THE SUPERMAN CONUNDRUM

WHY NO ONE LIKES SUPERMAN

When we look to heroes, we crave the safety that comes from their strength, their unwavering moral compass, and the ability to save the innocent in spite of the cost to themselves. 

However, when Joe Schuster and Jerry Siegel did exactly that, through the years, the masses gradually changed their mind.

"We don't want a hero that ALWAYS does the right thing!" The made up persons to prove my point said.

"We want a conflicted character. Some kind of inner demon or turmoil with which to struggle."

"More powerful than a locomotive? We drive Hybrid cars now."

"Able to reach tall buildings in a single bound? We can do everything from our couch."

"faster than speeding bullet? We have high speed Wi-Fi."

"We can't relate to a character with no flaws other than an alien rock."

"Nobody can stop him. He is a boring hero."

WHY WE SHOULD LIKE HIM

When I discuss the silly hypothetical world of heroes the debate of the validity of Superman always arises. 

He isn't interesting. He flies, smashes the bad guys but then takes them to jail and hides behind the most ridiculous disguise...glasses...He hides behind glasses!

I agree there are things in the world of heroes that are absurd and have been the focal point of criticism throughout the years. I will point out for the sake of the silly argument, that if the Clark Kent persona, is your biggest issue with a comicbook book character you have a bit of tunnel vision. there is no issue with the idea of flight? superhuman strength? Heat ray eyes? 

I think if we can break down Superman to the core values we might be ready to revisit the upcoming Zack Snyder's film, Man of Steel.

Since the early ages of civilization, Heroes existed. Gods were created to explain events and to teach humanity's principles. Zeus, Hercules, and Perseus, all were representations of the sub consciences moral system.

We have needed heroes since that time. stories to teach us and our children how to behave and how to treat our fellow man. 

Superman...an Orphan, was hurled away from his home and family to be the last remaining member of his people and dropped into a new world where he was different. 

He could've easily dominated the Earth into submission through force, yet he chose, or rather, was taught, to help others and be the constant force for good no matter what the circumstances.

Struggle 1: Kryptonite: the weakness of Superman. the Achilles' heel of our hero. anyone of us who has ever struggled with any kind of addiction can relate to this struggle. 

Struggle 2: his love for those he swore to protect. Lois, Jimmy, Jonathan and Martha Kent and the rest of the world. He makes choices constantly some at the sacrifice of his loved ones to protect the masses. (pretty admirable to me)

Struggle 3: To be constant and vigilant in keeping his powers in check. To spare those who "deserve it" and continually help those who consider him an outcast, use him only for their selfish purposes and consider him a freak to dangerous for his own good. That's a pretty intense "moral struggle"...oh and HIS parents died too!

WHY I LIKE SUPERMAN

By no means is this section to be a sob story but I wanted to think about why the imaginary world of superheroes has fascinated me since almost birth. 

Reason 1: I was born in Japan (foreign planet) and raised in a military family that moved a lot. Constantly, going from one base to the next. From one country to the next. From one set of friends to the next. Needless to say I got used to being the "new guy", or the odd man out. I also hid my tall gangly body behind glasses at the age of 7 (I could relate to the clumsy Clark)

And it was difficult to fit in. For example the switch from Southern Germany, where we had little to none interaction with the US culture to southern Texas is pretty severe. 

I found myself in several undesirable situations due to how I spoke, acted, my beliefs, and mostly for standing up for people who couldn't or wouldn't stand up for themselves. 

 It was easy to relate to the loner who never fit in yet found it was his purpose and duty to protect even those who may want to hurt him. 

Some hate the Messianic symbolism of the only son sent to a world to save them, but I love it! It simply reminds me that each of us has a purpose and duty to everyone around us and sometimes ONLY we can do what needs to be done. That's a pretty positive message to me. (And remember this was written by two jewish guys)

Reason 2: I am now a father to two boys who have come into my world. one is my Step-son and the other will soon be an adopted son and I now see the entire cannon of Superman through the eyes of Jonathan Kent. Even though I wasn't involved with their births I have immediately formed the bond a father and son have. I look to their future and see my responsibility and purpose to make these boys into men who help those who cannot help themselves, protect those who cannot protect themselves and be the boring Superman that everyone knows will ALWAYS do what's right and good in spite of the sacrifice to themselves. 

I found this to be an amazing example growing up and even today. 

I was taught to find truth where ever it may be. whether in a holy script or in a children's comic book. 

I will always strive to be like Superman. I am kinda already there...one of my weaknesses is rocks so please don't throw them at me!

Maybe Kal-El, the son of Krypton, has become a antiquated hero. Maybe we no loner need an "unattainable ideal", but I like the idea that I can at least be Superman to my family. I hope you can too!