No, I'm pretty sure Superman just appeals to Western sensibilities. I guess you could go back and connect it to Renaissance humanism, or even farther back--Hercules and his people were the prototypes. Eastern mythology, though it did contain equivalent heroes, didn't really rely on the same principles. Today things are different, but that's because the whole world has become attuned to Western sensibilities--it's not innate, though.

I do agree with you on that term. I would never want to make a character like Superman because he is to powerful and strong, but that's why peaople look up to him to save the day.

Note: a score by John Williams never hurts.

I too think Superman is usually an incredibly weak character, but you might want to check out Frank Miller's "The Dark Knight Returns," in which he gets some much-needed depth and is rather tormented by "selling out" to the guh'ment.

It's a very good essay. Superman does symbolize hope for many people. The flow of your writing is great, and the way you've presented your ideas is quite convicing. Good job!

John Williams did the score? Crap, I'm probably going to anger the neighbors again...

Personally, I always liked Superman for his relationship with Lois Lane, just as I consider MJ a point off for Peter Parker.

Livi

i liked it. i saw the superman movie, and i didn't think it was very good at all. i was cracking up the whole time. it was obviose(sp?) that it was sis child.. and i was like superman has a kid? lol I know that wasn't ur point for your writing but i thought i ought to tell you.And what is up with superheros in tights. it has been that way since comics came out. but seriously, it was some horny person that came up with that. again, that was nothing to do with your writing but...I totally agree with your last paragraph and well, that whole thing. it was good.~Liz

Very touching, very deep, I would love to see more of your writing, and in fact, after this I will go to read it. Very good writing piece, and a very good topic, I will never look at Superman the same way again!

Amazing. I truly loved the ideas you presented in this essay...it's very deep. Definately ideas and thoughts I've had, but there is no way that I could put them into words the way you have, or elaborated with such fluidity. You've shown your own character throughout this piece, but it still has a rather professional sound to it. Well done!