How common are superheroes and how normalized are they?
Superpowers themselves are extremely common. While it's far more common to see individuals who were born with powers, rather than gained them through an extreme event, the vast majority of individuals with powers either have largely undetectable or mundane powers. Slightly heightened reflexes or slightly greater stamina are far more commonplace than dramatic abilities like elemental manipulation, psionic abilities, altered physiology, or even standards like flight or "super" strength.
Superheroes, however, are far rarer. Among the few superpowered (or otherwise enhanced) vigilantes who exist, even fewer earn the goodwill and status required to have them lauded as "superheroes." But in most countries, to be a vigilante, regardless of reputation, is to be a criminal; under no circumstances are private citizens or individuals permitted to take the law into their own hands, especially when they put the property and lives of others at risk. Still, many people think that vigilantes are the only solution to stopping superpowered criminals, and even keeping law enforcement itself in check.
The U.S. government would, of course, prefer that vigilantes never garner the support that labels them as superheroes, and consequently makes efforts to arrest them difficult as individuals will come together to protect these "heroes" and protest their potential unmasking. Even movies seem to portray more righteous government taskforces and villainous vigilantes than they do independent, superpowered heroes, and public opinion on the necessity and morality of vigilantism can become a hot topic even in the most neutral of discussions- such as ones regarding their portrayal in the media.
Talk to the right people, and it might not be hard to feel as if no one wants superheroes, or everyone wants superheroes. But keep in mind that, on either side, you'll certainly find superpowered individuals, and it's best to remember that the group is by no means a monolith.
