Superman Returns The American Way?

[Emrys]

Here's one style of interpretation I don't want for Superman!

Check out this link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/05/us/05liberty.html?ex=1309752000&en=633335bb68bac96a&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

Oh my god, this is probably the sickest thing I have ever seen. This is a perversion pure and simple.

 

[3 Dev Adam]

When people are going to learn that THERE IS NO GOD?

Jeez!

 

[nosebleed.]

This is an old subject so I will post an old reply by one of the posters who used to make sense around here:

As the person who "invented" "Truth, Justice, and Hope," I can tell you it had much more to do with POLITICALLY INCORRECT than political correctness. It wasn't based on some touchy-feely "let's make everyone happy" mood swing; it was based on seeing that the ideals expressed by the current government and population are not in line with Superman's.



I mean, what exactly do you think the American Way is? Today is a perfect example of how open that phrase is to interpretation. According to hicks like Toby Keith, it means "we'll put a boot in your ass." Whether you think that's America or not, you have to agree, that's not Superman. The American Way is not a constant in the least. And it works both ways. The tree-huggers wouldn't be able to claim Superman any more than the right-to-life (unless you're an abortion doctor) freaks.



"The American Way" didn't even show up with Superman until the George Reeves TV show. Why? Because it was made in the 50s during the Cold War. The Soviet Union is dead. There is no Evil Empire standing against America today.



Lastly, I don't see how anyone in their right mind could claim that the American Way is a bigger ideal that hope. Without the American Way, who's going to suffer? Take hope away and the suicide rate triples overnight. Hope keeps people going. It's impossible to take hope as a negative no matter what culture you're from, the same as truth and justice. Hope speaks to the entire human race, not just to one country (or at best, one hemisphere).



Truth, Justice, and Hope makes Superman more relevant and important to the entire world. It removes him from boarders and politics in a way that other ideals can't. It makes Superman an independent force for good instead of a figurehead for whoever happens to be in the Oval Office for this set of years. The American Way is too narrow for someone like Superman. Why stand for 250 million people when you can stand for six billion?

 

[블라스]

 

[Red Mask]

Because I don't see Superman representing six billion people. Promoters say he does but it's obvious he doesn't.

 

[3 Dev Adam]

Because I don't see Superman representing six billion people.

Six BILLION? There's not even that many comic book readers in the world.

 

[HUMAN]

When people are going to learn that THERE IS NO GOD?

Jeez!

Disregarding that God is mentioned in most of America's sacred documents, this is a comment for another thread. Besides, how many times in the movie was Superman regarded as a god or a saviour?

"You once wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but everyday I hear the people crying for one."

 

[Mentok]

"What the **** does he stand for again?" - Perry White (SR Gag Reel)

 

[3 Dev Adam]

"You once wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but everyday I hear the people crying for one."

A fireman is a saviour. So, Superman can be a fireman, not a god.

 

[Red Mask]

Anybody see the new DC heroes stamps? Can't get those outside of America.

 

[3 Dev Adam]

I have 'em and I don't live in the USA (stop saying "America", you're not the entire Continent!), I'm from Greece.

 

[Red Mask]

These stamps are U.S. Postal issued. http://www.usps.com/communications/news/calendar/fdevents/06_comicssuperheroes.htm

And I'm not from America, nor do I live there. I'm just making a point that Superman is American.

 

[HUMAN]

A fireman is a saviour. So, Superman can be a fireman, not a god.

Then Lois would have said that the world doesn't need firemen or policemen. We don't need any rescue service. But did she actually say that in the context of the movie? No, she said 'saviour' on a supernatural scale.

Let's look at the official definition of 'savior:'

1. one who saves 2. Jesus Christ

^ According to Webster.

So, taking Lex Luthor's line to heart:

"Gods are selfish beings who fly around in little red capes and don't share their power with mankind." < This, I suspect, is your train of thought.

Then taking Lois's line to heart:

"The world doesn't need a saviour, and neither do I." < See? She said it in a singular form, not in a form that addresses a team of human rescuers.

Then finally, Superman's line:

"You once wrote that the world doesn't need a saviour, but everyday I hear the people crying for one." < See? 'ONE!' The people are crying for ONE. Not a team of firefighters or police officers, but 'ONE.'

You don't have to acknowledge a god, but you can't deny that the allegory is there for Superman to fit in as a saviour.

 

[Mentok]

Anybody see the new DC heroes stamps? Can't get those outside of America.

Australia, Canada and England have all done limited runs of Superman Postal Stamps.

 

[Admiral_N8]

(stop saying "America", you're not the entire Continent!), I'm from Greece.

 

[7Hells]

The problem with the saying "The American way" is that it contradicts itself a bit
Everyone has a different view of what the american way is and since its an american saying they are all right because in america you are free to think and believe what you want.*coughs*

The American way, to me, is being able to walk a few blocks west and be completely submerged in a different culture. And yes, that includes people speaking different languages.

The American way, to me, means we welcome diversity in our citizens because in America you are free to be as diverse as you want.*coughs again*

I dont care how bad it gets here, I still have faith in the people to see our government spitting on that notion. And hopefully they can see it without the media because our news has fully transformed to propoganda now. *ends cough*

And me being able to say what I just said and consider myself even more patriotic for saying it is another example, to me, of "the American Way"!

 

[Monkey Chops]

If you say "American Way" you've alienated the rest of the planet. It reeks of imperialism, so it's sensible to keep it out of the movie, if you want to sell it abroad.

 

[XCharlieX]

I think it was a smart move for Superman to be presented as a protector of the entire planet as opposed to a man fighting for "The American Way".. its a loaded subject nowadays.

 

[Red Mask]

Australia, Canada and England have all done limited runs of Superman Postal Stamps.

Really? Limited, eh?

 

[The Kid]

In the end, everything superman does is the American Way. I'll just ignore the stalking.

 

[seattlespidey]

The problem with the saying "The American way" is that it contradicts itself a bit
Everyone has a different view of what the american way is and since its an american saying they are all right because in america you are free to think and believe what you want.*coughs*

The American way, to me, is being able to walk a few blocks west and be completely submerged in a different culture. And yes, that includes people speaking different languages.

The American way, to me, means we welcome diversity in our citizens because in America you are free to be as diverse as you want.*coughs again*

I dont care how bad it gets here, I still have faith in the people to see our government spitting on that notion. And hopefully they can see it without the media because our news has fully transformed to propoganda now. *ends cough*

And me being able to say what I just said and consider myself even more patriotic for saying it is another example, to me, of "the American Way"!

Amen, however, this is my one and only gripe with the film...he should have said it. I don't care what people say, Superman is an All-American hero and I hate it that they chose to put that second to "selling it to others"...please. That's what's wrong with our country, we're losing our backbone.

But that's a whole different argument...

Nevertheless, I didn't bother with it much until I read the posts, so there.

 

[Mentok]

Really? Limited, eh?

Yes, just as the current run of US postal 'DC Heroes' Stamps is a limited run.

 

[Timstuff]

This thread makes me realise why it's taking so long for the Captain America movie to get made...

Would fans be alienated if they changed him to "Captain UN" to be politcally correct?

 

[3 Dev Adam]

Captain America is an american soldier, so I wouldn't mind seeing a Captain America movie... set entirely in WWIII, where he belongs.

And fighting those things:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nqEpMltv02k

 

[Spare-Flair]

The American way is civil liberties and freedom. It's freedom of speech, freedom of association, democracy, and the free market. He's protector of our way of life. The American Way was just a method to condense the American way of life against the brutal alternatives during Superman's evolution in nazism, related totalitarianism, communism, or simple hardship, war, and poverty.

People forget that Captain America is not a political Superhero either (or at least not anymore). He's a champion of the American way of life above and beyond any political or military purpose. That's why in the Civil War series, he actually leads the rebellion against the government and the Superheroes registration act because he is fighting for the people and for civil liberties.

Captain America is only a soldier when he believes he is fighting for the right cause. Right now, he's technically a terrorist leader who has commited several acts of high treason against the United States government and military.