With the release of this new movie, I didn’t understand why Batman would be fighting Superman. 

Why were these god-like heroes fighting each other?

Certainly valid questions. I have no clue about the nuances of Batman and Superman’s longtime relationship. So I did what we all do….hit the internet for education. It turns out, like most relationships, there is competition and tension. In the case of Batman and Superman, it goes way back in their history.

In trying to understand the answer to this question it brought me to my own God-like titans.  Raising boys is a study in competition and conflict. They gravitate to their favorite super hero, dressing and fighting like them. 

As a mother, it was hard for me to not interfere with this physical expression that is integral to conflict resolution among boys. When I look back, I see how important it was for them to see the effects of their behavior – it fostered empathy. 

And my now nearly adult boys are brave, kind and gentle human beings who are superheroes…to me. 

Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.  –Douglas MacArthur