“Avengers: Infinity War” is here, but something that may be a little more impactful also happened last month. The Man of Tomorrow himself, Superman, has celebrated his 80th birthday. He has officially been saving lives and beating up bad guys for 80 years now! Not to mention that from him, dozens of other super heroes have been spun into existence. Even the mighty Marvel juggernaut (not in reference to the character) with “Infinity War” could not, and probably would not, be what it is today without the man in the red and blue tights. However, I have been thinking about Superman’s true gift to the world, besides just the countless comics, movies, TV shows, etc. What did the Last Son of Krypton bring to our humble planet?
Obviously, at the time, Superman and his comics were targeted mostly at children, but to who else should you teach the values truth, justice, and hope? Yes, adults caught on to the craze as well, but children are our future generation and should know the importance of these values. They were also some of the ones who needed hope for a bright tomorrow most of all. As I said, these were harsh times for both grown-ups and children, and kids wanted a hero just as much as adults did. Superman gave them something to which to aspire. He could do anything, and he always did what was right.
Superman is also someone we can all relate to in some way. Most people see him as this ultimate being who can solve anything with his limitless power, but he is so much more than that. He is an alien from another planet, an orphan who just wants to be accepted in the society in which he lives. He really tries to blend in with humanity, but there are numerous times when he feels alone and isolated with no one who can understand his struggle. The Man of Steel is a vulnerable person despite all of his powers. All he wants is to do the right thing, but he is constantly questioning himself on if that is what he is doing or not. Even as his persona Clark Kent, he is just a nerdy guy who wants to get the girl. There is something in every aspect of Superman to which each and every one of us can relate.
Superman shows us the best of humanity and what we have the potential to become despite not being an actual human. He represents the good in all of us and he shows us that good can always triumph over evil. This is the reason he has lasted so long, and this is why he will last even longer. I hope people will still be able to talk about the Man of Tomorrow in 2050. I think we are facing times that are getting dangerously reminiscent of when Superman was first created. There are some bad things happening, and people are scared again. We could really use a hero right now, but Superman shows us that heroes are never far away. Some can be at our side faster than a speeding bullet.
“It’s not about where you were born or the powers you have or what you wear on your chest; it’s about what you do.”
-Superman
