Man Without a Country

I always felt that Superman was the most “unreal” of the superheroes. Ok, all of them are unreal when it comes to their powers, but Superman was the one good guy who was also perceived as a good guy. Contrast that with the other superheroes: Batman was notoriously dark and brooding; Spiderman always got bad press (which is kind of ironic given that Peter Parker is a journalist!).

Well, all that just changed: Superman renounced his US citizenship! Apparently, our superhero was supporting some protestors in Iran and was accused of being a stooge for the American government. So he felt the best way to refute the charge was to, well, drop his nationality. Apparently, even Superman’s physical powers are not enough in the age of tweets, Wikileaks and slander! Who needs Kryptonite anymore to take on Superman?

That’s so amusing at so many levels! Note how he has problems with Iran but not with Saudi Arabia or Bahrain? Now isn’t that the same policy the US government has? Me thinks Superman does protest too much!

Also it’s a sign of the times: the Superman comics series wants to go global. And he can’t be popular elsewhere if he’s fighting crime only in America. But if he retains American citizenship and fights crime, say, in the Middle East, it’ll be similar to invading Iraq (the “we know what’s best for you” mindset).

But his move to renounce American citizenship has provoked protests within the US. Suddenly, the Man of Steel becomes more “believable”: he isn’t the guy everyone likes. He faces the perception problem and is accused of having an agenda. Finally, a Superman I can like!

Comments

  1. KumarMay 1, 2011 at 4:19 PM

    Going global is never easy.

    I recall the problems Tintin faced. I understand he was not even allowed to grow up and have sex! It would offend someone's sensibility.

    One other factitious character had a similar problem. James Bond was quite fond of women and would indulge himself. That was not considered serious enough for any discussion in earlier times. They were taken in the same stride with which people took the stupendous ways in which he would vanquish the crazy villains. Today Bond is labeled a sexist! Some people want him to be monogamous; as for gorgeous women revealingly clad, that could be arranged in the films suitably!

    When I was a child, I just read comics and enjoyed them. It used to be simple. Today I have to analyze everything and keep on passing judgement, preferably critical. I want my childhood back!!

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