Superheroes used to stand for something. DC and Marvel Comics have been depicting god-like beings based on America’s ideals and propaganda since the 1940s, but it’s time they caught up to modern society.
When Wonder Woman, Captain America and Superman were introduced in the late 1930s and early 1940s, they stood for American beliefs by fighting the Axis powers in World War II. Everything was black and white for these characters — they showed their readers that the American Way was the only way, even instilling patriotism with their star-spangled red and blue costumes.
Does America need that anymore? World War II and the Cold War are over and Americans no longer need nationalist heroes. It is a new world that demands a new type of hero who can address today’s issues.
We need heroes who fight for the world. Maybe Superman and Wonder Woman could aid in the rebuilding of countries destroyed by war and help in places like Africa and Syria, but Captain America would be obsolete. With war drawing down, he is only good for propaganda and occasional appearances on Fox News.
Superheroes should show the world, not just America, how to be responsible human beings, how to do their part and live in peace. These characters need to adapt to modern society. Communism is no longer a threat and the American Way has become so diluted no one knows what it truly is. These heroes are fighting a battle that has already been won.
It’s time they moved on.
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