We are a world of symbols.
Icons…Avatars…Profile pics…Dashboard pics...
Whatever you call them, we use them as a means to describe
and define ourselves.
I’m amazed at how we manage to take lifetimes of
experiences, interests and preferences and boil them down to a single image.
So what’s my symbol?
What’s my definitive pic?
Easy…
Now I can hear some longtime readers ask: How can I, a
self-proclaimed “Marvel Zombie” use this particular image?
First of all, Superman was the first super-hero. Without
Superman, there’s no Batman, Spider-Man or Captain America.
He pre-dates Marvel Comics, pre-dates DC comics, he pre-dates
comics. You could say that without Superman, there’d be no comics.
Then there’s the fact that Superman: The Movie was the first successful super-hero film. It
set the bar for an entire genre of
films to attempt to achieve.
Speaking of the movie, how about that music? The theme, by
musical genius John Williams, is legendary. You don’t even have to see the film
to know that that song is connected to this character.
Let’s talk television. Two words: George Reeves. ‘Nuff said.
Now, I also like football. Depending on which version you
look at, Clark either worked the sidelines or
played the sport back in Kansas.
And let’s not forget, Clark’s
something of a dork.
As for Kal-El, yeah he’s strong but he's not the smartest person
out there. He tends to trust people without prejudice and help those around him
without going around solving all of the worlds’ problems.
He’s not a leader of others, but an inspiration for others.
So…comics, movies, music, television, sports, dorkiness,
trust, inspiration, and dare I say it: Hope.
Is there any other
single image that unifies all these things?
Probably…
…just not for me.
