03 Nov 2023, 5:20 pm
Redpaws wrote:
vividgroovy wrote:
I've noticed a trend that as escapist media like fantasy and superheroes get more mainstream, people online talk more and more about how they only like it because it's a serious, grown-up allegory for important real-life issues. I.e., "I like Superman, but not because he can fly! I like him because [real world issues...]! ! ! ! !" As if enjoying the escapism for its own sake is unthinkable.
Yeah, I've heard of that. I have never understood why anyone would be into fiction for any other reason than its actual content. That's how I work anyway.
What real world issue makes someone like Superman?
With Superman, it's often about his integrity. I think the reason I thought of that as an example is that a local politician said it in his campaign ad. If they just said, "Superman's integrity inspires me," I wouldn't think anything of it. It's the "not because he can fly" that strikes me as defensive. Like, "no, of course I don't go for any of that silly, made-up imagination nonsense that kids like! Oh, heavens to Betsy, no! Nothing but serious, real-world, practical, productive grown-up business going on over here!"
In fairness, Clark Kent being a reporter lends itself to touching on real-world issues. There's a comic panel people like to post where Clark talks about international politics, so they can say, "See, it was always about politics!" But if they really don't enjoy the more fantastical/wish fulfillment side of superheroes at all, why don't they just admire ordinary, non-superpowered characters who have integrity?
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03 Nov 2023, 8:40 pm
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