Superheroes and Religious Figures

  Before taking this course and reading the essays which accompanied each of these films I had never thought of the comparison of superheroes and religious figures. I will now never be able to look at or watch Superman the same ever again! In Superman as Christ-Figure Anton Kozlovic examines the parallels between Superman (Clark Kent) and Jesus Christ. Examining and comparing the personalities, morals, and ideals of both. Thinking about Superman in this context, reminded me of a question we discussed in the first week of class. In a largely secular world, where groups like "the nones" identify as not religious but still hold some belief, where do we turn to learn morals, good and bad, how to be good people and lead good lives. Until reading this essay and examining Superman more closely did I realize that even if you do not identify with or follow a religion there are other largely popular and widespread mediums which can instill to some extent the same ideologies as religion.
  In following any superhero movie, tv show, comic book, etc. there are lessons that we can take away at the end which serve the purpose of encouraging us to be strong, brave, honest, and to do the right thing, especially in the face of evil. Superman's demeanor on both sides of his personality is a prime example of these attributes. However, even Batman,  who can be described as an anti-hero, still offers some sort of lesson on good vs evil. In his vigilante escapades, Batman tries to make Gotham a better place by going after criminals himself. While his actions aren't ones that should be adopted by viewers it still offers us an idea that it is important to stand up for what is right and to make some sort of personal effort to make our communities and world a better and safer place.