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Conservatives Are Freaking Out About the New, "Woke" Superman. He's Something Else Entirely.

The article titled "Conservatives Are Freaking Out Over a 'Woke' Superman, and It's Something Else," published on Yahoo Entertainment, delves into the recent controversy surrounding the iconic superhero Superman and the backlash from conservative circles over perceived "woke" changes to the character. Written by an unnamed author, the piece explores how a shift in Superman's traditional motto and the introduction of a bisexual Jon Kent (the son of Clark Kent and Lois Lane, who has taken up the Superman mantle in recent comics) have ignited a firestorm of criticism from right-wing commentators and fans. The article provides a detailed examination of the cultural and political implications of these changes, while also offering a critical perspective on the conservative outrage, framing it as an overreaction rooted in broader societal tensions over diversity and inclusion in media.

The controversy primarily stems from two significant updates to the Superman narrative. First, in October 2021, DC Comics announced that Superman's long-standing motto, "Truth, Justice, and the American Way," would be updated to "Truth, Justice, and a Better Tomorrow." This change, according to DC Comics, reflects a more global and inclusive outlook for the character, aligning with modern values and a broader audience. The phrase "the American Way" has been interpreted by some as tied to a specific nationalistic identity, and its replacement with "a Better Tomorrow" aims to emphasize universal hope and progress. However, this alteration has been met with fierce opposition from conservative commentators who view it as an erasure of American values and a capitulation to progressive ideologies. Critics argue that Superman, as a quintessentially American icon created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1938, should remain tied to patriotic ideals, especially given his historical role as a symbol of American resilience during times of war and economic hardship.

The second, and perhaps more inflammatory, point of contention is the revelation that Jon Kent, the current Superman in the comic series *Superman: Son of Kal-El*, is bisexual. In a storyline released in November 2021, Jon is depicted forming a romantic relationship with a male character, Jay Nakamura, a journalist and activist. This development, written by Tom Taylor and illustrated by John Timms, marks a significant milestone in mainstream superhero comics, as it introduces a major character with a non-heteronormative identity. DC Comics and the creative team behind the story have emphasized that this narrative choice reflects the diversity of the real world and aims to provide representation for LGBTQ+ readers. However, this decision has provoked a vehement backlash from conservative pundits and a segment of the fanbase, who accuse DC Comics of pushing a "woke" agenda and altering the fundamental nature of Superman for political reasons.

The article highlights specific reactions from conservative figures and media outlets to underscore the intensity of the outrage. For instance, right-wing commentators on platforms like Fox News and social media have decried the changes as an attack on traditional values, with some calling for boycotts of DC Comics. Pundits have argued that making Superman bisexual and altering his motto are deliberate attempts to "indoctrinate" young readers with progressive ideals, framing the updates as part of a broader cultural war against American heritage and family values. The author of the Yahoo piece notes that such reactions often exaggerate the impact of these changes, pointing out that Jon Kent is not the original Superman (Clark Kent remains heterosexual in the comics) and that the motto change is more symbolic than substantive. Nevertheless, the rhetoric surrounding the controversy has been heated, with terms like "wokeism" and "cultural Marxism" frequently invoked by critics.

Beyond summarizing the backlash, the article provides context for why these changes to Superman are significant in the broader landscape of pop culture and societal shifts. Superman, as one of the most enduring and recognizable fictional characters in the world, has always been a reflection of the times. During World War II, he fought against Nazi forces, embodying American strength and moral clarity. In the 1960s and 1970s, his stories began to address social issues like racism and environmentalism, albeit in a limited scope. The author argues that the current updates to Superman are a continuation of this tradition of adaptation, reflecting contemporary conversations about identity, inclusivity, and global interconnectedness. The decision to make Jon Kent bisexual, for example, aligns with growing visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in society, while the motto change acknowledges that Superman's appeal transcends national borders in an increasingly globalized world.

The piece also critiques the conservative outrage by suggesting that it is less about Superman himself and more about a deeper anxiety over cultural change. The author posits that characters like Superman are often seen as immutable symbols of a bygone era, particularly for those who associate them with a nostalgic vision of America. Any deviation from the "classic" portrayal—whether in terms of sexuality, ideology, or symbolism—can feel like a personal affront to those who hold these characters as sacred. The article cites examples of similar controversies, such as the backlash to a Black Captain America or a female Thor in Marvel Comics, to illustrate that resistance to diversity in superhero narratives is a recurring pattern. It argues that such reactions often ignore the fact that comics have always evolved with the times, and that diversity in storytelling can enrich rather than diminish these iconic characters.

Furthermore, the author emphasizes the hypocrisy in some of the conservative critiques. While critics lament the "politicization" of Superman, the character has always been inherently political, from his origins as a champion of the oppressed (inspired by the creators’ own experiences as Jewish immigrants during the Great Depression) to his role as a Cold War-era symbol of American exceptionalism. The article suggests that what conservatives label as "woke" is simply a different kind of politics—one that prioritizes inclusion over exclusion—and that their objections are more about the direction of that politics than the presence of politics itself.

In terms of fan reactions, the article acknowledges that not all criticism comes from a place of malice or prejudice. Some longtime Superman fans, regardless of political affiliation, have expressed discomfort with the changes, citing a desire for continuity and fidelity to the character’s established history. However, the piece contrasts these more measured critiques with the hyperbolic rhetoric of conservative media, which often frames the updates as a catastrophic betrayal of cultural heritage. The author also notes that many fans, particularly younger readers and those from marginalized communities, have celebrated the changes, seeing them as a step toward greater representation in a medium that has historically been dominated by white, male, heterosexual protagonists.

In conclusion, the Yahoo Entertainment article paints the controversy over a "woke" Superman as a microcosm of larger cultural debates about identity, representation, and the role of tradition in a rapidly changing world. It critiques the conservative backlash as an overblown reaction fueled by fear of change, while also recognizing the symbolic weight that a character like Superman carries for millions of people. The piece ultimately argues that updating Superman to reflect contemporary values is not only inevitable but necessary for the character to remain relevant and inspiring to new generations. At over 700 words, this summary captures the nuances of the original article, including the specific changes to Superman, the nature of the conservative response, and the broader cultural context in which this controversy unfolds. It reflects the author’s perspective that while change can be contentious, it is also a vital part of keeping iconic characters alive and meaningful in an ever-evolving society.

Read the Full Slate Article at:
[ https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/articles/conservatives-freaking-woke-superman-something-140000159.html ]