For someone who’s had jobs seemingly on the “good” and “right” side of justice, I root for the bad guys quite a bit.  In several movies, I am thoroughly disappointed when the villain’s really well-designed plans get thwarted by the usually less intelligent bumbling hero just so audiences (Western ones especially) can get that happy ending.  (Contrast that to that of Hong Kong’s “Infernal Affairs” – the basis for Scorsese’s The Departed – the Chinese censors had to clumsily do a cut-and-paste alternate ending to uphold “morality”).

When I get asked the question – “Superman or Batman” I go neither (if really pressed, Batman).  For me, it’s been Magneto for a long time.

The modern backstory for Mags is compelling.  There is actually a whole book dedicated to this – a survivor of the Holocaust whose gifts are still nascent and yet to be developed.  The X-Men movies, while a mixed bag, also do him justice.  He is not some lunatic power-hungry villain, but a principled, driven man.  Played as a younger version by Michael Fassbender and an older one by Sir Ian McKellen, he steals scenes with his charisma and force.

A colleague of mine sent me a photo of Malcolm X holding a rifle.  It is thought that Malcom was part of the inspiration for Mags and MLK for Professor X, his best friend and now opponent.  Both with similar ideals, but different methods.

There’s a verse in the Bible attributed to Jesus – be wise as serpents, innocent as doves.  I saw the exact opposite in many of those who professed faith.  One can learn from Mags.  Sometimes, you make the hard choice, roll the hard six.  Actions complement and complete teaching and ideals.