This Day Superman's Politics w/ Glen Wheldon [Some Sunday Context]
Jul 13, 2025
Join Glen Weldon, author of 'Superman: An Unauthorized Biography' and host of NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour, as he delves into Superman's political legacy and cultural significance. Glen discusses how the Man of Steel has mirrored America’s values and societal changes for over 85 years. He analyzes reactions to the latest movie, addressing audience fatigue with superhero narratives and the ongoing debates surrounding the character's immigrant identity. Additionally, he explores the complex relationship between Superman's creators and corporate ownership, shedding light on the evolution of the superhero genre.
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Superman's Creation and Rise
- Superman was created by Jerome Siegel and Joe Schuster in the late 1930s and sold for $130 to DC Comics.
- He quickly became a cultural icon through comics, radio shows, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and animated shorts.
Superman as Political Symbol
- Early Superman stories portrayed him as a progressive reformer fighting oppression and corrupt elites.
- During WWII, his character softened to become a patriotic icon promoting war bonds and victory gardens.
Creators' Personal Influence
- Siegel and Schuster, being small immigrant kids, infused Superman with their own wish fulfillment and identity.
- Clark Kent's meek persona hides Superman's powerful capabilities, resonating as an underdog story.
