Can willpower not be used so a player may push his character and take 1 damage. I didn't think it was optional, but just wondering.

Thanks,

All powers are optional unless their description says otherwise.
Turn it off all you want.

Last time I checked, Willpower was not optional.

Then you need to check again

It does not say "not optional" or "non-optional" any where in the power description. Compare to Battle Fury for an example of what that would look like.

How about Traits? Can they be turned off?

Nope.

E-2 Superman can never push himself to take damage.

I don't believe so, but you can turn off Indomitable if you want to push. You can also ignore Power Cosmic or Quintessence so you can push (see Phantom Stranger).
You can also turn off Duo or Flight, but why would you want to?

You can cancel PC/Q to take pushing damage.

Sounds like we're splitting hairs here...I know there have been many rule debates over wording, but was there REALLY any problem with what I said?
It's the same thing...

ha ha. i love the realms.

I just didn't remember ever seeing a rule on Traits.

I wasn't trying to start a cyber-fight. But I'll watch...

Since ignoring an effect can happen on an effect-by-effect basis and canceling an effect lasts until the beginning of the next turn, it's not the same thing. Misuse of terminology is what causes most ruling confusions.

Speedster said it well.

There is a problem with that because they are not the same thing.

Woah, there, no you can't.

If you could cancel those abilities, then you'd be able to cancel your flying and have another flyer carry you, or every giant would be able to cancel there giant-symbol and hide behind friendly figures.

On a side note to this, if somebody outwits willpower and the figure has a token, does it take pushing damage?