comment on Christopher Reeve

    we have seen so many, such as Superman, Spider-man, Batman, Ironman, etc. They all have unexplored power that normal people would never have or even fantasize about. That is why people always use their own thoughts to make the glory of heroes. The hero must have super powers, and interest in the salvation of people. It is not too fancy? In the era, we want to see the real superhero, a person who can really help people from suffering and sorrow of life.  A lot of people still live in a helpless life, they want to see hope!

    He is not only the Superman in the movie for us. Christopher Reeve is a real superhero in the real society. He helped a lot of people who are paralyzed. After I read the first article, it has four questions. Then I would write my answers and combine some opinion of the second article. 

    Christopher Reeve as the Superhero acted the role as best as possible. Of course, we can see people who like Superheroes think he did a good job on this role. Superhero was rescuing people from distress, and used the super power for the maintenance of law and order, to put an end to social corruption. As an American symbol, and the continuation of the American dream. 

       Behind the screen he was still a superhero. This all started when he fell from a horse, and got a near-fatal spinal cord injury. Almost dead, but he was fortunately still alive. After he could not move his body and had to use breathing apparatus. He still fought with his life, never giving up. He cried every day dealing with the reality of being in a wheelchair. "In the morning, I need twenty minutes to cry," he said. "To wake up and make that shift, you know, and to just say, "This really sucks"...to really allow yourself the feeling of loss...still needs to be acknowledged." from the article.  It was hard for him too.  He has no super power, or iron body. He wanted to show and encourage everyone who is in suffering or has the same disease as him. From the article I could know that after he cried he would tell himself, "And now, Forward!" "Reeve continued to travel, do public appearances, and serve as a voice for the paralyzed in the United States." Reeve epitomized both types of heroes was encouraged people and selfless help everyone. 

         The second question, I think the reason that Reeve was more close to normal people, absolutely because he did not have any super power like superman. It makes people feel more real, no longer fancy or let them stay in the fantasy only. When some disabled people feel they could touch something real, or there is a person who completely knew their feelings, then they would admire and learn from his spirit. Reeve made a charitable foundation for disabled people or people like him. He not only gave speeches everywhere but also did what he said. That made an everyday hero like Reeve be even more inspiring than Superman. 

       "Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles." from the article, Christopher Reeve said.

"Superman as the Essential American Hero" comments

  This article has the same topic as the last one"The American Mythology" . It talks about the impact that superman or [superheroes] bring to America. "Superman has a distinction of being a hero recognized throughout the world as America's greatest icon. And despite being over seventy years old and now only seen as part of a large group of heroes he has endured as being something different. " This sentence is guides the article topic. No matter how long superman has been around, he will always be remembered in every American's mind. After that, the writer started to describe why Superman's behavior is influential. He saved an innocent woman from death. However,matter is there is a conflict and the laws of the government.  That is why his influential behavior shows that he will do some provocative things like dare to challenge the government's corruption, and to inspire the confidence of the people.      "The superman of this age would take on crime lords ....." this shows that the writer wants to talk about the corrupt behavior of the American government at that time, as well as the peoples' fear of the government. This is all of those because of the Great Depression. Therefore, Superman came to help people pass through the Depression time. It's focus is related to a living flag, "superman always uses his immense strength and super-intelligence to solve problems without leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. " This point reminded me about "American Dream". These two topics want to tell people to look on the bright side    World War II also brought a bad time to America. "Superman was there to give them hope and inspiration as they faced the greatest evil the world had ever seen"author wrote.  It can be found, Superman brought a thoughts in all aspects of 'social justice and moral'. "The change in Superman's character reflected the change in the nation, no longer were Americans tough and rebellious, World War II had placed America in the role of international peace keeper." This view explains the changes in the United States. "Superman continued throughout the Cold War set in his ways, and often criticized as being out of date." I think this view might means some Americans still want to keep a old way of thinking about their lives or what they think the USA should do.

comment about The American Mythology

   After I read The American Mythology, I have some opinions about it.
   First,  we could know why American always made some myths, which was called American Mythology from the article. Because of American myths to tell you, this is a real transition from American culture; superman story also shows that a country can accommodate, whether you come from, you can do great things. “These stories espouse the collective values on which America was founded.” —by The American Mythology.  Articles also mentioned，“These children grew up, just as Superman, to espouse “American values.” They grew up believing wholeheartedly in things like truth, justice and the American way.” Emphasizes once again the America is an acceptable country.
  Second, the writer talked about the Spider-Man, Batman. The reason was that they were normal person in the American, but still can be the superhero.  It proved "In the America, anyone can do great things" this argument.
  Third, the last few paragraphs wrote "superheroes live in a very black and white world", I could know this point in this sentence, which means convey informations of good and evil in this real society.
   At last, this article was telling people not just read comic as amusement,  because the writer or painter were telling you a real America.

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