Leaving a Mark

A hero is not someone who can leap tall buildings in a single bound, shoot heat beams out of his eyes, fly faster than a speeding bullet, or even have unparalleled strength. Most people when they look at this statue may simply think...it's a statue of Superman made by some crazy fan somewhere in Metropolis, Illinois...and  you might not be entirely wrong...after all...there are some crazy folks out there. But what people might need a little help understanding is that this statue has nothing to do with Superman at all. Superman has and will always be more than just your average comic book superhero, but he is a hero to all people around the world...even to the people who may hate on him or barely know anything about him.

Superman didn't always fight aliens from other worlds or save the Earth from cosmic rays and meteors...at one time...he was a simple social activist fighting injustice against crooked businessmen, politicians, and destroying dangerous run-down tenements. He was truly a hero for the people...and his origin came at a time of great need. Originally created in 1932 and widely known in 1938, Superman was a symbol for "Truth, Justice, and the American Way". During one of America's darkest days, Superman was created to inspire hope and instill strength to those suffering in the Great Depression. Superman was more than just a cartoon...he was a role model for a world free of hatred, greed, and war showing the world his vision of a world of peace and happiness.

Before I go off topic completely and write Superman's biography, my point is this: Superman, although he isn't real, leaves his mark in this world. A pose, like the one above, forever linked to his braveness and his ability to stand up for what is right. His selflessness is something to marvel at as well as is his ability to inspire even those who seem to have lost hope forever. Many people might think..."Superman isn't real so why should I care about what he does in his comics or movies? This is the real world and Superman just isn't realistic."

Well your right. Superman isn't real...if you try to act tough with a guy holding a gun...you might get shot so don't do that. Your not invincible and you CAN die from trying to act like a superhero. But if we take away from Superman what makes him "unrealistic", then your left with a man who believes in the goodness of the world and CHOOSES to make choices based on his own beliefs, on his own terms, with simple faith to spark his inspiration. When one tries to think about everyone thinking this way, it's almost far fetched to think it's even possible. But just like Superman, I CHOOSE to live free of hate in my heart and I CHOOSE to stand for what I believe in, as well as believing in humanity...in the thought that one day...long after I'm gone...humanity will see itself as Superman sees us....one beautiful race living on a beautiful planet...surrounded by beautiful celestial diamonds in and endless abyss of galactic wonder and amazement. Our lives...the life of our planet...the life of our universe all intertwine to create a gorgeous work of art.

This is how I choose to see my world. This is how I choose to live my life. I may never leave the atmosphere of the Earth and catch a glimpse of the infinite wonders the universe has to offer...but in my heart I know that it is there...and I am reminded every time I see this universal sign.

Superman has impacted more people than many can imagine and even admit...but it has been for the best. He is a true role model and one of the remaining few. An image that hopefully will never be tarnished or tampered with so that 100 years down the line...generations can follow his example even better than us and maybe learn to live in harmony.

We have all taken risks in the making of war.  Isn't it time that we should take risks to secure peace?  ~J. Ramsay MacDonald