Food for thoughts :
Comics have been around for more than 100 years. Originally, they were
found in newspapers and magazines and they were short stories only
meant to be funny, to entertain the readers. Later, superheroes were
created (Superman, Batman) and their goal was to give hope to people.
When WWII started, heroes like Captain America were used as a tool of
propaganda to motivate American citizens to join the war effort after the
disilusion of the Great Depression.
1- Superman, story is close to that of million of america : like many
immigrants he left everything behind, came to America and started
a new life. In the comic books at the time, he was also facing the
same issues. He appealed to a lor of readers.
2- They have similar traits ; determination, leadership, a taste for
action and the willingness to solve social issues. They both want to
bring hope and courage to their people.
3- Superman is otten depicted as the ultimate protector of the
American people, but he’s often portrayed as secretive and distant;
like a godlike figure? But in the text, thought he remains invicble,
he is committed to protecting the oppressed and the defenseless
4- He became a patriotic icon whe fought for his country by raising
money for the war effort. He stopped protecting only the oppressed
and uphekd American individualistic ideals. He had been turned
into a tool of propaganda.
5- Both Captain America and Superman prepared the country for the
war in their own way : Superman gave people hope and confidence
while Captain America was in the front defeating Nazis and
denouncing fascism. During the war, they were used tu defend
individual rights and freedom, embodying patriotism. They were
used as a tool of propaganda to influence the people.
Events in US history Social attitudes Real and fictional of
characters
1968 – Assasination Bigotry-racism. Stan Lee / Martin
of MLK ! Inequalities. Luther King Jr /
1950s/60s-Civil Outsiders who fight Fantastic Four/ X-
nights mouvement ! for a better society. Men,Professor
2017-White Xavier and
nationalist rally ! Magneto’s/ King /
Malcom X/ Jack
Kirby/ Black Panther.
2) The social ills are still pluging America today, as itw as in 1968.
Bigotry (intolerance), racism, and social inequality have not
disappeared. Although, segregation has been abolished, many
African Americans still face discrimination in their daily life.
Fortunately, social activists are out therre fighting for equal rights
like MLK did in the 60s.
3) Over the years, Super Heroes have played various roles : As we
had seen previously with Superman or Captain America (who used
tool to propaganda). They’ve now evolved to respond to the needs
of the US society : For example, the X-men represent a group of
outsiders who aren’t accepted by society which mirors the way
ethnic minorities live in the USA. Through demonstrating the
injustice of such discrimination, characters like Black Panther and
the X-men make a strong political statement and push society to be
more inclusive.
1rt black man / long history 1966 / major marvel movie/ never
money for movie like this / huge movement / Diversify / same of
stories / look cage on netflix / chracters different color and gender
more poeple want to see.