We tend to forget that the pseudo-science of eugenics was not confined to Nazi Germany in the 1930's. Supposedly reputable scientists all over the world bought into it in varying degrees. In fact, the insults "moron," "idiot," and "retard" originated as medical terms, used to describe the intelligence level of certain classes of people. They were often applied to new immigrants coming to the US who spoke little or no English and could not possibly have understood what they were being asked or told. So Superman was envisioned as being the physical ideal of so many societies of the day, but also as one possessing the moral compass so many societies of the day lacked.
Ann could certainly converse fluently in Swedish, but I know that I could not. If I were given an intelligence test in Swedish or Russian or Swahili, I'd fail miserably despite whatever level of intelligence I might possess. Let's not forget that this was the world in which Jerry Siegel and Jerry Schuster were trying to survive, one in which immigrants from all over the world were marginalized and treated as less than worthy of consideration.
American society has progressed somewhat since then, but the basic problem of judging people by their "differentness" hasn't disappeared. Even though we don't do it on the cultural level we once did, it still happens. And a shorter, less physically striking Superman would be received differently by the general public.
(Of course, if he were a young, gray-eyed Paul Newman, Lois might still trip on her tongue while lusting after him.)
Siegel and Schuster saw the problems immigrants were going through. They understood the prejudice that was applied to so many sub-cultures, especially Jewish ones, and they brought out a hero who was an immigrant, who fought for justice and truth (and not for the current political power structure), and who could not be hurt by anything thrown at him by those ignorant savages he was trying to help.
Krypton was initially described by Siegel and Schuster as a planet where people had evolved into tall, strong, intelligent, handsome, peaceful people. Their super-human physical abilities (the vision thingy and the flying came much later) were common, and they were only brought down by their own hubris.
Kal-El was the sole survivor of that magnificent civilization, a man with the genetic blueprint of those marvelous people. Because Clark/Superman was raised by a salt-of-the-earth couple in rural Mid-America, people without economic opportunities (remember, this was also during the worldwide Great Depression) could identify with the country-boy-makes-good image he projected.
Superman's creators were Jewish by heritage, but instead of making a Jewish superhero, they created someone who embodied the immigrant experience and transcended it. Superman is, after all, the ultimate outsider looking in, always surrounded by humanity but forever alien from it. He can either pretend to be something he thinks he ultimately isn't in order to "blend in," or he can stand aloof from them and use his abilities openly, but unless he disguises himself he can't do both. Originally, Superman disguised himself as Clark Kent, but I prefer to describe Clark disguising himself as Superman. This is a very Jewish mindset, one which those folks have struggled with for as long as they haven't had a land to call home. Perhaps the American Indian experience approaches this level of cultural conflict, but it hasn't gone on for nearly as long.
L&C's take on Clark trying so very hard to be human was (and continues to be) emblematic of our own struggle to fit into a constantly shifting world today. Siegel and Schuster were struggling artists just trying to make a living when they penned the first Superman tale, but they've bequeathed to us a fascinating portrait of a man whose very strength can be his greatest weakness, a man who - despite his striking differences - is essentially no different from the rest of us.
Carol, I think you should write this story. I think this is something that should be shared. I believe it will engender some intelligent discussion within our community.
Thank you, Jerry and Jerry. And thank all of you FOLCs who continue to keep the dream alive.
