Conclusion

Pop culture is a very powerful tool that can easily shape the morals and ideals of the public. The media uses this power everyday. One topic of interest for television and movies alike is vigilantism. The concept of a 'hero' taking the law into his own hands and delivering justice to wrongdoers is very appealing to most Americans. At least in theory. Pop culture glorifies this lifestyle, showing the characters who participate in their own justice never harming an innocent person. However, most people in real life never agree with this sentiment because they know that no one can actually hold that kind of power without abusing it. The majority of society would prefer to allow legal agencies to handle things rather than an independent person. However, pop culture highly advocates the lifestyle and glorifies it in many outright and subtle ways. This is one rare instance where pop culture and the public differ in opinion.

The Remorse

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cHKWANBvlw
Arrow Season Two Introduction Sequence

After Oliver's friend, Tommy, is killed as a result of his vigilante lifestyle, he begins to reflect on whether or not he is doing the right thing by taking down those who have "failed this city".

The Call To Action

Introduction to Arrow's first season.

Oliver Queen becomes a vigilante in order to honor his father's last wish of making his city a better place to live by eliminating the corruption that exists there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mc1gxn6abt8

Political Cartoons

> A real life case of 'vigilantism' came to light in 2012 when George Zimmerman, while on his route for his neighborhood watch, shot and killed a teenage boy named Trayvon Martin. The public outrage that resulted in Zimmerman using lethal force on a 'suspicious' subject led to a lot of media exposure at the trial. Zimmerman was acquitted of the charges for second degree murder.

*RJ Matson created political cartoons in response to the Zimmerman case.

cahttp://media.cagle.com/73/2012/03/23/108705_600.jpg

http://media.cagle.com/73/2013/07/17/134708_600.jpg


*These cartoons, along with the public outrage at Zimmerman show how, in real life, most people do not condone vigilantism and would rather law enforcement handle all legal issues. 

"Sometimes Bad Guys Make the Best Good Guys"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtIQIYg88AA


"Sometimes bad guys make the best good guys" is the perfect summary for this show. Nate Ford and his team of criminals perform scams on rich and powerful people or companies who use their power to hurt people. This show is essentially a corporate version of vigilantism. The show illustrates how this team is doing good in the world, thus essentially wiping away the dozens of crimes they commit each episode.

The Darkside of Vigilantism: When things get personal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gqq9MpbQ9uU
 *WARNING: Strong Language

After failing to kill Yakavetta in their initial attempt, and losing their best friend Rocco, Connor and Murphy reunite with their father and plan to take out Yakavetta while he is on trial, again. With help from the FBI agent who has decided he agrees with the boys, and three local police officers, the trio break into the courtroom to deliver this bone chilling speech to those present.

Note the look on the face of the FBI Agent when he peers through the courtroom doors and sees the brothers and their father. He looks afraid and is obviously contemplating his decision to help them. 

*Scene from The Boondock Saints (1999). Used under fair use act for educational purposes.

Personal Justice

Sons of Anarchy is a show that revolves around outlaw motorcycle gang. Obviously this provided many examples of taking the law into their own hands, but perhaps the most relatable one is in season two. In this season, the main character Jax, finds out that his mother was raped and beaten. He and his step-father do not find out immediately but once they do, they know they have to take action to 'set right' the situation. This is an example of 'personal justice' and when asked what he wants to do Jax replies "Kill them all" while holding his infant son. That just shows exactly how deeply engrained the idea of vigilantism is in their minds. And Jax does get his justice, he kills one of the men responsible for the attack on his mother and he never even blinks an eye.