Super Heros and the American Culture

Recently I was listening to Janet Parshall's show "Talking it Over" on Moody Bible Institute. She had a guest that stated when you want to know how a culture views itself look at that cultures myths. As I was thinking, I identified the Superheros of our culture as "modern day" myths. I started to think about the difference between the depiction of our hero's in their early stage and how they have evolved over time. I have no doubt they reflect the American cultures view of itself.

Look at Superman. When he was originally crafted he was accompanied by the saying, "Truth, Justice, and the American Way!" Today "Truth" and "Justice" remain. However, the "American Way" has been removed. This could be for a number of reasons. First, could be the sense of growing global community. Many see themselves and their values as world wide and universal. Perhaps America has succeeded in spreading its ways and truth and justice are everywhere. Second, it could be that people don't view the nation as standing for truth and justice. Suspicion is high on everything from McDonald's removing "super sized" items from its menu to the war on terror. Some may feel that truth and justice just aren't who we are anymore. Third, some people see the U.S. as a dominating bully on the world seen. Hence, we couldn't possibly stand for truth and justice.

In addition to the dropping of America from Superman's banner is the not so perfect Superman presented to us. Superman of old was good and without question. Today's Superman has left earth to fulfill his own desires. In the most recent movie he fathered a child out of wedlock. Can you believe that? Superman is Lois' "Baby Daddy." If that isn't a reflection on the change in our culture I don't know what is.

Another American "myth" is the Dark Knight, AKA, Batman. In the movie "Dark Knight" we see all types of conflicts. We see a vigilante that is breaking the law to protect the city and in a strange way uphold the law. There were questions of ethics, privacy, and to what extent is good willing to go to defeat evil. It brought to mind the issue of the U.S.'s War on Terror. There is no doubt that we are a nation conflicted. We are almost evenly split down the line on how to handle the most trying issues of our day.

The last group of "Hero's" I want to look at is that of the X-Men. Here is a group that has special powers or ailments depending on how you look at it. They suffer from acceptance, self-esteem, and plain old "where do I fit in?" issues. You have good guys and bad guys both fighting for a common goal-equality and acceptance. One seeks to destroy its enemies, while the other seeks to befriend them by establishing common ground and a general understanding. This group covers the issues of the usage of power, righteous indignation, aggression or passivity, reconciliation or enmity. Things have become quite complicated.

America is no longer a simple place that sees itself and its citizens as largely good. We are conflicted on all sides. Uncertain of our methods and motivations. We are both supreme leaders and suspicious of our own end game. This is all reflected in our mythical superheros. I rather doubt that we will return to the belief and action that we are in fact good. I don't believe that the nation as a whole will believe all at the same time that we stand for "Truth" and "Justice." The evolution has begun. Simple goodness is gone. A complicated creature capable of both good and evil has appeared on the seen. Perhaps it has not appeared, but we have merely come to the realization of who we have been all along.