Are There Any Vigilantes and/or Masked Superheroes in Real Life?

Yes, there are individuals and groups in real life who identify as vigilantes or masked superheroes. These people often take on the role of crime fighters or community activists, sometimes donning costumes or masks to conceal their identities.

Notable Examples of Real-Life Vigilantes

Phoenix Jones is among the most famous real-life vigilantes. A Seattle-based individual, Phoenix Jones patrols the streets in a superhero costume with the goal of deterring crime and assisting those in need. He has garnered significant media attention for his efforts in combating street crime.

The Guardian Angels, founded in 1979 in New York City, is another notable example. This organization consists of volunteers who patrol neighborhoods with the aim of combating crime and offering assistance. While not masked superheroes in the traditional sense, they wear distinctive red berets and jackets when on duty.

The Real Life Superhero Movement is a loose network of individuals across the globe who adopt superhero personas and engage in various community service activities. These activities include feeding the homeless, cleaning up neighborhoods, and sometimes intervening in criminal situations. They often use aliases and costumes, but their activities can vary widely in terms of legality and effectiveness.

Other local vigilantes can be found in many communities, ranging from those who monitor local crime to those who take more direct action. However, their methods and motivations can be controversial and may raise legal and ethical questions.

A Historical Case: Robert Smith and Donn Draeger

Robert Smith and Donn Draeger were prominent figures in the study of Asian martial arts, including judo. In the 1950s, while studying at a dojo, possibly the Kodokan, these two men frequently parked their private car in dark, theft-prone streets in the evenings after their classes. They would conceal themselves nearby and wait for someone to attempt to break into their car to steal its radio. Once these individuals were discovered, Smith and Draeger would ambush them, severely beat them up, and then call the police.

This behavior became so frequent that the Tokyo police eventually requested that they stop it. Both men went on to write serious books on the martial arts, providing valuable original source material for subsequent scholars. It is worth noting that they were also employees of the nascent CIA.

While their intentions were noble, the actions of both Phoenix Jones and Smith/Draeger raise important questions about vigilantism, personal safety, and the effectiveness of such actions in addressing crime.

Conclusion

While there are indeed individuals and groups who embody the spirit of vigilantes and masked superheroes in real life, their methods and effectiveness are often the subject of debate. Understanding the motives and outcomes of these real-life heroes can provide valuable insights into modern crime prevention and community service.