydotcom.com/)
Assistant Editor: Andrew Nishimura
Motion Graphics by: Drew Levin
Produced by: Emily Dunbar
© 2017 Wisecrack, Inc.

[@alexsmith2910]

Guys, Wisecrack does not say they support these views. They are talking about American exceptionalism regardless of their own beliefs. As they do with all the philosophies covered on this channel.

[@Greggers1516]

Alex Smith I support these views cause America is the best country in the world

[@danielsuelzle4364]

@oxi ?? What do you mean not yet? Critique America all day, I'll probably agree with you, but it's still the greatest country in the world

[@charlescalthrop2535]

Daniel Suelzle It isn’t. Not by a long way. I am American as well, but that doesn’t mean I think the US is good.

[@tylerR512]

@@danielsuelzle4364 you fail when you perceive great as fact and not bias

[@MarkyMark1221]

wrath depends on his criteria for great

[@zanetruesdale8336]

"Will the Daily Bugle look like buzzfeed" Oh gosh please no

[@andreas4010]

that coulb be an interesting change

[@EmilioReyes_97]

guy random Funny as helll too....actually it would make Jamisons behavior make SO MUCH SENSE!

[@christianburkhart6632]

Zane Truesdale what Spider-Man movie are you? What Spider-Man villain are you?

[@ZS05]

Emilio Reyes lol I want to see Buzzfeed Jameson. "Get me pictures of Spiderman in a bikini!"

[@darwinxavier3516]

Oh please. The Daily Bugle was already a piece of shit tabloid pretending to be news. Vapid sensationalism, fear mongering, biased agendas. The only real difference would be cutting the cost of actually printing on paper.

[@tommywilliams9497]

"will the daily bugle be like buzzfeed?" J jonah jameson: Parker! where are those pictures of manspreading?!

[@rockyblacksmith]

Judging by what the trailers revealed about the vulture, Homecoming might adress inequality to a degree. "Those people up there, they don't care about us" "He does corrupt things in order to fight what he sees as corruption" The vulture is a result of the actions of the Avengers, picking up their scraps and using them for his own enrichment. My guess is that people like Iron Man are willing to overlook this black market, since they know that their own actions are it's cause, as well as knowing that they can not erradicate it. Peter on the other hand still has a comparatively naive understanding of justice, meaning he can't just overlook the vulture's actions. While previous Spiderman incarnations have been faced with the consequences of their inaction, this one is faced with the consequences of the actions of his mentor, as well as the collateral damage of his own imperfect acts. If they actually go through with the philosophical concepts, this might turn out to be a really interesting one, exploring American identity more than anything else.

[@Dontlookjustwatch]

I just wanted to read some comments about Spider-man, but all I found was everyone being offended...

[@vinceamaro1382]

These guys don't go along, did they?

[@battleupsaber462]

Philosophy of Spider-Man: 1. Get bitten by a spider 2. Learn that with great power comes great responsibility (preferably when Uncle Ben dies) 3. Go through relationship drama with Mary Jane/Gwen/Harry/Aunt May/all of the above 4. Go through school/work problems with 5. Have someone who you knew personally somehow become a supervillain 6. Fight and make quips 7. Get a loved one kidnapped and/or killed 8. Mope and attend funerals (Optional: contemplate if you still want to be Spider-Man) 9. ??? 10. Go back to 3

[@markotuna]

10- PROFIT! 11- ok now go to 3 :D

[@battleupsaber462]

marko cinut Unless Sony decides your movie didn't make them enough $$$, in which case go back to 1.

[@timy9197]

More of a checklist than a philosophy but yeah pretty much.

[@thisisfyne]

New philosophy of Spider-Man: 1. Get bitten by a spider (we assume) 2. Learn that with great power comes great responsibility (we assume) 3. Meet Tony Stark 4. ??? 5. PROFIT

[@andreacazares2316]

11. Dance like a Hitler emo worst John Travolta impression ever. I know that everyone see that coming, even in philosophy!

[@Randy-pd1od]

"And the economy seems to be doing pretty well, the stock market at least"-Wisecrack 2017 "Ouf"- Me 2020

[@ianwhippie2533]

I'd love to see a follow-up video to this including homecoming, feel like it adds a LOT more to this discussion

[@Non-Legit]

How?

[@ianwhippie2533]

@Controlled-Chaos this comment was 4 years ago I have no idea anymore I'd need to re-watch the video lol

[@emirinobambino]

For whatever reason, people are really projecting on this Wisecrack episode. Never once did Jared say that America needs to lead the world, merely that the country tries to--which is true. American Exceptionalism was never praised in this episode, but simply noted that it exists in contemporary America--which it does. You don't like the neo-liberal, power hungry, puritanical nature of America? Great, neither do I, but to reach that Jared was arguing that the viewer should embrace these ideas is nonsensical; evidenced by Wisecrack heavily criticizing these aspects of America.

[@sum_moss9092]

Bryce finally someone who doesn't jump to conclusions about the people of wisecrack

[@PsychopathUltimate]

Finally, someone with a pair of brain cells to rub together.

[@JonConstruct]

Bryce Thank you!

[@peliccan]

I scrolled down thousands of horribly written pissed off comments just to find you, someone who doesn't immediately judge and call a video propaganda.

[@shadowruler421]

Bryce Out of curiosity, are you American? I'm just interested in knowing, not gonna use it to argue or anything

[@uwu7595]

*Wisecrack:* "So uh, these are the different philosophy's about US foreign policy that can be seen in these different Spider Man movies." *Comment Section:* "Pssshhhhhh *CLEARLY* propaganda!!!!!"

[@penguinpanda00]

At least someone gets it I feel like I'm losing my mind reading these comments.

[@TheBluMeeny]

Somebody pin this.

[@rouca3336]

I know. How ironic to call Wisecrack stupid for making this video when these people clearly didn't listen to it.

[@gregotox]

but its not propaganda if its american, duh

[@uwu7595]

That's what I was getting at, I was mocking those who think that this video was an endorsement speech. I'm actually going to edit this comment to make it clearer.

[@TheDeathmail]

You know what I like about Spider-Man? He's the best (worst) parts of Batman and Superman. He has superhuman powers, but moves like a ninja, swinging using rope and tech. He has hyper intelligence, but is poor. He has a parent murdered in back story that traumatized him and made him a hero, but he's positive and hopeful. Known for being a geek loser, but also popular with the ladies. Forced to be alone, but has a true love that rhymes with pain. Has an outfit her made himself, but it's red and blue. His symbol is of something people fear, but made colorful and bright to give hope. The dark and the light; works at day and night. Being both a silent protector and an open guardian. Someone who would sneak up on the baddies, but go around the city for all to see. Suffers through out his story, but gets a happy ending. Spider-Man... is just awesome.

[@alexanderkoufakis3075]

Why are people whining about this? Just because Wisecrack highlights a certain philosophy doesn't mean they hold it themselves... You may not agree but that doesn't mean that that belief does not exist. At no point in the video is it said that any one of these concepts is correct or true.

[@nateg4031]

^^^^^

[@dannyp2970]

Exactly, I don't believe in these philosophies either, but the video doesn't side with anyone philosophy, it leaves you with questions that you have to answer yourself. It's a big part of what philosophers do. Too bad in this age of "fast media" people don't have time for critical thinking. Lots of people just assumed this video was trying to push American Exceptionalism, and didn't even bother to listen properly.

[@drgnwrr13]

I find it interesting that a lot of comments (that I have seen) are conflating discussion of philosophy with "propaganda" for said philosophy. Jared is not saying any of these ideas are good or right he is just discussing the various philosophies intrinsic to the character of Spider-Man and how that character relates to America.

[@robroux6074]

spider man doesn't releate to America , he hold more ties to NEW YORK, Stan Lee even said that NEW YORK and New YOrkers were also another Character to Spiderman. He tied America with Captain America.

[@peytongonavy]

I hope ya'll don't think Wisecrack actually supports American Exceptionalism. I promise you they don't

[@galling2052]

I hope so!

[@mikehawkertz9237]

Why not

[@iamukasa]

@@mikehawkertz9237 Vietnam, Afghanistan ,Iraq , Somalia....all the messes you've messing in other countries

[@davidludwig3975]

This was my favorite analysis of yours yet. While i sense you dont nevessarily adhere to this philosophy, i was impressed you acknowledged its existence. Great job!

[@issy785]

“With great power, THERE MUST ALSO come great responsibility.” No one ever gets it right smh

[@geminikid609]

How much does the meaning change?

[@issy785]

it’s the principle of the quote get it right or don’t say it at all 😐

[@geminikid609]

@@issy785 but if it's about principal then the meaning would of it would be changed if it isn't then this is just a nitpic

[@issy785]

geminikid609 only the real Spider-Man fans get the quote right 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@geminikid609]

@@issy785 the "real" spider man ? Smh gatekeeping for what reason

[@metalbalance]

"Just how American Spiderman truly is" even though ironically the last two actors to portray him on the big screen were British

[@Hamboogler]

Doesn't change the fact that the character portrayed is American.

[@9dragonsguy]

Comments here heavily conflating discussing the PHILOSOPHY of American exceptionalism with actually agreeing with it as a political direction. Not once did Wisecrack endorse these behaviors, they just explained where the ideas for them come from and how they apply to Spiderman's fundamentally American history.

[@DanielGomez-fk3on]

well than that is a lot of stupid people

[@partydean17]

NineDGuy it's a shame this comment only has a couple dozen likes while ones claiming wisecrack endorses American exceptionalism have hundreds.

[@CardboardArm]

I cannot upvote this comment enough. This video shows the parallels between American Exceptionalism and the themes in the Spiderman movies. What people think of the results of AE should be irrelevant.

[@doubled6490]

Never did Wisecrack even say that they arent. You cant just expect stuff like that.

[@partydean17]

Double D it's a philosophy video. In philosophy we look deep into all ways of thinking even if one doesn't agree. In my philosophy classes I consistently have to argue for ideas I do not fully believe myself and I often use analogys to further the point of said thinking

[@gahllib]

Yo, I have two very strong feelings about this video: 1. I'm loving the writing on this episode- its the best I've seen in like the past 10 wisecrack videos, and Jared's not in a slump- the complexity and philosophical connections are just remarkably good. Good job guys! 2. That said, the song that plays as BGM is literally stressed me out in a physical sense, because its so busy and nervous sounding. I actually stopped the video at one point to make sure that my phone wasn't playing some ringtone because I thought I was hearing two songs at once. I've never had that experience on any wisecrack video, or really any youtube video. that song must be cursed.

[@kindoflame]

I LOVE SPIDER-MAN! My favorite of his stories are the flat archs, where his ideals and morals are tested and his resilience is pushed to the limits. The best example of this is the Maximum Carnage storyline.

[@sirmcfluffy9256]

Philosophy of Archer

[@kaziislam2785]

Sir McFluffy and the satire of Archer

[@MrRASH-ig3vc]

" Leaving an astronaut to be with the broke as a joke Peter."

[@brewdaly1873]

I'd enjoy an update video like this since both Homecoming and Far From Home are out. I think the "With Great Power" quote is one of the most interesting and meaningful quotes in modern literature.

[@SirCamera]

Seeing a lot of people misunderstand this video, so let me explain: Wisecrack simply presents different philosophical viewpoints for us to contemplate. At no point do they EVER say "This is correct and this is how it should be." So no, this is not American propaganda. Bugger off.

[@luisaguilar7997]

lol no but i was also thrown off because he said he loved it because he represents the values that conform american ideology, which seemed odd, you could see it as he likes to toncemplate the character embody them or he likes the character because he embodies omething he agrees with, the confusion i believe is understandable

[@SantiYounger]

this is politics not philosophy, but very well made video!

[@jamestang1227]

his philosophy is never buy Uncle Ben's rice

[@diamondseraphin9794]

As an American these are the kind of ideologies that are perpetuated in American society and culture. But many Americans also see that America operates in direct contrast to these ideologies. But it is this kind of thinking that is encouraged, and subsequently, is used to justify doing terrible things. Basically, this is the ideology (rhetoric, propaganda however you want to see it) that is impressed upon the American people but it doesn't mean we all believe it or passively/actively support it. Lastly, I don't think Wisecrack's video was a subjective co-sign of the topic at hand. It's just an elaboration of a point of view. Personally, I should hope it's not something anybody agrees with whole heartedly. Edit: And Americans know how very disliked we are, that is not lost on us. I mean, look at the comment section. 😂😂😂 Second edit: And yes, if you love Spiderman (any American superhero really) but hate America you may have to reconcile that Spiderman is American made, and that means something you like is coming from a place you despise.

[@KuroNoTenno]

It's not that we foreigners just hate America, that would be stupid. We hate what the US goverment is doing to the world.

[@diamondseraphin9794]

KuroNoTenno Yes, I am sure. But not everyone has articulated themselves this way. That part was for those who claimed pointedly that they hate America/Americans or that Spiderman is great; it's just America that's terrible. Almost as if Spiderman, in no way, could not represent the ideologies presented in this video. I could understand other material (I saw a couple comments saying Batman would've been a better fit) being a better representation, but it's all just an analysis of a particular perspective.

[@aurenkleige]

KuroNoTenno Hate America, don't hate America, it does not matter here. This is a video for philosophical discourse and discussion, not for political debate. How about we change the subject to something more appropriate for this kind of medium, and stop this unnecessary bitching in the comments section?

[@ActivationComplete]

A lot of people are caught up between whether America should use it's power for it's constructed idea of 'good' or for selfish reasons. I'd argue it's probably healthier for the world if it doesn't use its power at all.

[@TheBluMeeny]

Extra Lemons Playing devil's advocate, but I think that would be entirely impossible, and a worse outcome for everybody else. If they had just stopped with the whole rest of the world business, and gone back to isolationism post war, I do think it probably would've turned out certainly much different. Again, playing devil's advocate, and to remind you of that fact, the atrocities committed since the end of the war are certainly not lost on me.

[@kmanjacker4737]

I ain't even American, but holy shit it's so easy to be patriotic towards them. It feels like a force is pulling at me to get an American flag and parade it down the street while singing the Team America theme song.

[@ilfurlano1228]

gay

[@manooxi327]

Can someone PLZ do tell what's the name of that damn song at the end its so toxic I love it it's fucking stuck in my head!

[@seanlambe9532]

"or will the daily bugle become buzz feed" I love it

[@frankbunny5959]

Weird. I've always loved Spider-Man because him being American has always seemed irrelevant. He is just a poor kid trying to survive in the world like 99% of the population of the Earth. That's why people all over the globe relate to him. Nothing to do with America.

[@JonConstruct]

Frank Rabbit But he is an American character and therefore can't be divorced from it. Just because his nationality didn't matter to you doesn't mean he and the stories about him don't reflect the society he sprang from.

[@frankbunny5959]

So does it matter that he is white?

[@seraphiv3]

the point is more that the character came from an american creator, so that he will have traits tied to base american values(the people's values, not the government's)

[@osvaldotellez2044]

Agree.

[@xxo-deathshot-oxx2047]

Protodood X Stan Lee is Jewish so...

[@jackkraus6948]

We need a homecoming follow-up video now that it's out!

[@monikaciemiega3392]

Is there a follow-up video to this, or are there any plans of making one? I'd love to hear the thoughts on the Marvel Spidey!

[@amirnurlanov4499]

I got an adverisement for a cat food "Felix". I don't have a kitty. I am sad.

[@DabiDavs]

Please do a video on Homecoming as well, Jared!

[@njferns]

"Will the Daily Bugle be like Buzzfeed?" Lol, loved that line.

[@nscoby9311]

Great video love Spider-Man since my childhood!

[@Kekkai_]

I swear people in this comment section do not know what propaganda is... This isn't it. Re-watch the video and try again.

[@dimas3829]

This is, and if not American one - definatly an Globalistic one cause overptotection\imprisonment under one watch dog is portrayed as a good thing by Wisecrack in this video..

[@trevorjonathan4405]

The elite CONTROL what gets GREEN LIT in the media. In 2001 Spiderman and Pearl Harbour (directed by explosion pornographer Michael Bay) came out. Coincidence? Today, the same propaganda exists, but on a more subtle and subconscious level. e.g. 911 rings emergency. Making it easier to give up your rights and shift power and wealth to the rich elite. Hip-hop turned into capitalist propaganda after Tupac Biggie were killed by the shadow govt. 0_o

[@TheCoffeeNut711]

This is what happens when people live in a bubble and do not listen to opposing views.

[@ECL28E]

Actually. All art is propaganda.

[@lalalolo2611]

Trevor Jonathan da fuk? Spiderman came put in 2002.

[@Heavy.O]

"Will the Daily Bugle look like Buzzfeed?" pls...... dnt

[@DanielGomez-fk3on]

I know right? The Daily Bugle is such trash compared to BuzzFeed :^)

[@Luzbel2912]

Plz Do

[@KHMakerD]

What is the chance that a follow up video to this with Homecoming is coming out soon?

[@pardusx6742]

Are you guys gonna make a sequel to this video talking about Spider-Man: Homecoming and the themes and ideals explained?

[@squashibob]

Could you guys do an episode on The Iron Giant? It's one of my favorite animated films, and I think there'd be a lot to analyze it for.

[@dorukkaptan9926]

"Girls try peeing while standing up" -Daily Bugle 2017

[@nooked23]

This is one of your best videos. Really gets you thinking about Americas role in the world and what your stances are.

[@bradenhogan2]

Literally sounds like what they tried in the plot of the much panned BvS with fairly recently introduced Superman struggling with not knowing whether he should use his powers to save people or if he should be held responsible for humanity

[@max_paynetothemax9499]

america does not intervene in other countries affairs out of benevolence or morality but for its own interest and wherever it has intervened that country will be in even more catastrophe before america intervened in its affairs

[@manus9438]

I think Germany and south Korea turned out quite good.

[@samuentaga]

???

[@archbishopmactasty76]

Max_payne To the max Like when? I think you may be inflating the negative impact at American influence has on smaller powers. Don't get me wrong I am not saying we are not saints nor does the u.s government do anything outta of the good of its heart but it still helps many people even if they take advantage to a certain point afterwords.

[@benepic3101]

Max_payne To the max Japan came out good too

[@max_paynetothemax9499]

benepic japan is prosperous because it's people are hardworking and smart but pakistan was also an ally of america after world war 2 but it is not

[@myky992]

Soooo... I guess the symbiote will be orange in the new movies?

[@robinmoloney214]

Interesting Philosophy - I liked the humbled Spiderman with heart

[@deadpoolshelby4]

"Will the Daily Bugle look like BuzzFeed?" The scariest question ever asked in relation to comics.

[@cashnuance]

I don't see how people can hate on Garfield's Spider-man, it was just as good as McGuire's in its own way. Cant wait for Homecoming however, curious to see what Tom Holland can bring to the franchise

[@JJJameson.]

Hellaseb Oh yeah,his spidey was on point,the problem was that was basically all the good the film had

[@cashnuance]

J.J Jameson the cast was really well selected, and I really enjoyed the comedic side of the movies too. The storylines however lacked a little

[@timy9197]

Because his portrayal was shallow

[@Sheepy007]

The whole movie was garbage and he was just not good. All these awkward dialog moments in the film to make him more "sympathetic" were just unbearable.

[@RoronoaZoro-ur6hr]

Hellaseb it's because Andrew Garfield and Tom Holland are shitty actors in comparison to Tobey Maguire.

[@awesomesource12]

philosophy of HOUSE M.D.!! theres a big can of worms in that one.

[@vulpinedeity3379]

With great power _must also come_ great responsibility. A subtle, but important distinction.

[@slashandbones13]

The fact that Peter, in Homecoming, is only 16 and has to deal with the struggle of trying to find who you are makes this a mute point

[@thomascarmichael6659]

Would love to see the Philosophy of The Sopranos!

[@SimonNZ6969]

America's place in the world? I haven't seen a single superhero attack a guy and steal his oil.... harhar

[@windwaker0rules]

sounds more like the US is represented by Long John Silver, or Black Beard

[@eats737]

man symbolism is fucking HARD huh

[@boertush]

No but there are a bunch of spiderman comics where Peter Parker relentlessly beats the shit out of a bunch of asian kids

[@loganparsons5179]

El Psy Steal or complete the economy with our constant purchasing of foreign oil.

[@frederickbulsara8141]

steal? who's oil has been stolen? the west pays an arm and a leg for the oil it receives

[@donellebullock7404]

Remember that the "final fight" for Spider-Man 2 wasn't even a fight, just a talk. The other had fights.

[@edgarlaguna2011]

I think it's very remarkable that Jared is considering the economic factor in this analysis, kudos Wisecrack!

[@attackonthug6653]

Could you do a wisecrack edition on death note please

[@martinsriber7760]

Spiderman is much better at handling his power than USA.

[@PsychopathUltimate]

Swapping brains with Otto Octavius was an election period.

[@arefallout]

Martin Šriber Idk Who fucks with the US? Spiderman gets his ass kicked every week.

[@PsychopathUltimate]

Jihadi Muslims.

[@timhaldane7588]

Martin, as an American, this I can completely agree with. That's what makes this whole Spider-man as America thing such a powerful fantasy for Americans - he's the kind of hero we idolize. A better version of us. I really think Captain America encapsulates American identity even better, though. You know, the little guy who emerges powerful after World War 2, whose sense of moral duty is far too simplistic to handle the modern world and frequently is expressed with smug, self-righteous arrogance. Also, let's face it, current American politics are pretty well reflected in Cap's recent turn, too.

[@2ToTheDome]

this comment gets a star (*)

[@arjene5192]

you guys just had to bring up this topic on Canada Day lol

[@stephenlouis3908]

Great episode!

[@mistermeatcake1785]

could you do a video on hulk. He is a pretty interesting character when you look deeper.

[@vladd2727]

Please do The philosophy of Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood... Please Please Please!

[@michaelvares1]

Jeez people, Jared isn't saying America should be any of these things. He was merely quoting the people who do think like that and tying it to the ideas behind Spider-Man. I think he did a great job. Keep up the good work Wisecrack.

[@clayclarke577]

Spot on, Wisecrack.

[@Artliker1234]

PHILOSOPHY OF BLACK MIRROR MINI SERIES

[@CrossFilms669]

As an Australian/British person, I find that this video is just you trying to justify why America is the best country when it isn't

[@mikelolguy]

Rainbow Eevie American propaganda eh?

[@thebhatman8102]

Rainbow Eevie Canada for life!

[@blueskull5027]

Rainbow Eevie it kind of is

[@thebhatman8102]

Blueskull IKR

[@blueskull5027]

The Bhatman I mean s bad as trump is I would take him over Justin "if you kill your enemy they win"

[@Hakshavalah]

THIS WAS AWESOME

[@MaexleBo]

Since Homecoming is out quite the time now you should totally update this with homecoming!

[@efogro]

last time I was this early wisecrack was...... Wise

[@TheBluMeeny]

How are they not wise now?

[@MrOzzification]

What if I just find this "Philosophy of" episode a bit of a stretch? Even considering that yes Spiderman was created by Americans but that doesn't mean the character was always meant to be about American exceptionalism. This episode didn't feel like it got to the essence of the character but felt more like they spun their own interpretation of Spiderman to make it fit the idea of American exceptionalism & picked whichever examples lined up. I mean I could also pick a few coincidental parallels from other shows & claim they're about American exceptionalism as well. Bob Chipman's own video essay did a much better explanation on why Sam Raimi's Spiderman connected significantly more with Americans in the context of it's release.

[@TheDragonfirelight]

I love when you guys upload but BRUH, It's Canada day!

[@eleSDSU]

That last line about buzzfeed scared the shit out of me. Great video, keep it up please.

[@RoNPlayer]

There's one thing we can probably all agree on. This comment section is going to be toxic as hell. Have a nice day though, everyone! Don't let yourself get pulled into that mess.

[@notthechosenjuan2413]

Uncle Ben = Benjamin Franklin illuminati confirmed

[@alfredwang7607]

really intriguing, that is

[@sonicx1298]

Well watching this video gave me more reasons to see homecoming than I already had.

[@francisfeng8808]

**Posts video on American ideology on Canadian day**

[@shaunp5974]

Francis Feng it's glorious😂

[@Substantial-hf1rm]

That's a day?

[@TheBluMeeny]

Canada doesn't exist, and therefore Canadians aren't real people. Are you trying to take us for fools?

[@kmanjacker4737]

Wtf is a Canada?

[@TheBluMeeny]

Captain Gaius Do you require mental attention, Sir? America ends on the 49th parallel, the rest is the Artic Ocean. Canada is much like Atlantis, don't chase ghosts your whole life, friend.

[@marcuscarcus159]

Philosophy of Witcher

[@kieran10202]

I think having peter become a superhero blogger would make sense, he could then be approached by Jameson with an offer to work exclusively for him, thus profiting off his gifts in a way stark might disagree with, despite him never having to worry about money in his life, which may make a good catalyst for a permanent rift to form between them.

[@Justmyhandle]

I did a paper for my *Philosophy 220- Ethics* class last year on how Peter Parker's internal struggle between his desire for a life outside of crime fighting vs his duty as Spider-Man to the people relates to Immanuel Kant's "Categorical Imperative". I referenced aspects of the character throughout both comics and film but kept 2004's *Spider-Man 2* as a focal point. Peter knows he'll never have the normal life he fantasizes. The *Ultimate Spider-Man* comic when Nick Fury tells him he, as a mutation, belongs to him starting at age 18 and should therefore try to enjoy his youth was particularly tragic to read (Peter's tearful reaction and not knowing what to say to Mary Jane, poor guy). But at the same time, he's still human. I concluded based on my research that Peter would likely loathe Kant in this instance and ultimately retain this perpetual self-conflict of trying to balance both lives, not choose one. He can't literally be Spider-Man full-time, selflessly devoted to duty with no personal distractions or loved ones, yet ignoring innocents' suffering fundamentally contradicts his nature.

[@Sheepy007]

How the hell would anything turn Blue and red if you wash it with Blue and red clothing? Wouldn't it turn some sort of purple or at least an uniform color?

[@therebel1375]

Sheepy007 I guess if you threw it in with white clothes? I've done that and nothing has changed color

[@KuroNoTenno]

Two words: cheap dye It colors everything and doesn't mix for whatever reason.

[@Mooseplatoon]

Seeing American exceptionalism from the outside can be a truly terrifying thing. The American Jeremiad reminds me of Manifest Destiny in a lot of ways.

[@missus_writeharper8072]

It would be really interesting if you updated this analysis after your viewing of Homecoming

[@Scerttle]

I predict Homecoming will have a more global Spider-Man that isn't blinded by the idea of American exceptionalism.

[@maurol.2750]

This was a little hard to see

[@JaimeNyx15]

Hot damn, comments section. The video is commenting on the IDEA of American Exceptionalism, not the reality of it. If you feel America doesn't live up to the hype, that's fine; that's a totally legit POV. But that's what Americans have thought about their role in the world for a long time, and it informs Spidey's character pretty well, so the video isn't wrong in addressing it.

[@SuperAlfern]

I agree, the concept is great, doesnt real mean america is living by their ideals, no country is perfect 😅 a lot of people probably think their country is the best one 🙃

[@hoorayboobs]

This is why I love homecoming. And I hope they keep it up. Spidey is a kid overwhelmed by the world, yet is tied to what the Avengers are doing. He's just a child figuring life out

[@PaulCDehlinger]

"An assortment of nations with varying economic and military strengths which coalesce into alliances" how well did that system work last time?

[@thisisfyne]

Yo, Wisecrack, do you really think the USA is reflecting on how to wield their power, question their moral, or think through their role in the world? Come on, not nowadays

[@Gorilder]

Do you live in the US? it's a none-stop debate

[@Nisfornarwhal1990]

Why are these top comments being ignorant again? You did it to the Dark Souls video, and you're doing it again. Our favourite comics find their source in American propaganda, as Jared pointed out at the start. So their driving force comes from representing what America sees in its values and responsibilities. Whether you agree or disagree, Batman and Superman for example find their inspiration from reflecting how America wants Americans to live. Again, Jared then points out that Spiderman films draw from ideas proposed by philosophers on America's function on the world stage, just like Batman or Spiderman. In fact, Spiderman could be argued to be less propaganda-like, because it tries to address the imbalance and confusion of a young, powerful America - instead of just claiming it is the greatest thing ever like Captain America would. So because western comics made in WWII reflect American culture of the time, which is highlighted by philosophers from the late 90's, Jared's video should be downvoted and shat on? "Hurr durr, America is le terrorist for reelz guys, that's why I'm going to disregard this video's content and say he's wrong" Brilliant, how well thought out.

[@EmilioReyes_97]

Nisfornarwhal1990 In all fairness though Cap doesn't really do that anymore. He's more for what America can be and should be.

[@Inspiration_Date]

Will you guys make an update video on Holland's Spider-Man after his film(s) come out?

[@markness3329]

Any chance of a follow up now that Homecoming is out?

[@BIuemann]

I don't think you guys get what this video is trying to say. They are not talking about the American role in the world, they are talking about what Americans THINK their role in the world is. The real reasons America does the stuff they do may be dark and selfish, but they are always trying to show themselves as the "good guys", and the Spiderman movies are just a reflexion of this. At first glance the video may seem arrogant but actually, the American values are.

[@DraculaSSS]

toby is the best spiderman!!!

[@WyldstaarStudios]

Toby's Spider-Man barely quipped at all with his villains. Non-stop banter during a fight is part of what makes Spidey so fun. You can't be the best if you leave out a key element of the character.

[@WyldstaarStudios]

Triple A How interesting Peter's character is varies depending on who is writing him, and he's had hundreds of writers over the decades.

[@Ponyboy_Curtis]

this hypnotized me

[@ravenengland9232]

Great explanation, really interesting.

[@jaymitch6808]

1:44 The often-quoted Spider-Man theme of "with great power comes great responsibility" is widely attributed to Uncle Ben. However, this was not initially true. In Amazing Fantasy #15, the original version of the phrase appears in a narrative caption in the comic's last panel,not as spoken dialogue. In fact, Ben has only two lines in the entire comic. And it says quote “And a lean silent figure fades into the gathering darkness, aware at last that in this world, with great power there must also come - -Great responsibility! And so the legend is born and a new name is added to the roster of those who make the world of fantasy the most exciting realm of all! “

[@CuningMat]

Do philosophy of the killing joke

[@sam17356272]

This is really interesting, especially if you think about Nick Fury in the Avengers. He studies the tessaract because the superheroes have shown their strength, but this in turn leads to bigger threats, which then need bigger displays of strength. Using the philosophies like the reluctant sheriff, you could also use this to explain escalating terror threats. Cool video, gave me a headache from all the thinking

[@elbaecc]

"Will the Daily Bugle look like Buzzfeed?". That cracked me up, lol.