Why the World Needs Superman

"Look, up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's ... Superman!" - Siegel & Shuster

In 1933 Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster introduced to the world to what would become a comic book legend - Superman. What most people don't know is that the original story was rejected several times before finally debuting in Action Comics #1 on June 30, 1938.

Once thought of primarily as a uniquely American hero, Superman spent a great deal of his original print fighting the tyranny of the Nazis. More than 70 years and hundreds of media incarnations later, the Man of Steel still captivates the imaginations of fans around the globe.

Disguised as Clark Kent, a mild mannered reporter for a great metropolitan newspaper, Superman kept an eye on the events of the day so he could be close enough to fly in to help just in the nick of time. He always seemed to know what to do to clean things up in the world and, all I can say is, I sure wish he was here right now.

Short of a saying a prayer or having your desk in the oval office, most people feel pretty powerless to do anything about events in the world that generate the daily headlines. I wonder how many people have glanced up at the sky hoping to see a blue and red blur streaking off to once again save us from our own short sightedness.

Superman always put humanity first, without regard to political or socioeconomic classifications. His concern was for the welfare of children and the elderly, or anyone left defenseless in the face of danger. As Clark Kent he investigated the dastardly deeds of dirty politics and shined light on the darkness of the criminal underworld.

Soaring above the Earth, this strange visitor from the planet Krypton embodies what amounts to a messiah figure in many respects. Over the years, dozens of writers have spun tales of Superman's origin rivaling even the back stories of biblical figures.

The son of a Kryptonian scientist named Jor-El, young Kal-El (Superman's given name) was sent off to Earth moments before his home world was destroyed. Knowing that his son would be more powerful than his human companions, Jor-El saw him as a gift to help the people of Earth avoid the same fate as Krypton.

He was found as a toddler in the wreckage of a spacecraft and raised on a farm by Jonathan and Martha Kent in Smallville, Kansas. With super-human skills and salt-of-the-earth upbringing, young Clark set out to save the world, complete with tights and a cape.

A fictional character like Superman may not be a savior, but he is certainly an inspiration. Anecdotes of people who have involved themselves in civic and military service because of the basic moral themes taught throughout the Superman stories are not uncommon. More than just a comic book character he has become a symbol of honesty, integrity and strength - qualities anyone would want to mimic.

As sad as it is to say, it is probably true that as long as human beings inhabit the planet there will be ignorance, crime and war. There will always be people in the world who detest freedom and justice in every form and who will stop at nothing to eliminate independent thinking and peaceful coexistence.

Of course, even Superman could never be in two places at the same time nor could he single-handedly resolve every issue. Ultimately, world peace and civility would be the responsibility of the people - as a whole.

Still, everyone needs a hero to look up to, real or mythical. Heroes help us to guide the development of our morals. Some people look to religious teachings to reinforce ethical fiber.

Others look to fictional characters found in great works of literature. Most people, however, opt for more tangible role models like a teacher or pastor; it's all up to the individual.

Each person should work to a good example for mankind. Superman's character simply exemplifies the qualities of the ultimate Boy Scout.

There is no doubt that there really are some amazing role models out there today - doctors, paramedics, teachers, fire fighters, police officers - and countless others!

Even so, I think we still need Superman and everything he has stood for over the years. I don't care how out of fashion it is, I still believe in truth, justice and the American way.

Gery L. Deer is a self-syndicated columnist based in Jamestown. To read more visit www.gerydeer.com.