Saturday, September 15, 2012

Comment of Superman as the Essential American Hero

This article talks about more things about Superman. Superman has a distinction of being a hero recognized throughout the world as America's greatest icon. Superman is made by two teenagers from Jewish immigrant families. Their origin ideas were rejected by many publishers.Then one of them imagined a concept would permeate the national consciousness. This was how Superman came out in the world. They had also drew upon their Jewish stories of Moses and Samson. They fashioned Superman who had survived the death of his home world by being sent away from his parents to live with another family. And would have superhuman strength and speed and utilize them to fight the evils. And DC comics is a National Periodicals which accepted Superman.
Superman became a very popular character. He saved a woman, served as a defend just like a big hero. He also fought the injustices that people in the nation suffered from during the Depression. Bryan Singer is a filmmaker who points out the saying from the character's,"he brings unique talents and a special heritage as so many immigrants do and yet he takes the ideals of our culture-truth, justice, and the American way and embodies them...".
Because of many bad actions of Superman, Joseph Goebbels publicly condemned the story and cursed Siegel who had created Superman as being "mentally circumcised". Siegel and Schuster didn't want to overuse stories of Superman fighting the Nazis fearing that their invincible character might belittle the efforts made by the actual soldiers in the war.
The famous psychiatrist Dr. Fredric Wertham began a crusade against comic books. He noticed African American youths all read comic books. He concluded  comics were the cause of their problems from his research among juvenile delinquents. So Superman was accused of being a sadistic bully who delighted in harming others while he remained safe.
American had became no longer tough and rebellious since the change of Superman. And World War II  had placed America in a role of international peace keeper. Then coming up new stories of Superman. The new stories focused his use of intelligence to overcome problem than strength.
And this new superman became successful. In 2008 was the Presidential Election, artist Alex Ross painted a portrait of candidate. Obama with his shirt ripped open revealing a Superman-like "O" emblem on a suit underneath was painted expressively to portray Obama as a real-life Superman to the American people.
Superman used to utilize his power and speed to resist bad guys. Now he can utilize his intelligence. And become more beloved. He is such a big hero to Americans.
I can't wait to knowing more and more things about Superman.









2 comments:

  1. I agree with your opinion about Superman.
    I also would like to know him more.
    I think maybe we can understand more after we see the movie.

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  2. WE WILL UNDERSTAND MORE OF HIS CHARACTER WHEN WE SEE THE REST OF THE MOVIE.

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