I have often pondered on the idea of the newspaper article Lois Lane wrote for the Daily Planet,“ Why the World Needs Superman,” and there have been subsequent articles written on that very subject, like this article and this one as well. This is my response to Lois and her article; in her world, Superman is real, for us, he’s only a dream, a wish held by many.
There’s a bit of remorse when I think about it because of how some people in the world would receive him. I think most would cheer, eventually, after the shock was over with, but there are many on our planet who would point an accusing finger at him, announce judgments against him with no proof, and treat him as the enemy because he is not from the Earth, and not human.
There are many who would greet an alien that comes to the planet (if it could be proven that they are real) with a gun in their hand, as portrayed in “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” or ready to go to war against them, as in the movie “Arrival,” all because they are afraid, and not like us.
So, if Superman, as portrayed in DC Comics or in the movies, were real, would we be so accepting of him? Would we cheer if we saw him flying in the sky? How would he be treated by governments and the world at large? Who would try to shoot him down out of cruelty or malice, or because they thought they were being funny?
The core values and ideas of Superman consist of hope, compassion, justice, responsibility, and my two favorites, selflessness and humility. They are human values, not alien, as far as we know, but, according to Jerry Segal and Joel Schuster, these core beliefs are how the character lives his life. Those ideals are something many try to aspire to, despite the criticism we may receive from others. Superman shows us that even when the world feels cynical, heavy, or divided, those values still matter, and they are worth holding on to. Superman embodies the best that we can be, and it reminds us that strength isn’t measured by power, but by kindness, courage, and the willingness to do what’s right even when it’s difficult.
Today, there is an overwhelming “what about me” attitude that encompasses most of the populations of the planet; the feeling of entitlement runs rampant everywhere. It’s mostly driven by capitalism and social status; “one is not equal to the other.” How could Superman influence change, or could he? Could Superman show us our mistakes and have a real positive influence on a different outcome other than the ones we seem to be driving ourselves toward? Or would we see the examples he was trying to set and follow them? Some would say, “We don’t need a Superman,” and that we can do it ourselves without anyone’s help. I have lingering doubts about that, the sense of entitlement people have, and the “me first” attitude is still driving that train. We all work better when we do it together, but some people seem to ignore that truth. Superman knows that, though.
It has been said that it took something bigger in order to see what was going on around them and open their eyes, to make them realize what was really happening. Are those rare moments that only happen to a few? Would it take seeing a man flying around, performing fantastic feats of strength, agility, and amazing acts of kindness to open up a few eyes and realize they are part of something bigger than themselves?
We have many heroes in our ranks on this planet, and the sacrifices they have made have helped to better our world. For them, we can never forget their courage and deeds. However, we still look inward, going back and repeating the same mistakes in different ways because we have no one to show us a better way or to refuse to act in the right way, convinced that their perspective is the only one that matters.
If there’s a symbol of hope flying around in a blue and red suit, I can’t wait to see him come over my neighborhood. To have someone who isn’t influenced by wealth or petty interests and sets an example for all of the human race to strive for is something I think (most) everyone would welcome.
Right now, the world could sure use you, Superman. We’re waiting.
All media by Chris Denny
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