The Immigrant Story of Superman

The recent announcement of James Gunn’s new Superman film, which he referred to as "an immigrant story," has sparked controversy among critics who accuse him of politicizing the iconic superhero. However, the truth is that Superman has been an "illegal alien" for 87 years, a fact that highlights the complexities of the American experience.

The Origins of Superman’s Story

Superman’s creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were children of Jewish immigrants who drew inspiration from their own experiences as outsiders. When Hitler rose to power in 1938, they created a hero who embodied the American dream: someone who could protect the vulnerable because he knew what it meant to be an outsider. Superman’s story is not just a subtext, but the text itself – a universal outsider who finds a new home and uses his unique skills to serve his adopted country.

The American Paradox

Superman represents the American paradox: a nation built by displaced people, including immigrants and refugees, who have been orphaned by a different place. He transforms this common wound into a purpose, proving that our greatest strength is not where we are born, but what we become. This paradox is at the heart of the American experience, and Superman’s story is a testament to the power of immigration and the American dream.

The Politicization of Superman

The accusations of "politicizing" Superman come ridingly late. Superman has defined "The American Way" through his actions since 1938. He has taken a stand against Adolf Hitler, promoted vaccines, and helped finance the polio vaccine. He has also revealed the secrets of the Ku Klux Klan and stood up for peaceful demonstrators. If a shooter opens fire on immigrants, Superman blocks every bullet. He is America’s conscience, wearing a cloak, and that frightens critics because they support a real super villain.

The Legacy of Superman

Superman’s legacy is not just about his superpowers, but about the values he represents: hope, welcome, and the ability to overcome adversity. Our greatest superpower as a nation has always been our ability to welcome the stranger and watch them thrive. Like Superman himself, America does not draw its strength from what it was born, but from what it wants to be – a place where orphans can find a home, where the powerless can discover their power, and where those who flee dying worlds can help build new ones.

The Real Superheroes

The real superheroes have always been immigrants, and it’s time we behave as if we believe it. When choosing between fear and hope, we not only reveal Superman’s legacy, but our own future. The story of Superman is a reminder that our greatest strength lies not in our differences, but in our ability to come together and create a better world for all. As narrative strategist Andrew Slack and journalist Jose Antonio Vargas note, the story of Superman is a powerful reminder of the role of mythology in shaping our understanding of democracy and the American experience.