When it came to the depiction of the movies, the perception wasn't rooted in hope, as much as fear and uncertainty, as the Snyder-verse Superman is more grounded with a reality that is a reflection of our society - woefully ignorant and allows emotions to give us a narrative based on fear. And it's reflected by not just people like Lex Luthor, but Batman as well, as he sees him as a perceived threat because of his power.
Interesting post, but I question your understanding of Superman (this will be long enough without addressing Batman and Goku lol). Anyway, Superman specifically ISN'T judgmental of human beings.
And he absolutely DOES apply himself, or he couldn't be the hero that he is. That's like arguing that Michael Jordan didn't have to apply himself because he had natural gifts. His natural gifts only helped him be truly great AFTER he got the character and work ethic to match.
One of the biggest complaints about the current movie depiction of Superman is that he's less hopeful and inspirational. That's because the core of Superman DOES practice what he preaches. Maybe his greatest superpower is that he's got the power to take over but he chooses not to. He prefers to inspire people to be better, not force them to do as he says.
And they call him the Big Blue Boy Scout for a reason. It actually doesn't get much less pompous than Superman. Also, if you believe he's never been in danger or felt fear, you clearly aren't the comic fan that I am lol.
Okay, the nerd out is over lol! This is an interesting conversation. Thanks for sharing your view.
Well, the world would be a utopia if such things were to work, but no...these are selfish traits. With the racism, sexism, homophobia, and other behaviors people exhibit, on top of diseases and other problematic ills, where is the good in clapping your hands together and reciting a meaningless chant?
You may want to emphasize how, in the comics, that Superman blocked out of his Kryptonian side and have been unlocking his abilities as time went on, while he was learning to fully master them. It wasn't until he encountered Mongul II where he was able to unlock his limitless potential, which gave him the ability to perform the reality-breaking feats. Not only that, but he learned combat from Batman, Wonder Woman, Wildcat, and even mastered two Kryptonian martial arts to help push himself further.
Also, what TDK fails to realize is that his hero, Goku, isn't really that much of a hero, especially when compared to the original, Japanese, version. But, the Western company, FUNimation, attempted to write Goku as some sort of "Superman" figure by rewriting certain dialogue because his Japanese counterpart is more selfish and doesn't exhibit real heroic qualities. He doesn't fight to protect those he love, not quite as much. Rather, his desire is really to become the best fighter, even if it means the world being destroyed. After all, it would make sense because his heritage is that of a warrior-based race that thrives on fighting. The practical essence of survival of the fittest.
No, Superman didn't earn his Kryptonian powers, but he did work extremely hard to master them. Otherwise, he'd be a danger to everyone.
The Jordan analogy holds, because MJ would still be a better basketball player than either of us without working so hard. He didn't earn his height, lack of genetic defect, baseline musculature, or genetic potential. But he busted his butt to control and maximize all of that.
And it's infinitely EASIER for Superman to be immoral and criminal. It's tougher for him to be good because he has the power to do what he wants. Fear of human punishment is no deterrent. The only reason for him to be altruistic is because he truly believes that it's right.
Think of it this way: who do you know who you could trust to be that powerful without being corrupted by it? Most people would turn crazy selfish and dark. But not Superman. That's aspirational and inspirational.
And not just the naive are inspired by him. I honestly have no idea how you reach that conclusion. He's no mere celebrity (in the DC universe). He actually does a lot of good for humanity.
And your wealthy guy analogy is off. Superman doesn't ever insinuate that everyone should just be like him. He knows that he's got unique gifts. He humbly uses them to serve others. He just inspires people to be their best wherever they are. Their best is different from his best. Just like our best is different from Jordan's on the court.
It's also interesting that you mention Superman policing people. That's not him. I read an article a while back that pointed out how Batman was more the police officer, going on regular patrol to root out criminals. Superman is more the firefighter, showing up when he's called to an emergency (kinda like Goku).
There's actually a theory that throughout Superman's life, that he's trained to hold back his powers because he keeps growing stronger by the day. So, by that logic, if he really wanted to, he could have killed anyone if he didn't know how to hug someone that could be as breakable as a pencil or stick.
This exemplifies the control that he had to learn. The fact that he lives on earth without accidentally killing people and destroying furniture on a daily basis is a testament to how hard he worked to master his power. It didn't come nearly as easily as you seem to think.
