Superman Renounces His Citizenship

*Originally published on 4/28/11




Superman fans across the country were shocked to see the Man of Steel renounce his American citizenship in the latest issue of Action Comics. Since his creation, the character has stood as something of an American icon, representing the best this country has to offer in terms of resolve and morality. He is a sort of paradigm of the American dream, coming to the country from a faraway land and making a home and successful life for himself. He was even raised in the heartland of the country by honest hard working people. So it should come as no surprise that some are up in arms over the latest plot development. The question is, do they have a point or is it typical comic nerd posturing?


Context first

OK, before we discuss the pros and cons of this, I think it behooves me to give you some background, lest some readers get the wrong idea and form misconceptions based on said ideas.

Now, to be honest, I haven't read the issue myself (sadly, it's been a long time since I've had the chance to make a comic run), but I've read about the circumstances leading up to this twist.

In one of the stories featured in the comic, Superman attends a non-violent protest rally to voice his support for those who oppose the Iranian regime. Because Superman is seen as an American symbol, the Iranian government sees it as Superman acting on behalf of the American government and even goes so far as to call it an act of war.

Because he doesn't want to be seen as a political symbol, Superman decides to go to the UN to renounce his citizenship so that he can act without being inhibited by political differences.




Superman belongs to the world


This is an argument that many readers use when defending the plot development. They're not wrong either. Superman has always acted in the best interests of the world at large. He would often go to other countries to help them resolve whatever crisis had befallen them. As such, this isn't really changing anything, it's just paperwork that gives him the freedom to do his job better.




So, what's the problem?


It seems pretty cut and dry. At first glance, you may think that this is fine and that the fans are just over-reacting, but the thing is that they kind of have a point.

As of late, there have been several instances where Hollywood and other entertainment outlets have tried to de-Americanize icons in order to make them more world friendly. We saw this in G.I. Joe, where an American task force was turned into one that represented all countries. There was also word that the upcoming Captain America will tone down the patriotic rhetoric so that other countries can feel better.

Admittedly, this is a somewhat milder case, and David Goyer (the writer of the piece) did a good job in providing a logical justification for what Superman did, but with everything else that's happened, this just seems like the latest in a long line of efforts to undercut what America stands for.

It should come as no surprise that people, American readers specifically, are fed up with this sort of thing. Even I'm tired of it to be honest. I'm not freaking out over it, but I do admit I rolled my eyes when I read what happened.




Other options


While the in story justification for Superman was well handled, I can't help but feel like there were other ways to resolve the dilemma.

Couldn't Superman have just flat out said that he was not acting on behalf of the American government? It seems a little drastic to jump to that idea right away. I doubt that the Iranian government will accuse him of lying; he's freaking Superman after all.

I know that Superman occasionally does take up duties as a diplomat or ambassador. As he does have variations of his Superman attire, couldn't he don a more "official" looking one when he is, in fact, acting on behalf of the country as opposed to just standing for what he believes in? I know that Wonder Woman does a similar thing, having her hero attire and a different outfit for when she acts in a political capacity, maybe he could have considered that idea.




Final thoughts


While "Superman" may be giving up his citizenship, Clark Kent won't. As such, he'll still live in America and be a citizen, while simultaneously not being one via his alter-ego (sort of a Schrodinger's cat type set up there, isn't it?) His day to day life won't change, but as a super-hero, he'll be able to act without any political hindrance.

He'll also be fighting for "the American way" just as much as he was before. His ideals haven't changed. While he may not, technically, be a citizen, he'll still represent what America stands for just as he always has.