Let me know what you think, which side do you take? What other super hero's stand for a specific ideology?Batman is a libertarian because he is a brilliant entrepreneur who trained himself to master the martial arts, and uses skills obtained through merit to defend Gotham against criminals and its hopelessly corrupt government. On the other hand, Superman is a socialist because he wears a red cape and has a big "S" on his chest, embodies the belief that only those born well can prosper and spends his time fighting his archenemy, a rich businessman. In addition, while Batman is never truly able to eradicate the evil underworld of Gotham City, under Superman's benign control, Metropolis becomes open, modernist and democratic.
Though one could easily argue the opposite is true, this theory provides an interesting perspective not only for dining hall comic book debates but also for government as a whole. Though crime fighting is clearly a core responsibility of local government, organizations like Habitat for Humanity, America's Second Harvest and Goodwill are able to grant a great deal of support to our neighbors in need when cities and counties fail to provide for those in need. We all have the opportunity to take matters into our own hands when we participate in service organizations like these and become a little more like the Dark Knight.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Batman vs. Superman - Viewpoint
Batman vs. Superman - Viewpoint - Interesting new debate. the old debate is whether Batman or Superman is superior. Why not debate their ideologies. Great take on an age old question.
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6 comments:
Jeez Jeff,
How do you come up with this stuff? I don't even know how to begin to answer this one. I guess I would have to take Batman's side, not sure why, just my first instinct. The rest is over my head.
Why not delve into their sexual orientation while your at it. Superman - straight. Batman - gay C'mon you all know he is! Anyone who lives with a "ward" and slides down poles... well...
And what about Aquaman? What's up with him? And don't get me started on Hong-Kong Phooey!
How about Republican, wealthy, pro-business, doesn't trust the local government be able to do what it is supposed to do (like law enforcement), tries to drive away everyone who doesn't share his point of view, though he might have more in common with them than he cares to acknowledge since he also thinks that the rules of society do not apply to him, and is comfortable ignoring those rules as they might apply to him as long as his own personal goals furthered.
So who is the ulitmate Democrat? Daredevil? Blind attorney defends the needy in a court of law and fights for their survival on the rough streets by night.
Ben Affleck is not a part of this equation.
Jeff,
I'd say the Man of Steel is a Conservative Republican. He probably has framed autographed photos of Reagan in every room of his Fortress of Solitude. Thus his superior attitude and fighting for the "American" way. He probably voted twice for Bush.
Batman is a liberal. He is a modern day Robin Hood who fights the corrupt to help the common man. And though he is highly intelligent, his sordid sexual affairs as a millionaire playboy just emphasize the point. Heck, the only thing Republican conservative about him is his relationship with Robin.
I think the conflict that plays out between these two in "The Dark Knight Returns" sums it up nicely. Superman is a "my country right or wrong" type of superhero, loyal to the American government no matter what. Batman, on the other hand, feels the reality of individual suffering much deeper, kind of putting him outside the standard political lines, almost making him a revolutionary. Damn, it's easy to just dork out on this stuff.
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