Why Superman, the original movie inspires greatness in the individual
Lifestyle . OpinionSo the movie staring Christopher Reeve essentially begins when baby superman arrives in a small town and a couple of nice parents take him in. There is something to be said about the background here suggesting that growing up in a small country town creates an atmosphere for growth, an ideal platform without interruptions from big city life to set in stone hard worn values such as hard work, being nice to your neighbours and overall being a person of high morals.
Some of us who have grown up in a small town or regional area can relate but certainly the point is not missed however it’s only when he starts becoming a teenager where his self identity starts to manifest and is a testiment to his parents teachings.
Unfortunately his adopted father passes away and this is yet another relatable story we share among ourselves. The story of life and death is something we deeply relate to so when his father dies and dies of a well known medical issue (heart attack) we see how vulnerable humans really are. This is an interesting situation for Superman as he knows he is different but he does see the vulnerability of humans and perhaps this is what motivates Superman to accept the responsibility of caring for those around him rather than exploiting his powers for his personal gain.
Superman does see the need for social interactions and act in kindness to others as he grows up and decides to move into the city. What he also realises is that he has a great power, so great that he decides to use it only for good and only when absolutely necessary. And this is also a valuable lesson and relatable to our own values which I’ll explain.
There is an idea that each individual has a great power inside and that we operate out of habit however when called upon that power inside us can be used to do great things and it’s this message I think is unspoken but intrinsic to Superman and humans alike. Superman is actually a normal person but he wields a power so great that he has great responsibility and great care. And that is something that all humans know instinctively because we know that it is a fine line to walk between good and evil and because of the difference there is a choice to be made. Hopefully a choice for the better.
But we all don’t choose the better path, some of us like the villian Lex luther have a selfish ambition for greed, to create wealth with a complete disregard for society as a whole and that is dangerous narrative. Hence the dichotomy of the story line. So now we have one Superman “born” in a small country town with strong community values against the corrupt and greedy Lex Luthor, the giant of the city who has already surmassed significant power. Similar to David vs Goliath. Clearly laid out for all to see it creates a thought, it satisfies the curiosity that humans must see the value in their decisions. Clearly good vs evil.
Unfortunately evil permeates through society which I believe is through a lack of good moralistic aim which means the value of these stories will continue on for generations. We also recognise that stories transmit information and values and there has to be something in it for the listener, in other words how can they relate to it, does the narrative justify and align with an individuals values. I think this is why Superman is such a great story because it relates on so many levels and sets a standard for how to order your life.
One final point I will call out is that the idea that each person has an ability to call forth a power inside them to steer the course back to a higher aim, for the greater good and when evil manifests iteself the re-ordering back to a higher aim is something that is truly profound and amazing to see. It’s like standing up for yourself after being bullied, it’s like calling out someones poor behaviour at work, it’s physically putting yourself in harms way to protect someone else from danger.
In todays society we are quite harmonious but there will be times when you get a call to action, you will need to be ready, you will need to set back in order harmonious relations, you may even have to exert yourself physically and you may even walk away with injuries but you’ve made a choice to aim up and to set order. And when you do it its exciting but don’t get drunk on the power. Wield your sword with great care, wield it only when absolutely necessary and wield it to set in order the greater good.
The biggest power you can wield is your voice, the way you articulate your thoughts. The tone and message, the body language, you know when someone is serious because you can see the ferocity, you can feel it and you know that if you are warned through this style you will face consequences. So it’s important to call upon this power only when absolute necessary otherwise you will dilute the power of your actions and may be unbelievable.
The point is this the difference between a good movie and a great movie is one that hits the core of the human being and lays out the choice between two opposing forces where it’s intrinsicly relatable. These are the stories we cherish throughout time and will cotinue to cherish in whatever medium the come from.
Written by Aaron Evans
Recent Posts
Categories
- Finance (6)
- Investment (7)
- Lifestyle (11)
- Opinion (5)
- Savings (6)