Man of Steel: One heck of an unorthodox Superhero movie

Man of Steel,  for me, signifies as one heck of an unorthodox superhero movie

In stereotyped movies, superheroes have been assumed to possess the politically correct ethical behavior. But not this one.

This movie extends to the shaping of Clark Kent’s values and character mostly by his foster father and mentor, Jonathan Kent.

Like the ethics of good old kung fu movie days, the elder and fatherly Kent, impressed upon his son of the importance of self-discipline, in the fear that his adapted son’s supernatural powers would be spurned and rejected by the human society.

Gosh, this fabulous dialogue—between dad Kent and his extra-terrestrial 13-year old son over the latter’s lifesaving of his schoolmates from a drowning school bus—represents a deontological dilemma something which philosophers from different ideological camps would passionately debate on…

All quotes from the IMDb.

Jonathan Kent: You have to keep this side of yourself a secret.

Clark Kent at 13: What was I supposed to do? Let them die?

[brief pause]

Jonathan Kent: Maybe...

The elder Kent knew that the supernatural powers of son would be put to good use one day, but until then should refrain from exposing himself…

Jonathan Kent: You're not just anyone. One day, you're going to have to make a choice. You have to decide what kind of man you want to grow up to be. Whoever that man is, good character or bad, it's going to change the world.

The sacrificing of the life of Jonathan Kent in order for Clark to realize the importance of self-discipline, in a tornado disaster, served as the climax of Clark’s moral and character training.

The movie importantly depicts of one of the greatest battles of our time: freedom versus collectivism. 

Superman’s nemesis General Zod wanted to resurrect genetically-engineered (and programmed) Kryptonians in earth via a genocide of the human race. General Zod brought into light Jeremy Bentham’s consequentialist “greatest good for the greatest number” utilitarianism

General Zod: No matter how violent, every action I take is for the greater good of my people.

Sounds familiar?

On the other hand, the reason Clark Kent’s biological Krypton father, Jor-el, sent his son Clark Kent/Kal-El (Kryptonian name) to earth was for the latter to steer his own destiny (freedom).

Jor-El: What if a child dreamed of becoming something other than what society had intended? What if a child aspired to something greater?

Such ideological conflict between Jor-el and General Zod, which was carried over by son Clark Kent/Kal-El, represents the crux of the movie.

For all the film’s other minor blemishes, the Man of Steel seems as a refreshing entertainment film against the predominant populist pseudo politically correct themes.

Superman Renounces US Citizenship, Goes Global

This from the LA Times Blog (bold emphasis mine)

Superman renouncing his U.S. citizenship is the newest wrinkle of the fascinating life of the man of steel.

In the latest issue of Action Comics, Superman becomes overly concerned that his heroism is being viewed as a tool for the United States exclusively.

"I intend to speak before the United Nations tomorrow and inform them that I am renouncing my U.S. citizenship. I'm tired of having my actions construed as instruments of U.S. policy," the superhero says in issue No. 900.

" 'Truth, justice and the American way' -- it's not enough anymore," the man from Krypton says, refocusing on a more global approach to crime-fighting.

"Superman is a visitor from a distant planet who has long embraced American values. As a character and an icon, he embodies the best of the American way," DC's co-publishers, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio, said in a statement to the N.Y. Post.

"In a short story in ACTION COMICS 900, Superman announces his intention to put a global focus on his never-ending battle, but he remains, as always, committed to his adopted home and his roots as a Kansas farm boy from Smallville," they said.

My two cents.

The “American way” hasn’t been the way it used to be.

Globalization and the eroding role of the US dollar standard, as a consequence of internal US policies, has markedly been affecting people’s psychology, such that even comic strips have now been exhibiting such symptoms.

Signs of times indeed.