Superheroes and Ideology

1. Superheroes and Ideology • We’ve spent some time talking about traits that all superheroes share. Now, we’re going to talk about how individual superheroes act as media--as representations of ideas or idea systems (ideologies). • All superheroes represent an ideology, a series of ideas and views of the world. Since superheroes represent our cultural ideals of morality and power, individual superheroes make individual arguments about what those ideals should be.

2. Like most Americans, Superman is an immigrant; he is an “alien” in that he is from another planet, but he is also an “alien” in the same sense that people who come to America from other nations are “aliens.” Superman has made this difference, this “alien-ness,” work for him. This difference brings him power. He shows his difference both in his actions and in his costume, which is made of materials from his home. Superman represents individual mobility in a way similar to Jack Kerouac, cowboy heroes, Huck Finn. “What Makes Superman So Darned American?”

3. Superman, continued • Superman represents urbanism and cultural assimilation--Superman is an alien who has come to the city and made himself like us. This movement from “alien” to American was often represented in comic stereotypes, but Superman’s story makes this movement heroic. Clark Kent represents the weak and assimilated middle-class American; Superman the powerful and individual alien/immigrant.

4. The importance of the immigrant or the alien in American society The importance of upholding a societal moral code (laws over personal justice) The value of small-town values and upbringing in the big city Superman argues that “mild-mannered” people have their own power beneath the surface. What else does Superman represent?

5. Batman represents human ability, the idea that hard work and discipline can make any person a “superhero.” Batman represents aristocracy, the idea that wealth is power in itself. Batman argues for the power of scientific ingenuity and reasoning over brute strength. Batman argues the importance of following a personal moral code (personal justice over laws), but argues that these are not in conflict. What, in contrast, does Batman represent?

6. Discussion Exercise • What do these superheroes represent? What ideologies do they promote? • Wolverine • The X-Men • The Spectre (from Kingdom Come) • Green Lantern • Blade • Xena • Buffy the Vampire Slayer • Spider-Man • The Hulk • others?