Superman is painted as the All-American, wholesome boyscout of comics. He's more American than Captain America and doesn't even have America in his name. Superman is as American as baseball and apple pies. He was made to represent everything that is positive about America. The truth is he represents more than just the positive things about America. He represents all of the dark things about America as well. As much as he represents hope he represents despair. He's seen as a flawless person but reality is often much darker than fiction. The American dream isn't for everyone, nor is Superman's hope.Superman is strong. He's one of the strongest characters in any fictional universe. That can't be debated. The United States is strong. Our president is known as The Leader of The Free World. Not just president of the united states. In the same light, Superman is dumb and a vast majority of American Citizens are too. Do you know how many times Superman has had his mind controlled by criminals? What about all the times he's been misled into following them without being brain washed. He's not the brightest light bulb in the box. Likewise how often do we as American Citizens fall to the propaganda from "news" channels. Fox, MSNBC, CNN, etc. Take your pick, they all bend the truth. None of them ever give just news. What does this do? It sends the country into a frenzy and we end up fighting each other. Like Superman fighting Batman.
America has waltzed into countless wars thinking that we were invincible. Yet they all turn out the same, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq etc. They lead to countless casualties, hurt pride and soldiers forced to live their lives haunted by the atrocities they see. Superman has died countless times underestimating his enemies. Doomsday, Dr. Light, Zunial and even the Crystal Count have killed Superman. He also underestimates others like Batman's strategies or Flash's Speed. Often leaving Superman outclassed and surprised.
People keep saying we live in a "post-racial" America. That's just not true. I know it, you know it, and deep they know it. America doesn't have a kind relationship with minorities. There are elected officials saying that immigrant children have "cantaloupe calves" and smuggle drugs. We even have black people being arrested for studying history. Likewise, Superman might just be a racist. I'm not saying Superman doesn't save black people. I'm not saying he burns crosses on people's lawns. I'm just saying Superman doesn't care about black people. Black Lightning was one of the first black superheroes and has become an icon. But, why did he become a hero? He once told Superman "You have all the power in the world and you won't even come to the black neighborhoods in your own city." Black Lightning became a hero because Superman wouldn't come to the black areas in metropolis. Superman was left speechless by this and Batman vouched for Black Lightning. Black Lightning refused invitations to the Justice League from Batman and Green Arrow for decades because of Superman. It's sad when your friends realize you're a racist and you don't believe you are. Similarly the United Nations is currently investing the Untied States police practices, specifically the sadly consistent shootings of unarmed black men.
I don't hate Superman. I don't hate America. I'm just saying, we have a lot of problems we need to fix. We aren't as great as we think we are. Superman is built as a savior of all and the symbol of hope. America is considered the melting pot of the world with an American Dream anyone can reach. Bit it's apparent Superman doesn't provide hope for everyone and the American Dream isn't for all of us.
You can hear Darrell on the CP Time and Powerbomb Jutsu podcasts. He also plays classic arcade games on The Cabinet
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