This story won't be for the jaded. It's not for the pessimistic doubters or downtrodden skeptics.
It is not going to be for those that have lost the ability to truly dream.
This is for those that believe that the world is flawed, but there is hope.
It is for the young, and young at heart, who want to build rather than tear down. It is for those that want a feel good story in an ocean of the everyday cynicism that exists the world over.
| Metaphorical Super Hero |
Penn State football is the current equivalent of Marvel Comic's "The X-Men" and is in the process of growing and getting much, MUCH better.
I believe Penn State, and the community around Penn State are at a genesis point, where the people that make up State College and the surrounding area is once again ready to showcase its growth and its commitment to excellence and ethics.
Penn State's football program has just gone on a major terror on the recruiting trail. Finding and identifying some of the best football talent in
all of America and convincing them to come to this island of
excellence in the middle of Pennsylvania.
It is to the point now that they hold, by any measure, one of the top classes in America.
While I doubt that James Franklin has time to read many comic books these days, I am fascinated by
the parallels I see occurring with his football team this particular season, as well as the relaunch of one of the most popular comic book series of all time, the Marvel comics' The X-Men.
The X-Men, yes those Marvel super heroes that were launched in the 60's, made
a comeback in the 90's and early '00's and had been relatively dormant in recent years, have recently been relaunched in the comic universe with "Dawn of X", this time with some ingenious storytelling that allows fans young and old an avenue back into the story.
For many who aren't fans, a large part of the appeal of the X-Men comes from their origin of power being genetic. Aspects of your being that was the result of random mutation that you never had any control over. A universally identifiable sense of being different, and being celebrated for those differences.
The mutants are all offered refuge primarily by professor Charles Xavier, a mutant who has the ability to read and alter thoughts, from a world that mostly misunderstands and fears them, a place where they might pursue who they are, and their respective dreams to the best of their ability.
The X-Men and the idea of outward differences leading to issues of class and mistreatment were inspired by the civil rights movement in the 1960's. They were a reflection of race and LGBTQ+ issues; they were a reflection of America.
In the comics, the original "home" for the mutants is at a school run by Xavier, whose morality and intelligence are often beyond reproach, and a mutant himself (remember he is modeled after MLK Jr to a degree). However, Xavier often has a perceived Achilles heel in the form of his own ego and naivete towards the nature of some individuals.
Here in reality, Penn State football is led by James Franklin, a coach who is complimented for his professionalism, his ability to be authentic and engaging, and most of all, his ability to win. However the ride hasn't been perfect, and critics will point to last year as a clear low point. That for all the positives of the Franklin regime, perhaps there were blind spots hidden behind some of the success.
I find these similarities important. What are Penn State's current and prospective students other than gifted youngsters? No, the students can't shoot lasers, pop claws, or move objects with their minds. But each student does come with their own unique gifts and attempting to harness the full extent of their capabilities is the expressed goals of both the student and the school.
For Penn State football to become the super power it wants to be, it must attract the best players/students/mutants at a historic rate.
It is to the point now that they hold, by any measure, one of the top classes in America.
While I doubt that James Franklin has time to read many comic books these days, I am fascinated by
 |
| Fictional Super Heroes |
the parallels I see occurring with his football team this particular season, as well as the relaunch of one of the most popular comic book series of all time, the Marvel comics' The X-Men.
The X-Men, yes those Marvel super heroes that were launched in the 60's, made
a comeback in the 90's and early '00's and had been relatively dormant in recent years, have recently been relaunched in the comic universe with "Dawn of X", this time with some ingenious storytelling that allows fans young and old an avenue back into the story.
For many who aren't fans, a large part of the appeal of the X-Men comes from their origin of power being genetic. Aspects of your being that was the result of random mutation that you never had any control over. A universally identifiable sense of being different, and being celebrated for those differences.
The mutants are all offered refuge primarily by professor Charles Xavier, a mutant who has the ability to read and alter thoughts, from a world that mostly misunderstands and fears them, a place where they might pursue who they are, and their respective dreams to the best of their ability.
The X-Men and the idea of outward differences leading to issues of class and mistreatment were inspired by the civil rights movement in the 1960's. They were a reflection of race and LGBTQ+ issues; they were a reflection of America.
In the comics, the original "home" for the mutants is at a school run by Xavier, whose morality and intelligence are often beyond reproach, and a mutant himself (remember he is modeled after MLK Jr to a degree). However, Xavier often has a perceived Achilles heel in the form of his own ego and naivete towards the nature of some individuals.
Here in reality, Penn State football is led by James Franklin, a coach who is complimented for his professionalism, his ability to be authentic and engaging, and most of all, his ability to win. However the ride hasn't been perfect, and critics will point to last year as a clear low point. That for all the positives of the Franklin regime, perhaps there were blind spots hidden behind some of the success.
I find these similarities important. What are Penn State's current and prospective students other than gifted youngsters? No, the students can't shoot lasers, pop claws, or move objects with their minds. But each student does come with their own unique gifts and attempting to harness the full extent of their capabilities is the expressed goals of both the student and the school.
For Penn State football to become the super power it wants to be, it must attract the best players/students/mutants at a historic rate.
So what exactly does Franklin and his assistants sell to prospective players?
I would imagine he's selling the same thing as the fictional professor.
A place where, finally, they can all be themselves, and that this new place will learn to adapt with them. That they have a place at the forefront of that change.
A place where, finally, they can all be themselves, and that this new place will learn to adapt with them. That they have a place at the forefront of that change.
I believe Penn State, and the community around Penn State are at a genesis point, where the people that make up State College and the surrounding area is once again ready to showcase its growth and its commitment to excellence and ethics.
While I must confess I have been disappointed in decisions made in some respects, I truly believe in the mission of Penn State and James Franklin in earnest.
A place where you can come from anywhere, whether it be England, Orlando, Hawaii, California, Ohio, Canada, and you can be welcomed here.
A place that wants its best in-state prospects to stay home and help guide the way for their own peers and be leaders. To be metaphorical Giants.
A place that wants its best in-state prospects to stay home and help guide the way for their own peers and be leaders. To be metaphorical Giants.
In the recent comics, Professor Xavier comes to the conclusion that he must expand beyond the ideas that he previously had about what success means and the best way to get there.
In an effort to consolidate power for a noble goal, the X-Men begin reaching across aisles that have never been crossed before. Making for what are at first uneasy, but necessary, alliances.
It seems to me that Franklin and his staff have reached a similar answer, and so far, have been able to successfully recruit players on the promise that what they are building is more ambitious and has more potential than anywhere else.
It seems to me that Franklin and his staff have reached a similar answer, and so far, have been able to successfully recruit players on the promise that what they are building is more ambitious and has more potential than anywhere else.
That their goals are bigger than just winning championships but also becoming absolute leaders in developing a culture of excellence that will resonate throughout each's own communities.
Perhaps this analogy is a bit of a reach, perhaps you find it all a bit silly. But I would not dismiss the appeals Franklin and his staff brings to people from communities looking to build and create the next generation of excellence right here in State College.
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