Super-importance

The Origin of Superheroes

Super-importance

In 1983, a figure of red, blue, and yellow rocketed across the covers of DC Comics with the effect of a supernova, a living “Super-man”.  Today, Superman’s iconic figure represents an integral part of American culture and the American Dream across all forums, including Wikipedia.com.  This year, Geneva High School recognized America’s heroic theme during it’s Homecoming celebration.  However, few ask how or more importantly, why. Why are superheroes important?

Perhaps the answer can be ironically found in the darkest periods of American history. 1938, the blackened, powerhouse, locomotive of Industrialization, puffed a final thundering roar under the rust of consumer frugality. According to History.com, American dollars seemingly plunged into a darkening and deepening abyss, and with it Americans’ belief in safety and hope.

Among the growing crowd of the unemployed stood two writers determined to battle against the forces of political corruption. In their grasps, they held the most powerful weapon known to man, a hero. During the Great Depression, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster realized Americans needed a man to live on the front lines of social equality, incorruptible, a moral ideal for man all over the world. Little did they know, a real super villain, halfway across the world, plotted to enact one of the most horrendous, inhumane acts of the 20th century.

World War II signaled an innovative turn in America’s economy and women’s new, liberating role in the workforce. Against the prejudice and cruelty of Hitler’s forces, American soldiers represented the free world and at its helm a superhero with whom they all could identify. Superman’s incredible morality, had finally manifested into his greatest power, hope.

Today, Superman and his spandex predecessors are iconic for their incredible physical powers. However, at the heart of every superhero lies the hope and freedom made real by American innovation and the American Dream.