"It’s a bird, it’s a plane—No, it’s Superman!"

“Dreams save us. Dreams lift us up and transform us. And on my soul, I swear... until my dream of a world where dignity, honor and justice becomes the reality we all share -- I'll never stop fighting. Ever.”

You probably know the famous story of Superman. Born on the fading planet Krypton, baby Kal-El was rocketed to Earth with moments to spare, and was found and raised by a couple (Jonathan & Martha Kent) in Kansas who named him Clark Kent. Since his first appearance in 1938, Superman has become a staple of American pop culture.

To most people, especially the younger audience, Superman is perceived as the ultimate, iconic hero—a symbol of hope. Despite shifts in popular culture toward darker characters, Superman retains his status among children as a classic hero defined by his signature cape, flight, and moral duty. During the 1930s, millions of Jewish refugees immigrated to New York, fleeing the pogroms of Eastern Europe. The original creators of Superman were Joe Shuster, the Creator of Superman, and Jerry Siegel, the Artist of Superman. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster were both born to Jewish immigrants; the Siegel’s were from Lithuania, and Shuster’s from the Netherlands and Ukraine. In 1931, the two instantly clicked and became friends at Cleveland’s Glenville High School and ended up creating comics together. Not long after, the pair created the famous superhero who is widely known for his iconic blue uniform, his flowing red cape to the "S" shield on his chest. Superman is one of the most immediately recognizable and beloved DC Super Heroes of all time.

In the 1960s, a one-page service announcement comic by Jack Schiff and Curt Swan—“World’s Finest Comics” #111, titled “Lend a Friendly Hand.” Superman taught the pair of young boys about the hardships that refugees encountered, by showcasing first-hand some of the rigorous conditions that occur universally. The comic ended with a heartwarming message that captured everyone’s hearts online. This one-page comic explained the real-life struggles of refugees who often face discrimination based on their ethnic background and way of living. Superman’s status as an outsider, an alien from Krypton who must conceal his true identity, mirrors the feelings of exclusion and otherness often experienced by immigrants and minorities in America.

Despite Superman’s contrasting characteristics, the latest release, directed by James Gunn, was adored by the fans due to his newest iteration, which made the characterization more meaningful and humane. He retaliates against evil with kindness and openly believes that everyone can do good. His demeanor, together with his extraordinary abilities, can make him appear ordinary or even emotionally distant. Yet, as the iconic representative of superheroes, it is fitting for him to possess universal qualities and exemplify traits that inspire people. This showcased a beneficial message for children raised in a divided world plagued by discrimination, war, and prejudice.

In our modern world, we are slowly overlooking the idea of cherishing everyone and are increasingly judging others based on their identity, whether it be their race, religion, gender, or background. This shift guides us to greater division and dispute, making it difficult to foster empathy and genuine understanding. As a result, the importance of adopting inclusivity and recognizing the intrinsic values of every individual has never been more hypercritical. Ultimately, Superman wants us to value the importance of accepting every individual and for humanity to thrive, not just survive, by inspiring them to reach their highest potential for goodness, hope, and compassion.

By: Eyyrah Monique Llarenas