When he first appeared on North American movie screens in 1963, the character James Bond ignited a pop culture phenomenon that has enamored audience members into hero worship for 50 years and counting.

Suave, sophisticated and stone cold, Bond has surpassed association with any actor. He is an icon, an image, an idea that cannot possibly be attained by any mortal moviegoer.

But in a time where pop culture icons like Bond or Batman rule the mindset of younger generations, and ascension to this ideal is the altar to which they serve, it may be time for a relook at these heroes.

Since appearing in 1963’s “Dr. No,” which hit England theaters in 1962, months before North America, Bond has had a steady career of thwarting diabolical plots, egomaniacal geniuses and global catastrophes.

In today’s culture he is an ideal of any action star: someone who pulls off delirious stunts and then moonlights as a womanizer.

However, this is not an ideal to strive for.

Not even close.

In fact, if he tried to even do any of those real action moves in real life, he would probably be dead after the first one.

When “Dr. No” first appeared in theaters it was as if a switch had been flipped in every person’s mind. Who would not want to be the coolest agent serving His Majesty?

Who did not dream of uttering the words, “The name is Bond. James Bond.”?

But that’s not what Bond is about.

James Bond represents a faction in the imagination, one locked away that only can be freed through daydreams and what-if questions.

Bond is an escape from the ordinary. Like any mythological being, Bond signifies the unrealistic aspects of life.

Nothing bad ever happens to Bond. Sure, he is put in perilous situations, but he is never in any real danger. The people in his life only serve to be thrown away. Any villain or side-character who dies, the ramifications are not seen in the continuing films.

Real life has consequences. Real life has real people, too. This is the biggest difference between Bond and the audience, and one that needs to be remembered.

No person should try and ascend to the unbelievably high bar characters like Bond have set. Instead, become your own Bond. Be your own person. Rather than want to be somebody like Bond, be somebody others want to be.

There is a reason people like him only exist for two hours in a dark theater every few years. It is purely to entertain, and if hero worship or idolizing follows, so be it. But know this: it is ok to not be 007.

Bob Galuski is a senior English and journalism major. He can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]