On April 28, Superman announced his intention of giving up his U.S. citizenship. “I’m tired of having my actions construed as instruments of U.S. policy,” the Man of Steel says in the 900th issue of Action Comics. “‘Truth, justice and the American way’—it’s not enough anymore.”
It’s a pretty serious step, renouncing one’s citizenship. If Superman follows through, he’ll no longer be able to vote or serve on a jury. He’ll be unable to use a U.S. Passport for overseas trips—though, come to think of it, he’s never really worried about customs and visas, anyway. And when the Olympics come on, will Superman be able to chant “U.S.A.! U.S.A.!” with the same gusto at his television set anymore?
But that said, I get Superman’s reasoning. We live in a different nation and a different world than we did back when ol’ Supe first flew into our lives.
Superman was introduced to the world in 1938, when the United States was on the downside of the Great Depression and on the brink of World War II. Those were the days of, in Tom Brokaw’s words, “The Greatest Generation.” Sure, they were tough days, and we knew there were tougher days ahead. But the country was, perhaps, buoyed by a sense of optimism—a sense that we were an exceptional nation, a beacon of hope and freedom.
Superman, with his patriotic outfit and his clean-cut, all-American demeanor (never mind that the guy was actually the very definition of an illegal alien), reflected the age’s heady optimism and sense of purpose. He was the stated champion of “truth, justice and the American way,” almost synonymous with how Americans liked to see themselves. And as the United States successfully navigated World War II, stared down the Soviet Union in the Cold War and celebrated an unprecedented period of prosperity, Superman’s popularity exploded. He wasn’t just a superhero: he was the superhero: The guy, it seemed, could do no wrong—either in or out of the comics.
But things change. Over the last few decades, America’s been through some difficult times and trudged through some difficult conflicts. Technically, we’re stronger than ever—the world’s lone superpower and still its economic leader. We Americans still love our country and we’re still proud to live here. But I don’t think as many Americans are sure we have all the world’s answers … and even if we are sure, we’re not positive the rest of the world wants to hear ’em.
I don’t think it’s a coincidence that, as Americans take a darker view of their own national character, Superman’s popularity has suffered. The classic red-and-blue flying ace seems a little out of step—a relic of a more innocent, more optimistic age. The idea that America has a corner on truth and justice just seems, to some, a little arrogant.
So, to keep Superman relevant, the folks at DC Comics decided to sever his official allegiance with the country that raised him. Nothing personal, of course. As DC co-publishers Jim Lee and Dan Didio told the New York Post:
Superman is a visitor from a distant planet who has long embraced American values. As a character and an icon, he embodies the best of the American Way. … In a short story in ACTION COMICS 900, Superman announces his intention to put a global focus on his never ending battle, but he remains, as always, committed to his adopted home and his roots as a Kansas farm boy from Smallville.
We don’t know for sure yet whether Superman will actually give up his official allegiance to the U.S. of A. Perhaps the events in Pakistan over the last few days, which seemed to goose American patriotism, may cause DC to have a change of heart. Me, I’d be a little sad if Supe did say sayonara to his citizenship—but like I said, I’d understand.
Recent Comments