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For Superman, It's Truth, Justice and a Whole Lot of Political Baggage

The article titled "How Superman’s Politics Have Changed With America’s Over 80 Years," published on TheWrap.com, provides a detailed exploration of the evolution of Superman's character and political undertones from his creation in 1938 to the present day. Written by Phil Owen and published on July 11, 2023, the piece traces how the Man of Steel, as a cultural icon, has mirrored and sometimes influenced the shifting political and social landscape of the United States over more than eight decades. Below is an extensive summary of the article, aiming to capture its key points, historical context, and thematic depth.

Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, first appeared in *Action Comics #1* in 1938, during the tail end of the Great Depression and on the eve of World War II. The character was born out of a specific socio-political context: Siegel and Shuster, both Jewish immigrants’ sons, imbued Superman with a sense of justice that reflected the struggles of the working class and the marginalized. Early Superman stories often depicted him as a champion of the underdog, taking on corrupt politicians, exploitative businessmen, and even domestic abusers. This version of Superman was a populist hero, embodying the New Deal-era ideals of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s America, where government intervention and social reform were seen as necessary to combat inequality and corporate greed. The article highlights how, in these early comics, Superman was less concerned with battling supervillains and more focused on systemic societal issues, such as unsafe working conditions in mines or slum housing.

As the United States entered World War II, Superman’s role shifted to align with the national war effort. The character became a symbol of American patriotism, often depicted fighting Nazis and promoting war bonds on comic covers. This era marked a significant change in Superman’s political tone, as he transitioned from a domestic reformer to a global defender of democracy. The article notes that this shift was not just a reflection of the times but also a deliberate move by publishers to align with mainstream American values, especially as comic books faced scrutiny for their perceived violent content. Superman’s stories during this period were less about challenging the status quo and more about reinforcing it, embodying the "American Way" alongside his commitment to "Truth and Justice."

Post-World War II, during the Cold War era of the 1950s and 1960s, Superman’s politics became more conservative, reflecting the broader cultural fear of communism and the emphasis on conformity. The article describes how Superman was often portrayed as a staunch defender of the American government, with little of the skepticism toward authority that characterized his early years. This period saw the introduction of the Comics Code Authority in 1954, which heavily censored content and discouraged narratives that questioned societal norms or government policies. As a result, Superman’s stories became more sanitized, focusing on fantastical threats rather than real-world issues. He was depicted as an unwavering symbol of American exceptionalism, often working alongside government institutions rather than challenging them.

The 1960s and 1970s brought social upheaval with the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and growing distrust in government following events like Watergate. The article explains that Superman’s portrayal began to reflect a more nuanced perspective during this time, though not without limitations. While DC Comics introduced stories that touched on issues like racism and environmentalism, Superman himself often remained a somewhat detached figure, embodying a middle-of-the-road morality that avoided taking strong political stances. For instance, while other characters like Green Lantern and Green Arrow tackled gritty social issues head-on in their comics, Superman’s narratives were more allegorical, addressing problems in a way that didn’t directly critique American policy or society.

The 1980s marked another pivotal shift with the release of Frank Miller’s *The Dark Knight Returns* and Alan Moore’s *Watchmen*, which deconstructed the superhero genre and introduced darker, more cynical themes. Although these works focused on Batman and original characters, respectively, they influenced Superman’s portrayal as well. The article points out that John Byrne’s 1986 reboot of Superman in *The Man of Steel* reimagined him as a more relatable, humanized figure, but also one who was firmly aligned with American interests during the Reagan era. This period saw Superman occasionally acting as a tool of U.S. foreign policy, reflecting the renewed emphasis on American global dominance during the Cold War’s final years.

In the post-9/11 era, Superman’s role as a symbol of American values was both reinforced and questioned. The article discusses how, in the early 2000s, Superman was often depicted as a protector of global security, mirroring America’s self-image as the world’s policeman. However, as public sentiment grew critical of U.S. military interventions and domestic surveillance, Superman’s stories began to explore themes of government overreach and the ethics of power. A notable example cited is the 2006 storyline *Superman: Peace on Earth*, where he grapples with the limits of his ability to solve systemic issues like hunger, reflecting a growing awareness of the complexities of global problems.

More recently, Superman’s politics have evolved to address contemporary issues such as immigration, climate change, and social justice. The article highlights how Jon Kent, Superman’s son who took up the mantle in recent comics, came out as bisexual in 2021, signaling DC’s intent to make the Superman legacy more inclusive and reflective of modern diversity. Additionally, stories have tackled Superman’s status as an immigrant (being from Krypton), drawing parallels to real-world debates about borders and belonging. The 2019 storyline *Superman Smashes the Klan* explicitly addressed racism and white supremacy, reimagining a 1940s radio serial to confront historical and ongoing issues of prejudice in America.

The article also touches on cinematic portrayals, particularly Zack Snyder’s *Man of Steel* (2013) and *Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice* (2016), which presented a more militaristic and morally ambiguous Superman. These films, reflecting post-9/11 anxieties about power and collateral damage, sparked debate about whether Superman should be a symbol of hope or a figure of fear. In contrast, the upcoming 2025 film directed by James Gunn is anticipated to return to a more optimistic and idealistic portrayal, aligning with a cultural desire for unity and positivity in divisive times.

In conclusion, the article argues that Superman’s politics have never been static; they have continuously adapted to reflect America’s evolving identity, values, and challenges. From a Depression-era reformer to a patriotic wartime symbol, a Cold War conformist, and a modern advocate for social justice, Superman remains a mirror to the nation’s conscience. The piece suggests that as long as America grapples with questions of power, morality, and identity, Superman will continue to evolve, embodying both the aspirations and contradictions of the society that created him. This comprehensive examination not only charts the character’s journey through history but also underscores the enduring relevance of Superman as a lens through which to view America’s political and cultural shifts. (Word count: 1,050)

Read the Full TheWrap Article at:
[ https://www.thewrap.com/superman-politics-history-american/ ]