Is There a Case for an African American Superman?

The question of whether an African American Superman should exist in movies has sparked intense debate. Some argue strongly against such a change, while others suggest that it could promote diversity and new cultural representations. This article explores the various perspectives and implications of such a shift.

Why Not?

The most common argument against an African American Superman is that the character was originally written as a white character for a reason, tied as it is to the historical and cultural events of his origin story. Superman's whiteness is deeply rooted in the narrative of the Holocaust, making his characterization inseparably linked to these historical events.

For instance, the population of Krypton being depicted as white reflects the post-war demographic in America. His Kryptonian name, Kal-El, is Hebrew, symbolizing his Jewish heritage and his status as a Holocaust survivor. Additionally, the Kent family’s adoption of Kal-El and his transformation into Superman is meant to be a tribute to the American values of acceptance and justice. The character is a representation of the immigrant experience and the resilience of those affected by the Holocaust.

Brand Identity and Originality

Another significant concern raised is the potential dilution of Superman’s brand identity. Critics argue that changing Superman’s race would undermine his established character and the emotional investment fans have in him. Just like changing Black Lightning to White Lightning or Luke Cage to a white version, it would erase the significance and cultural impact of the original character.

Is Diversity the Answer?

Proponents of diversifying the Superman character, however, believe that such changes can bring excitement and new perspectives to the narrative. They suggest creating a parallel or supporting character with similar powers and abilities, but with a distinct African American background. This approach would allow for diverse storytelling without altering the original character.

Some suggest storytelling ideas such as an African American Kryptonian survivor who was part of a different Kryptonian sub-group or a character cloned from Superman’s cells but with different origins. Alternatively, a character who is specifically designed to destroy Superman using a magical artifact could bring a new dimension to the storyline.

Historical and Cultural Nuance

The narrative of Superman’s origin is intricately tied to the historical context that was prevalent when the character was created. The holocaust, as a significant historical event, is deeply woven into the fabric of Superman’s identity. Redrawing his color would not only be a misrepresentation of history but also a lack of respect for those who suffered during that period.

Furthermore, the term “Superman” is synonymous with the original character, and changing it would create confusion and detract from the original identity. Names and identities have their significance, and changing them can dilute the essence of a character.

Some also point out the risk of cultural appropriation, emphasizing that Superman is a white representation that symbolizes the American values of immigrant resilience and acceptance. Changing his race could be seen as an attempt to reappropriate the narrative for a different demographic, which is a sensitive and complex issue.

Conclusion

Whether an African American Superman should exist is a complex issue that involves considerations of cultural identity, historical integrity, and narrative coherence. While changing the character due to current cultural trends may be trendy, it carries significant risks. It is crucial to maintain the core essence and context of Superman to honor his historical and cultural significance. Instead, creating parallel or supporting characters with diverse backgrounds can enrich the story without compromising the original identity of Superman.

Ultimately, the decision to include diverse cultural representations in storytelling is a delicate one that requires careful thought and consideration to respect both historical accuracy and the values the original character embodies.