Jul 21 2008
Americans Love Capitalist Superheroes
By Jeremy Schoemaker
109 comments 
Batman is very loudly destroying just about every financial record any movie has ever set.. but why?
Bruce Wayne is a pimp and a true capitalist. He is a Billionaire industrialist who has decided to take his wealth and power and save humanity.
I think that is truly the American Dream.
Most people just think its about making money… I think its about making it then doing something with it that has an impact.
Creating wealth is easy… making a difference in the world is not.
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I definitely think it’s because Heath ledger is dead. That definitely had something to do with it.
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yes thats true.
money is not everything, power and creating different is all that matters
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Do you think that’s why you’re so loved Shoe?
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The death of Heath Ledger has probably given this film more media time than normal. Having said that, it looks like a great action flick and I can’t wait to go and see it myself.
Money is not the root of all evil, it’s the love of money that is evil. It’s what you do with the money that is important.
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I love one quote that looks a lot like that: live, love, learn and leave a legacy !
100% true
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I loved the movie… and didn’t realize that about Ledger until after I saw it.
Hmmm… what can I do with my twelve dollars?
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It has definitely played a factor in the success of the movie. It’s actually really good though and I think Batman is way more widely accepted than other movies in the genre. They have been making Batman movies for years and there was a ton of hype for this before he died. Heath Ledger dying just put it over the top with curious people.
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Many People are going to comment on your last line.
“Creating wealth is easy”
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Having seen and loved the last batman movie, I have to say that I think this one would have held up regardless of any extra press received based on Heath Ledger. I haven’t seen the new movie yet, but I definitely will.
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The softer side of shoe!
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You heard it here first: the late Heath Ledger will win an Academy Award for his defining, spine-tingling performance as The Joker.
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o not sure I am loved
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i think that’s wrong. so many batman movies have sucked in the past with the same story.
this batman rocks because the two best actors on the planet (well one sadly isn’t anymore) are in one movie. i didn’t care about the media hype. but heith ledger was a genius in his role. i think it will be hard to find a new joker in future batman movies. this quality acting is impossible to beat.
so now, as you have said that shoemoney, what are you doing with your wealth to change the world?
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I dont think so… in 2006 there were over 1 million people in the united states with a net worth of over 3 million dollars.
Of those how many do you think made a impact on humanity?
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I disagree Jan… all the batman movies have always done well.
Superman did MUCH better when lex luther switched to the capitalist role also.
As far as what I am going to do… I have tried several companies which I feel have made a large impact on marketing in general… pioneered several tactics that you see douplicated quite a bit now and also impacted peoples ability to make money from home… also I write this site every day…
I am not sure I have made much of a difference on a global or national scale yet but I will keep trying.
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same thing with Tony Stark in Iron Man. The Dark Knight is easily the most entertaining bummer of the summer.
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Unless we go and ask each one we will never know. One could argue that they didn’t get rich by giving their money away. My late Mother did a lot of charity work and she always said that people from poor areas were the most generous, I assume its because they understand what its like to be hard up. However, I like to think there is good in all of us and I’m sure many of them have done good deeds.
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I saw that movie on Friday, and it’s a phenomenal film. The Bruce Wayne/capitalism angle is certainly captivating. It illustrates how money can not only take you places, but it also allows you to make a difference in an area in which you feel very strongly. For Wayne, it’s fighting evil. For others, it might be something like community service, etc. But the point is that money and the desire for money are good things that help people ultimately accomplish ulterior objectives (other than buying the expensive toys they want).
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Very well put, Shoemoney! Having said that, I guess the death of Heath Ledger has had a major impact on the interest here?
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As Movies mentions in the comment above, the same thing could be said about Iron Man which was also a huge box office hit. I’d agree with you about the American Dream… it’s not just about wealth it’s about doing something with it.
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That car is incredible!
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Creating wealth is easy… making a difference in the world is not. wow, theres a line thats total b0llocks. I wish creating wealth was easy. Then i wouldnt be working 8til5 everyday, then coming home working on websites. You have wealth now shoe, how about you become “super-shoe” and drive around in a pimped hummer fighting crime! The cut sceens could be your logo spinning towards the screen. It would be great! Make a mock up for you tube! i’ll pay $5 to see it lol
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You are totally right Shoe, Batman is the ultimate fighter of evil, people are attracted to heros, those that have the courage to protect out of sheer service, not because they have to. Nice Post!
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You don’t have to be a rich mogal or a superhero to live the dream, anyone and everyone has the power to do something that benefits others. You just have to want to do it.
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Exactly right. These have been my goal for a while: http://www.jonathanvolk.com/goals and I think it’s one of the main reasons why I am motivated to make money…
Great post.
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While I’m sure it did, the first Christian Bale Batman did pretty well too… people loves sequels!
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Being apart of the solution and the not problem is key.
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According to your logic Tony Stark (iron man) makes a better superhero than Bruce Wayne, since he actually acquired the money himself, instead of simply inheriting a huge empire.
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Ledger was a good joker, but he is not the end all be all of them. Jack N played a kick butt one agaisnt Micheal Keaton. I am sure having actors like Morgon in the movie as well plays a big part in how well its going to do, and yes there was a lot of hype before ledger died so its not all him, not even close!! Over all the movie was very well put together in almost everyway from what I saw 2 nights ago.
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I have not seen iron man yet but right on!
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“Creating wealth is easy”????
Please ….. do tell !!!!
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Bruce Wayne is pimp, for sure, but does he have a ringtone named after him?
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Say what!?!? You haven’t seen Iron Man Shoe!?
Drop everything, watch the movie, guaranteed Capitalist post to follow!!
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I think the key is making enough money so you no longer have to worry about your own survival and can focus on that of others. thats when you are truly rich.
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i cannot say same thing forTurks
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I think creating wealth is easier than making a lasting impact, but creating wealth can still be difficult.
I absolutely loved The Dark Knight and Iron Man.They had two different vibes. Christian Bale and Heath Ledger nailed their roles.
It’s definitely good to see that some people in real life are using their wealth for good.
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I still haven’t seen this movie but everyone is saying it was amazing so I’ll have to check it out soon.
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To inherit a large amount of money is one thing but to grow that money and stay rich is entirely another. Iron Man didn’t start his empire, his father did, so in essence, they are the same. Perhaps less people are attracted to a superhero who builds weapons of mass destruction then one who is anti weapons.
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And what about the Incredible Hulk? It’s preety good too.
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lol, right It’s true
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Of course he is loved
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Making a difference is really the only thing that matters in life, IMO. That can be done with or without wealth.
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Just saw the Dark Knight today morning. It was simply awesome. Heath Ledger deserves every award that’s worth winning.
And yes, I do agree, that making a difference is the difficult and most important part.
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Haven’t seen it yet and in no rush.
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Shoe, please check your ego. You are sounding so sanctamonious now. It was easier to connect with your writing back when you were hungry and on the cusp of success rather than drowning in your own hype. Before you used to provide advice; now you act like its such a hassle, a pain, a nusence to even bother when someone asks (read your own Q&A’s). Get a grip. You are still a 400 lbs broke outcast, son.
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Thats a really shocking stat. I never would’ve thought there would be that many millionaires, I always thought there were around a couple thousand of them.
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The Dark Knight was an excellent movie. I don’t typically like to see a movie twice in a short amount of time but I would definitely see this again.
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I disagree with you Shoe. Making a difference in the world is easy, creating wealth is not. Be nice to people, show them respect - even if you may not want to, donate your time to a charity, teach someone to read, visit an assisted living home etc. These are all things everyone can do everyday that does make a difference in the world.
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Actually, making a difference is pretty easy if you think about it. It really doesn’t take a lot of money to do it, just a lot of people coming together for a cause. People who volunteer can and do make a big difference.
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Grr I can’t wait to watch it! I agree with ajaz also.. making wealth is hard, making a difference is easy… you don’t need wealth to do something good for the world..
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Making a difference in the world and making money are two different things but both are easy but not simple to do!
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Maybe the others have already covered it well enough, but saying “Creating wealth is easy” makes you sound naive if not ignorant. To create your wealth, you’ve worked hard, put in the time, got the know how, got a lot of help (Dillsmack), and had a fair amount of luck. Ease had nothing to do with it. So, it’s a little insulting for you to suggest that just because you have done it, that it’s easy. Give the rest of the world a little credit.
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I have not watched the movie still
I think I am gonna go watch it now
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best batman movie ever!
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I watched the movie. I totally agree. One of the best movies in a very long time.
Stanley Tang
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Man, I love batman so much!
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Why is it so good? I think there is nothing particularly good in batman.
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I think century of Batman has passed. Peace requires a new heroes.
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I wana watch it…should be good. Random post shoe !
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Now get some fancy suite Shoe and start your war
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Spot on, you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference. We can all do our bit regardless.
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don’t think about making money, go out and make some then do some good with it like donate a portion of the profits to a church that has youth or homeless programs. or give to a charity program or one that does medical research like the muscular dystrophy association helping humanity is a very rewardng process.
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are you kidding there must 2000 in belle meade tn, alone
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I agree Shoe, I’m still working on the making wealth part.
Never been a big fan of the Batman movies, but I hear this one is actually worth seeing.
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Haven’t gotten into Batman at all.
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Batman forever!!!
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You got a point there. Posthumous awards are always so much more relevant, somehow.
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I see loads more positive than negative comment (with the odd cynic thrown in, granted but they are in a serious minority) so you’re loved more than hated, for sure!
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It would be interesting to see the statistics on the social efforts these individuals indulge or have indulged in. “Charity starts at home” is the mantra of most of these individuals, with the words “and charity stays at home” finishing it for most of them.
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I could take batman.
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Movies are pure fantasy, where people can go and lose themselves from their world and lives and immerse themselves in a fantasy realm where their wildest dreams are expressed. The bling is what the audience wants, nobody likes movies about poor ordinary people as much as over the top stuff like Batman.
Enjoyed your sentiments about giving back, Jeremy. An ancient saying states that “he who has hands open to give, will have hands open to receive”. It’s as simple as that.
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I loved the movie !
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I agree with you completely. We can have all the money in the world, but if we’re not doing anything, we’re useless. The truth is, one of my heroes is Ted Turner because he said once, “I make three billion dollars a year…I’m going to donate two billion of those dollars.” When they asked him why, he responded, “A billion dollars is a lot…What do I need three billion for?” It was just a real noble thing.
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Shoe, I love you (like a viking). However, I also love the movie “Starship Troopers”.
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Well considering that nearly all of the time, billionaire industrialists make their billions by raping and stealing from the common good, it’s the least they could do to return some of it. All those people that are “admired” - Carnegie, Rockefeller, Ford, on and on and on… How many thousands and millions of lives of the “little people” were damaged or destroyed because they bent (and still bend) the rules I their favor, for what? To get rich beyond anyone’s need. You can do well AND take care not to harm others in the process. Many of us do.
not to mention, Batman is the weenie of superheroes (well maybe one step up from Superman), probably a large part of the reason many of these types turn to accumulating great wealth in the first place - because they have something to prove. (Spidey ROCKS!)
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The Dark knight just rocks !!!!!!!!!
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Christian Bale was arrested today…hmmm…regardless though you have a great point here!
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There are a lot of people who think that money is everything….depressing.
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Your definitely loved :p
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I like that quote haha!!
Awesome!
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The only thing I noticed on the picture was the car…Wow..amazing hehe
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Never seen it. But I think the latest release was the Dark Knight, if thats what we are referring to, then I am going to watch it soon. I saw in the news paper that the CRIT rating was 4 stars…wow!
Thats really high, never seen any movies going that far in crit rating.
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Take where? to dinner? :p
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I dont think that creating wealth is easy for everyone. I live in India and here 70% are poor. And 25% still live below the povery line, mind it, poverty line set by Indian standards, not world standards.
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Making an impact is hard in any regard.
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Since Bale, I have started to like them a bit more or atleast watch them.
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and released. “family problems” that was a jacked up story… not sure if the truth will come out about that or not.
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Lambo makes good marketing decisions. Great choice for Batman. I couldn’t see him in another daily driver.
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So when do you remove yourself from the capitalistic engine and become a full time philanthropist?
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if shoe pays me a lot of money for johnchow.me then creating wealth may be easy, and making a difference in this world is easier.
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most of Bruce Wayne’s money was inherited.
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Misogynistic wet dream is more like it.
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If people think that’s solely the reason why TDK is so popular, than they must not know too much about Batman. The film was hyped LONG before Heath died. His death did give it more attention, but it’s not the MAIN reason.
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It definitely did, IMO. I saw it when it opened for the first time at midnight & it was awesome. I’m not even a Heath Ledger fan, but a longtime Batman fan & I loved it.
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Well, the story goes now that Christian’s alcoholic mum & drug addicted sister came to him for money. Christian turned them down & then his mum went on ranting about how he owes her & she made him what he is. He rushed them out of the door & his mum called the cops.
If that’s true, I’m with Christian because I know EXACTLY what it’s like to have relatives knocking on your door just because you have money. They never made an effort to be real family before Christian got all this money, so why now?
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The Dark knight is the loudest premiere of August. But I do not go to the premiere.
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You are right. We should first do something different, and then, properly marketed, the wealth will come by itself.
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New girl Wow! Lots of comments for a little “movie”. Movies are not so little though, are they? We learn so much from them, we get inspired, entertained, and motivated. I think the guys making these fantastic movies that make us “think” while throughly entertaining us are a good example of folks with money using their “power” for good. No, they may not be adopting foreign babies or opening schools in underprivelaged areas but they are targeting each one of us and challenging US to make the world a better place in our own little way.
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Although very few of those made an impact on society, creating wealth is still not easy, if it were easy, then more than a third of a % would be millionaires.
Based on 300,000,000 million people living in America.
Wealth is still not easy but it may be the easy part.
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I think part of his appeal has to come from his dark side. The secrets and mystery that surround him. I know a lot of people who would love to be him.
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These people are mistaken. -).
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Lots of Money without any clear purpose of its use & value is just a fools paradise.
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Going to see this next Monday, better be good. Not seen many good films this year….albeit, not many films this year…onyl enjoyed Transformers.
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yeap! agree a 100% money isn’t everything
btw i love his car!
gonna get one as soon as more zeros appear next to my aff commission =)
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Hopefully we can all make $700k a month and get one
I’ll be happy with a car that gets me A -> B to be honest.
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I hate the batman films. Never got into those things, nor starwars haha!
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Ugh
Watch the godfather instead. Amazing film.
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Everybody loves this superheros.
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[...] at the “Americans Love Capatalist Superheros” logic it would appear to make sense but why then didnt Ironman crush any [...]