Superman And Will Smith Essay Examples

It is no doubt that many American citizens and other audience across the world have labeled both Superman and Will Smithas American male icons. However, on the context ofpopularity, the level of heroism may differ between these two idols. Heroism is defined by qualities, traits, and achievements. Therefore, heroes are persons that are admired for their exploits, nobility, courage, qualities, and achievements.
Based on the definition above, I seek to found the Superman and Smith’s heroism by giving a description of each. Superman has various qualities and traits that make him be labeled as American male icon: he is quick to take on evil; and even though he is not a native American, he resonates well with the Americans; his power of flight blends with the American literature and popular culture that focuses on the theme of dislocation, that is, physical movement of factors and human characters. In addition, Superman’s powers: mobility, strength, and x-ray vision reflect the ethnic characteristics; they preserve and protect the vitality of the foster community in which he lives. This is inline with the way the immigrant community has sustained American culture economically, linguistically, politically, artificially, and spiritually.In the domain of achievement, he has scored high, especially by getting involved in the warsto protect America.
Since the its inception, the character that is Superman has been the force that embodies the belief and values about the American dream-being good strong enough to address the problems facing the generation engaged with the character. The role played by Superman, though fictional, has been evolutionary and transformative, ranging from populace ideology to peace mission.
The above qualities, traits, and achievements elevate Superman from the tradition of mythic figure to hero status. He plays an integral part in the America’s dream work. Concisely, he connects the American immigrant community with dream of unity and prosperity in all spheres of life, no matter how challenging or presumably impossible. The mythology of Superman has matched the pace of American growth because it has been consistent in its mythical evolution.
On the other hand, Smith is prolific artist has acquired a breakthrough in different fields of entertainment-film, television, and music. He has played several roles: as an actor, comedian, producer, and rapper. These immense responsibilities have linked him with many Americans, thus he fame and popularity have pervaded America.
It is important to look at Smith in the definition of human character because he exists in real-life situation. Smith was born to Christopher and Caroline Smith in West Philadelphia. Smith began his work as the MC of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince together with his childhood friend Jeffrey Townes, acted as turntablist and producer, and Ready Rock C as the human beat box. They were known for performing radio-friendly songs and humors, which catapulted them to winning the first Grammy awards in the Rap category in 1988.
In 1993, Smith plunged himself into the field of drama, and since then he has starred and acted in several dramas including Six Degrees of Separation, Bad Boys, Independence Day, Men in Black, Enemy of the State, Wild Wild West, I Am Legend, Lost and Found, The Pursuit of Happiness, and After Earth.
It is of interest to relate Smith to American dream: his onscreen mix of ridiculous humor strapping athleticism, aw-shucks charm, and his tendency to open movies on the Fourth of July weekend embodies American dream. “Hancock”, his latest production is named after the founding father, who left the most flamboyant, bling-like autograph on the declaration of independence. He is viewed as the modern day superhero because he propagates the sense of Americanism in the modern days.
In conclusion, the heroism in America can largely be looked at from the contribution of individual towards the writing of the American history and realization of American dream. It can also be leveled in terms of the most consistent and popular among the citizens. Therefore, there is great parallelism between Smith and Superman in terms of fame and popularity. Both icons have made a lot of contribution towards the realization of American dream. Their role cannot only be limited to entertainment sector, but rather it forms the integral part in propagating the spirit of Americanism.