Cultural influences on Superman

This article examines some of the Cultural influences on Superman, the popular comic book character.

Friedrich Nietzsche
Superman's name is partly based on philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s Übermensch, which literally translates to “overman” (or “superman”). Nietzsche’s Übermensch is any person who rejects unfounded thinking, while Superman is super for his special powers. Some people argue that Kryptonians’ mental and physical superiority when compared to humans is meant to indicate that they are racially better, as eugenics would teach.

Whilst the term Superman was initially coined by Nietzsche, it is unclear how influential Nietzsche and his ideals were to Siegel and Shuster. Les Daniels has speculated that "Siegel picked up the term from other science fiction writers who had casually employed it", further noting that "his concept is remembered by hundreds of millions who may barely know who Nietzsche is." Others argue that Siegel and Shuster "could not have been unaware of an idea that would dominate Hitler's National Socialism. The concept was certainly well discussed." Yet Jacobson and others point out that in many ways Superman and the Übermensch are polar opposites. Nietzsche envisioned the Übermensch as a man who had transcended the limitations of society, religion, and conventional morality while still being fundamentally human. Superman, although an alien gifted with incredible powers, chooses to honor human moral codes and social mores. Nietzsche envisioned the perfect man as being beyond moral codes; Siegel and Shuster envisioned the perfect man as holding himself to a higher standard of adherence to them.

Philip Gordon Wylie
Superman is believed to have been inspired in part by Philip Gordon Wylie's 1930 science fiction novel Gladiator, about Hugo Danner whose superhuman strength, speed, and bulletproof-skin inspires him to help the human race, but who is instead spurned by humanity precisely because of his power. Other sources cited as inspirations include Doc Savage and The Shadow. Edgar Rice Burroughs' John Carter of Mars might have also been an inspiration. Like Superman, Carter gains super human powers after being transported to an alien world.

Costume

Superman's iconic costume resembled those of the circus performers from the time. Swimsuits from the 1930s also provided the influence Shuster and Siegel needed. Legendary heroes such as Robin Hood wore tights and Hercules was known to have worn a lion's pelt giving further inspiration for the stereotypical capes certain heroes wear.

Superman and Religion
Although creators Joe Shuster and Jerry Siegel were both Jewish, and there are some Jewish influences on the character, Clark Kent (the character) was raised as a Methodist, according to Superman stories published by DC Comics. Superman's story mimics that of Moses as both characters are saved by their parents by being placed in a vessel to carry them to safety. Also, both characters were found by adults who adopt them as children. Both Moses and Superman later rise to prominence and do good.

Superman's origin also has similarities to that of Jesus Christ: both are sent by their fathers (Jor-El and God respectively) to Earth to help mankind. The comparison is especially apparent in The Death of Superman, in which Superman's body disappeared from his coffin, mirroring Jesus's resurrection. Additionally, some have hypothesized that the first initials of Superman's parents by adoption, Jonathan and Martha, are an allusion to Christ's earthly caregivers, Joseph and Mary. Other have noted that both Superman's Kryptonian name, Kal-El, and his fathers, Jor-El, are "Hebraic sounding", containing the word element "El" often used to represent God in the Hebrew language. Many people have made much of these comparisons, though it is unknown how much Shuster and Siegel intended for people to read into them.

Clark Kent and his family celebrate Christmas, which would indicate that the Kent family (who reside in Kansas, a state with less than 1 percent Jewish population) is Christian.

In the Golden and Silver Age Superman stories, the people of Krypton wear headbands resembling those worn thousands of years ago by the Hebrews.

Superman's origin has often been compared to the tales of many immigrants who came to North America, often because their lives at home were in jeopardy (mirroring Krypton's danger and destruction).

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