…interviewed deku, the mysterious creator of the popular, yet controversial “Crime Spotter” app. Now, as most of you know, deku has yet to publicly reveal his identity. He previously stated he wished to keep his identity secret because of his status as a minor. I was lucky enough to interview him face-to-face (and am proud to say that I am the first to do so), but do to privacy and legal reasons, I will only transcribe the interview. Sorry, readers, no video today. I would like to remind people that yes, deku really is a minor.
Me: Let me just say that it is an honor to be able to talk to you like this. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.
deku: (nervous laugh) Oh, no, the honor’s mine, really! I’m a-actually a fan of yours. You make sure to check your facts and do research […] and you try to be fair to both the person your interviewing and the topic you’re covering without trying to obscure the truth.”
Me: (laugh) Well, it seems you’ve certainly done your research, too. But now that we’ve discussed our mutual admiration of each other, let’s get this interview started!
deku: Right! Uh, where do you want to start?
Me: Why did you decide to create “Crime Spotter?“ That is to say, what inspired you? It must have taken a lot of effort and dedication to make something like this, especially for free.
deku: I didn’t really think it was something that people should have to pay for! I mean, uh, “Hero Spotter” is free, and it’s what helped me decide what I wanted to do.
Me: Many people have called your app a “Hero Spotter” rip-off, though there are just as many people staunchly defending it. Is this confirmation that you did use “Hero Spotter” as “inspiration?”
deku: Ah, well, sort of. I used to use “Hero Spotter” all the time before I decided to make my own app.
deku: Ah! Wait! Um, let me explain. To answer your earlier question, I created “Crime Spotter” because I’m Quirkless. I mean! Growing up, I always wanted to be a Hero. I admired Heroes like All Might, Endeavor, and Best Jeanist. Finding out I was Quirkless…. It took me a while, but I was still determined to become a Hero. I grew up with everyone telling me that it’s impossible for someone without a Quirk to be Hero, but I was still determined. (laughs) I used to have these notebooks that I would fill up with notes on Heroes and Villains. I would do research on them and go out and watch fights. That’s when I found the “Hero Spotter” app. I used to be an avid user; it really helped me.
deku: (pause) But then something happened that made me realize that Heroes are human, too, and that we shouldn’t always rely on them. And there aren’t just Heroes out there–with a capital “H”–but heroes, too. Like policemen and firemen. But these people are people, and they can become overworked and tired and deserve days off, too. They can’t be everywhere all the time. There are so many crimes that go unreported or unresolved because the authorities can’t react in time. So I thought, why can’t we help? With “Crime Spotter,” you can instantly report any crime you witness. It’s a way to urge people to help out, by reporting a crime or helping the victim, or even, as some people have done, by stopping the crime.
Me: Speaking of, what response do you have to the people accusing you of encouraging vigilantism? There have been reports of an up-rise in vigilante activity ever since you created this app.
deku: (Surprise) What? I definitely hope people aren’t using “Crime Spotter” to actually break the law! I want this app to help prevent crimes, not encourage them. Besides, vigilantism is about being a Hero (with a capital “H”) without a license. “Crime Spotter” is about being an everyday hero, it’s about everyday people doing what they can to help the world be a better place without breaking the law. Doing little things like picking up trash or helping someone carry a heavy bag, even just opening a door for someone who’s hands aren’t free can make you their hero for even just one moment.
aaand I ran out of steam. Ugh, this is a mess. Why did I do this. Why did I have to write this as soon as the idea came to me.