ADHD Superpower? Exploring the Possibilities.
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As some of my readers are aware, I do not classify ADHD as a superpower. I stand by my previous claims about that. However, what if it is? What would be the implications of that? Let’s consider what would be true if ADHD was a super power. After all, many out there claim it is. How can we respect them and dialogue with them if we cannot fully consider their opinion? Let’s explore superpowers, what they are, who has them, and how they are used. Then let’s look at what if ADHD is a superpower.
What Is a Superpower?
How are we defining superpowers? When people claim ADHD is a superpower, they rarely define what they mean by superpower. In my mind, superpowers are abilities that are beyond what is ordinarily possible for the average person. This means they can do great things, things that most people cannot do.
Who Has Superpowers?
When I think of people with superpowers, the first person I think of is Superman. He is often referred to as a boy scout by others in the DC universe for his dedication to doing the right thing. He is held up as a shining example of what it means to be a hero. (We’re ignoring all of the times he has gone rogue.) Superpowers are not limited to Superman. Other heroes, such as Green Lantern, have them. We see that powers are not limited to one person or one circumstances. But, it seems like most heroes with powers were chosen for the duty of protecting the universe. Superman was sent by his father from Krypton to Earth. Green Lantern’s ring chose him. However, some received their powers by accident. Take the Flash for example. Barry Allen did not choose to be imbued with the speed force, but he, instead, received his powers by accident. So, heroes are chosen or accidentally given their powers. Yet, superheroes are not the only ones with powers.
Supervillains also have powers. Yes, they misuse their powers, but they have powers. We look at General Zod and his powers. Bane is another villain with powers. They do not use their powers for good, though. They create mayhem and pain through their use of powers.
So, between people chosen, people who received their powers accidentally, people who use their powers for good, and people who use their powers selfishly, we see that anyone can have powers and use them in any way.
How Are Superpowers Used?
As mentioned above, superpowers can be used for good or ill. Even heroes misuse their powers on occasion. Superman has gone rogue and tried to take over the world. Even when trying to do good with their powers, some heroes can cause problems. For example, in the movie Man of Steel, Superman, while trying to stop General Zod, destroys a good portion of Metropolis. In short, there was collateral damage due to the use of superpowers. They can be used to do good or evil, but there are unintended side effects when powers are used. Moreover, most superhero or supervillain origin stories feature a period of time where the individual with powers has to learn how to use their powers. In doing so, many different accidents occur.
ADHD as a Superpower
When we consider everything I have said thus far, we find that having power does not necessarily make you a good person or that your abilities make you do great things. Once you learn to harness your powers, you have a choice. How will you use your powers? Will you make the world a better place, or will you use your powers selfishly? So, ADHD, then, can be used well or misused. If it is a superpower, it helps you do things, but are they the things that will help the world? Is ADHD a constructive power? It could be, depending on how you use it. However, the potential for it to be misused is there. It takes care and nurturing to turn it into a helpful superpower.
So, Is ADHD a Superpower?
I don’t think it is a superpower. I don’t want my accomplishments to be credited to something I did not choose to have. I want my accomplishments to be credited to me and my hard work. ADHD is a part of me; it does not define me. I am not ADHD Man. I am Alex.
However, if it helps for you to think of ADHD as a superpower, I’m not going to stop you. If it helps you contextualize what ADHD is, great. Go ahead. Just know that superpowers can be used for good or evil and that the use of superpowers comes with side effects and unintended consequences.