Batman and Culture

I had not realized it had been so long since my last post. The con season as well as the end of a long fall semester got the best of my time though.  But, I am back with a post on the cultural significance of Batman tonight.  I tried to come up with a running theme or themes, but have found I tend to write according to my mood and what I am tuned into at the time.  So, with that, I will move forward with Batman !

Cultural Significance of Batman

Since the conception of Batman in 1939 the face of popular culture in the United States and the rest of the world has greatly changed due to many technological advancements, because of these advancements the face of Batman as a cultural artifact has changed as well, reflecting those changes and benefiting our culture by giving people a common idea of how powerful a superhero that is merely human can be while remaining the original conception of Bruce Wayne, a business man, and Batman, his secret identity. The artifact of Batman can be found all over the world. In the United States specifically it would be hard to go shopping at a mall without having an encounter with at least one piece of Batman memorabilia. With his two sided nature, Batman can identify to any normal person with a job and an agenda for helping mankind, which is generally an inherent quality of all humanity.

Batman the artifact significantly functions as a cultural sign by having a great amount of symbology from the symbol of a solid black bat in front of a circle of light to the idea that Batman the artifact is symbolic of a hero and good having the ability to overcome evil. Popular culture is very aware of all of these symbols of Batman. Batman even has his own song, “nananana, nananana, Batman”, which is seemingly imprinted within our culture so that if you sing the Batman song the majority of people will know exactly what your referring to. As culture and technology have changed from the time of Batman's first conception the portrayals and depictions of Batman have changed as well. When Batman was first created he was created as a detective in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939), in a time period commonly referred to as the “Golden Age” of comics when many of the comic superheros and villains were being created. When Batman was first created he did not yet have all of the villains, weapons, and experience that the character has now. The personification of Batman, like society, has grown since his first conception. This becomes extremely obvious if one looks at the capes that Batman used to use in the original television show, and then then looks at the body armor suite that he wears in The Dark Knight (2008).

The bat itself can be seen as a symbol of darkness and mysticism as the bat flies only at night and is blind, relying on its ears to navigate through the night by hearing echoes and using them to judge the shape and distances of objects. Batman is a sign of someone reaching for that darkness and mysticism for the greater purpose of good. Because of this darkness, Batman creates fear in his enemies and dares the criminals to be not, or face his bat strength and wrath. Not only can Batman and all of his symbols be seen as cultural artifacts, but the villains that he overcomes as well. For example, the Joker, one of Batman's greatest nemesis represents the idea of someone being overly comical, and not taking life seriously enough, which batman overcomes, showing that life is not all fun and games which also represents some of the inner workings of Batman because if he were to not take life seriously he would not be the super hero that he is. There are many other villains that Batman has to overcome, including, Two-Face, the Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and Penguin, to name a few. Batman functions as a sign of all these things and as an icon of American culture.

According to Barry Brummett there are three types of meanings; indexical, iconic, and symbolic (Brummett, P8). The artifact that is Batman has cultural meaning in all of these ways. Batman has indexical meaning by representing the entire sub-culture of comic book heroes, and superheros. Not only does Batman represent the comic book sub-culture, he also represents the idea of a hero in general, going back to stories told in parables and mythos of a hero that has the ability to overcome intense opposition. Another indexical meaning of Batman is that he can be his association with a bat, anytime someone sees a bat it can be likened to Batman, and vice versa.

One icon of batman of course is his own symbol of a bat with a circle of light behind it, which has changed numerous times from the time of its first conception, this icon has the cultural meaning of giving help to those in need, as a giant spot light is shined into the sky with the Batman symbol in the middle of it whenever his help is needed, this icon also represents Batman himself. The image of Batman himself has an iconic meaning to the culture and has always been changing from the first drawings to the most recent movies and comics. The actual icon of Batman is always changing, but the meaning to the culture has always been the same. Batman will always be a superhero that can overcome tremendous trials and tribulations in order to benefit the good of mankind.

All of these are also symbols of Batman that give meaning to his entire entity. Batman has symbolic meaning in every aspect of his being, if one looks at it from any perspective, they can see that there are symbols throughout all of life, including Batman, so many it would be impossible to mention or process them all. According to Barry Brummett, “everything is a sign of something else” (Brummett, P8). For example I could say that the symbol of batman having a black cape means that he has an underlying desire to be dark and mysterious, one could also say that the cape represents his swiftness and agility in the darkness in the night, further, one could just say that his black cape is symbolic of a the wings of a bat, in any case the symbol of Batman's cape has meaning. There is also the symbol of Batman being a bat and a bat has the meaning of being is seen as scary to some people including Batman the character, according to the storyline of Batman Begins (Nolan, 05), and this is why Batman chose to be a Bat so that he would seem just as frightening to his enemies.
 

    Another aspect is the  normal societal self, we also have a secret self that we are not necessarily open to everyone about, and like Batman, everyone is  a product of  culture and change with mculture as well as create the culture around us. This is why Batman can be considered a great example of an artifact of popular culture. The reason that so many people are into Batman is very complex, yet understandable. One can understand how all of these people would be interested in Batman, but would have to ask them the question of exactly why they like, or relate to this cultural artifact. One would think the appeal of Batman comes from the ways he kicks his enemies butts and is not a bragger about it, or how he has two balancing sides seemingly black and white, maybe the way he always ends up getting the girl, or maybe people are even more interested in the characters that Batman fights against, regardless, Batman has a great appeal and deserves respect as one of the most popular artifacts of our modern society.

Throughout all cultures one will always find artifacts of great significance and influence. In our culture the artifact Batman has ultimate significance and influence. Batman the personified character has undergone subtle change many times in physical appearance and has manifested into something much greater than the original, which is indicative of the changes within our culture. Even the characters that have played Batman in the Batman movies are direct representations of the popular culture of the time, for instance, in the late 80's Batman was played by Michael Keaton, and recently Christian Bale. Although the face of Batman has literally undergone many changes, the idea of Batman being a well off business man with a secret super hero facade and his commitment to justice has remained. With all of his existence in popular culture one can understand how Batman was manifested by popular culture, and at the same time must understand that Batman has had just as great of an affect on popular culture itself. As our culture grows Batman will continue to change and manifest as the same old superhero with new, modern characteristics, thus Batman will always have just as great of an influence on culture as culture has on Batman. All of this will pave the way for superheroes at heart and popular culture into the future.

Nolan : http://www.batman-on-film.com/batman-coolness_Bat-Films_Nolan-Bale-BEGINS-CRose_7-4-13.html

Brummett: Rhetoric in Pop Culture.  2014.
 

Planet of the Apes Part II - "Racial" ( ethnic ) Conflict

The language of the ethnic or "racial" "other" as depicted by the apes is an old and well adaptable tactic.  Throughout the 1990's , and even to some extent today, racial profiling continues, many instances depict the perpetrator as a violent animal, even suggesting gorilla or ape- like. This was the case in  a courtroom in New York as prosecutors described a 1992 white male  accused in the shooting at Jefferson High School who had killed two African American students. It has been habit for some time to portray accused killers as non human animals in some fashion, in order to place emphasis on their violent nature.  Rodney King was likened to a "monster" by Los Angeles police, as they attempted to justify how he was brutalized.  The officer actually described the trip into an African American neighborhood on a domestic dispute call as being like a scene out of "Gorillas in the Midst". Also in 1992, a high ranking mental health official of the Bush administration linked inner city violence to the aggressive nature of male rhesus monkeys.  There is a definite, historical pattern, one that solidifies Apes as a good reflection of human behavior towards one another as humans in contemporary society.  Apes reflect the hatred humans have for one another , for those of other ethnic groups, and reflect that hatred between groups that exists even on subtle levels.

Just as Apes first appearance on the US cultural landscape was preceded by and coincided with the increased awareness of "racial" conflict and a need for cultural responses to make sense of it, public discussion of "race" and of current and historical racism in the US has substantially increased since the 1990's. This has been further heightened by such incidents as the Treyvon Martin shooting in 2012 and the racial unrest in Ferguson, Missouri during the summer/fall months of 2014.  There is a continued need to review these strong messages in Apes, since "racial" violence remains a staple component of US culture with respect to both domestic and foreign affairs.  The Rodney King trial also illuminates the great ongoing need for attention to the messages in Apes via the entire dehumanizing process King was subjected to during the trial of the officers who were accused of the beating, followed by their acquittal. This all speaks to the persistence of "racial" bigotry, oppression, and violence that still dehumanize and deform the culture overall. 

The old standby of scapegoating continues to be reinvigorated as white fears of being overrun by foreigners and minorities continue to be fanned while the powerful and wealthy, still quite dominant white hands that manipulate the economy remain largely invisible, all this despite the election of an African American president in 2008, for he has also been victimized and demonized out of fear.  Biased motivated crimes against cultural outsiders like African Americans, Hispanics, even homosexuals , continues to rise.  It is no secret that "race" is still a deep cultural problem, a problem that has demanded increased public attention.

The stories the US has told throughout its history , the actions it has taken regarding "race" demonstrate how difficult it is for its people to believe , or even imagine otherwise.  That there is reason to fear difference, that difference must be eliminated. The fictional stories written in books, movies, or for television, and the real life stories written on the streets, the courtrooms, and voting booths are all a part of the limiting mythology and a history that maintain that differences cannot be accepted and must lead to the end of that which is different. 

Like all contemporary mythos though, Apes provides an opportunity to rethink human history, the culture of the US, and human experiences past and present, and encourages critical thinking about different possibilities, the reimagining of the culture, and to transform present realities.  Such mythos aids in the development of what is possible.  If humans can make the implicit meanings and values explicit, if they can recognize as choices that is taken for granted and identify the hidden political assumptions, then that which is disguised fiction can aid in the future rejection of assumptions and to the embracement of new ways of thinking and of doing. Apes as contemporary myth is a means to cultural change via its timeless messages regarding "racial" conflict. It is time to begin to rewrite the stories that depict the political realities of today and alter the future for the better.

Given that the language of the Apes saga has not been exhausted and given that there is both an increased recognition of "racial" problems and a need for cultural responses to them, then it should come as no surprise that the Apes sage continues, and continues to be remade in order to maintain the mythos and spread it throughout the culture as a whole.  There is a great need to continue to illuminate the meaning and messages of Apes as it continues to act as a viable vehicle with which to explore the dangers of ongoing "racial" conflict. 

Exploring Politics in Planet of the Apes Part I -The Originals

Politics in the Original Planet of the Apes: An Overview

 

I have been aching to do some writing on Apes , particularly now that I am prepping my first convention presentation on this subject. So, my next few blogs will be focused on a series of Planet of the Apes discussions and the relevant social themes. This first part begins with the original films.

 

It was 1968 when Planet of the Apes was first released in theaters. It immediately captivated audiences across the United States. The film was hard hitting with political issues reflective of the times in which it was produced.  As Apes has evolved, so shall this multipart blog that will feature the social themes within each production and how each has been reflective of the times in which they were produced. I shall continue to look at how Apes represents a form of contemporary myth in that even the original text and film are still just as relevant today as they were in the 1950's or 1960's respectively, when each was created.  Many themes within those original works are still applicable to the world today, in 2014.  In this first part of a series of Apes blogs, reflection of those original times is covered. 

 

The original Planet of the Apes film was such a success in theaters that shortly after it's release, a Saturday morning cartoon series was launched, though short lived, it spawned great interest in an array of Apes merchandise.  Apes also had one of the most iconic images of any film, the rotting and partly buried Statue of Liberty in the end scene of the film.  The original film led to four additional sequels as well, each maintaining devotion to social and political issues of concern to the US at each given time of production. Primary issues center around "race" and social class structures.

 

Planet of the Apes held appeal to many because of the science fiction element that represented the human obsession with life on other planets.  In this original film that depicted such life, but not life as would be expected. This turn in primate evolution was captivating and a fine depiction of how humans have treated other life on their own world, including the treatment of other humans deemed of lower social class. All of this was rooted in the novel by Pierre Boulle in 1963 entitled "La Planete des Singas ( Monkey Planet ).  An interesting note regarding the first film, Rod Serling had done the original draft of the script, polished by Michael Wilson, and worked with to bring political concerns to light by Eric Greene ( film historian ). They wanted to use the apes to depict the human condition.

 

 

The film explored social and political themes of the times. The original and all that has followed have continued to be quite laden with political issues.  The original, of course, reflective of the Vietnam War and the dozens of social movements of the 1960's, but yet remains relevant to the overall idea of war and inequality today.  This may be one reason the Apes films have continued to be popular draws, as they remain powerful narratives of the human condition.  Much of what is dealt with in these original and remade films is reflective of the fragile nature of social class and Democracy.

 

An interesting note about the original film is that it has been said that the chimps , organs, and gorillas all sat together during off times or meal times, very reflective of the human habit to associate with those who are more like ourselves. In terms of the primate breakdown occupationally:  chimps were the scientists and intellectuals, orangs were the politicians, and gorillas were the military.  Humans were slave labor or lab specimens. 

 

In this alternate society, the chimps would handle all the scientific studies and the treatment of humans. However, just as the case in our own world, the chimps and their work did not gain the respect they sought.  Scientists were looked down upon, particularly by political figures such as Dr. Zaius.  Overall, science has not had the respect it perhaps has deserved over the decades, even over the centuries. In addition, the treatment of various primate classes in Apes, as well as the treatment of humans, is reflective of the hot bed racism searing through the 1950’s and 1960’s ,some of which still exists today in various forms.  There are always groups within the infrastructure to be looked down upon, and always groups within society to be looked down upon. 

 

In the original Apes, one of the more important scenes deals with politics and justice in a trial that was investigating the relationship between Zira and Cornelius and their association with Taylor.  The other apes were attempting to figure out why he spoke and felt he had been a mutant creation of  science to act against the other apes.  Despite the fact that it was said all apes were created to be equal, it is evident they are not.  This scene and the overall films also reflect McCarthyism.

The McCarthy era was ushered in via  a heightened fear of communism in the US. McCarthy blamed the increase in communism on subversives who had infiltrated the government at all levels to share secretive information.

 

Apes, in fine science fiction mythological fashion, does a fine job of presenting controversial materials without being attached as controversial since it has been disguised in a fictitious narrative, but a narrative of great cultural significance with respect to the human condition and the future of humanity.  This is especially true with how Apes has been reflective of how people in power have continued to view those who are not in power.  This aspect alone makes for timeless narrative. Have humans really changed in nearly 50 years? The messages of Apes are still relevant.

 

Not only the original, but each sequel, and even the short lived television series, held political messages within.  In Beneath the Planet of the Apes one storyline focused on the Forbidden Zone , where gorillas were headed in order to wage war against the mutant speaking humans and the strange on goings in that area.  They feared a revolt  uprising if the mutants were able to reach others.  Also, along the way, a  group of chimps is seen with protest signs protesting war, reflective of the political and social tides certainly of the 1960’s.

 

In Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Zira and Cornelius are escapees from their own world, one that was destroyed due to hate. They attempt to adapt to the humans in the time of 1972 in which they are thrown back to.  At first, they are poorly treated, like zoo and lab specimens. Soon they become welcome guests. The tables turn once again though with the news that Zira is pregnant.  Humanity turned in fear of one day being dominated by the new off spring  and the idea that non human apes would breed and become as intelligent, one day taking over the Earth.  This is reflective of how our own society has continually treated new groups or new ideas, and has reacted to the idea that military intervention would be needed to destroy any perceived of threats of anything different. Humans become aggressive in this film until Zira and Cornelius are killed and their son, Caesar sent into hiding.  Much of the film revolves around the idea that one day humans will do great things such as end pollution and population expansion.  It was clear that this was a human world and humans would not allow non human apes to conquer it. This is still how humans react to anything perceived of as a threat to those in power, or to anything that is different from the accepted norm.

 

In Conquest of the Planet of the Apes , 1973,  the story progresses down a darer path.  It was set in a city that represented a futuristic police state. Humans all wore black to denote a more rigid and unpleasant society.  The apes are slaves, but with Caesar’s leadership rise up in revolt, similar to the well known Watt Riots in 1965. In 1972 no one would dare release a film about the Watt Riots, but mask it in a science fiction thriller, and sure the messages would get out to the public. 

 

The one thing well written science fiction does well is use actual events and history and create a story that masks messages under aliens and future times.  This allows messages to be viewed and received by the masses and allows those messages to be processed with the hopes of altering human paths that are negative and bringing about more positive behaviors and ways of thinking in order to better the human condition and the human future. 

 

In future blogs, the Apes films will continue to be explored with respect to their ongoing relevance as contemporary myth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Themed Convention : Star Trek Fandom and Mythos

Following the Gotham and Metropolis Blog, here is the blog that was listed to follow:

The Themed Convention

 

 

 

Star Trek  represents modern myth, and as such it legitimizes fan participation in numerous activities, particularly themed conventions. Myth explains the meaning which fans have assigned to both

Star Trek  and the archetype characters it has created.

Star Trek acts as a secular myth for contemporary times by providing cultural symbols and meanings that serve as a model for the formation of a distinct subculture. Themed conventions represent the way in which fans come together to more fully participate in the myth, solidifying the place

Trek  holds in their daily lives,and allowing for the continued evolution of a vibrant subculture.

1

Myth acts as a model for all aspects of human behavior, all cultural practices, and ultimatelyassigns value to life. The

Trek  myth is quite real to members of fandom, and like all myth, it issubject to continued reinterpretation on the individual level at varying points in time by the believers in the myth. Despite this, it is possible to identify core meanings in

Star Trek .

Theutopian future, concept of IDIC (infinite diversity in infinite combinations), and the humanisticstudy of the humanity are ideals shared across fandom.

Star Trek  is a futuristic portal, allowingfans to learn from the past, make changes in the present, and strive for a

Trek  future. Fans havefound compatibility between the messages of 

Trek and personal beliefs, incorporating the mythinto their daily lives with ease.

2

Themed conventions provide a platform for understanding the utilization of myth. Fans gather and translate the myth into a cultural binding force, legitimizing their subculture. Fans agree that participation is required, that the myth must be experienced. Fans participate in the myth inseveral ways. They create alien personas, take on the persona of their favorite Trek  character or species group with whom they identify with ideologically, collect merchandise for the purposesof owning a piece of the myth, perform songs and plays, and seek out their favorite actors inorder to complete the meeting of the myth experience. These conventions allow fans to escapethe constraints of contemporary society and fulfill their desire to exist in and experience theutopian future of Star Trek 

.

Star Trek  Conventions offer an arena for fans to share their interpretations concerning stories and characters and to more fully participate in the myth. Convention participation strengthens the place of myth in their daily lives

. Star Trek as modern myth possesses the power to bring meaning to life and to transform life according to all patterns inherent in myth. Themed conventions are a celebration of that power and of the desire of fans to harness that power to change their world. 

 

NEXT BLOG: EARLY NOV 2014 due to speaking schedule for travel and conventions:  Bronze Age of Comics !

 

 Notes1.

 

For more on myth and the anthropological perspective, see, Claude L`evi ± Strauss,

 Myth and  Meaning: Cracking the Code of Culture

. 1979. Shocken Books. New York;

 

CamilleBacon-Smith,

 Enterprising Women: Television, Fandom, and the Creation of Popular 

 Myth. 1992. University of Pennsylvania Press;

 

Wendy Doniger, Other  People¶s Myths:The Cave of Echoes

, 1988. Macmillan.

 New York. Bronislaw Malinowski, ³Myth inPrimitive Psychology´, In

 Magic, Science, and Religion and Other Essays

.1992 [1948].Waveland Press. Illinois.2.

 

For more on Star Trek and fandom, see, Peter J. Claus, ³A Structuralist Appreciation of Star Trek´, In

The American Dimension

. Montegue and Arens, editors. 1976. AlfredPublishing.

 New York;

 

Henry Jenkins,

Textual Poachers: Television Fans and  Participatory Culture.

1992. Routledge. London and

 New York; John Tulloch and HenryJenkins,

Science Fiction Audiences: Watching Dr. Who and Star Trek 

. 1995. Routledge.London and  New York.





Comics as Teaching Tools: A brief blog

Comics as Teaching Tools



                                                  

NPR did a story back in January on Code Switch, a comic ! It focuses on themes in comics such as the concept of "race"  or ethnic identity, and culture  in comics. Extremely well done! The article as well as the comic that is.  This focuses on a new memoir from the Civil Rights Movement. It is written with Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell via US Representative John Lewis' account of his experiences as a participant in the Civil Rights Movement along with his history as a public servant.  All that in a comic book folks! Look them up on facebook for sure! This is basically a graphic novel type version of Lewis' life story, his superhero origin story so to speak.  A comic about Rosa Parks actually was the basis of inspiration for Lewis, and he decided to use comics as a vehicle to examine nonviolent movements. This exploration propelled his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement and the March on Washington.  This comic is an ideal teaching tool for those wishing to introduce and discuss the idea of non violent means to gain social justice to their students. It can be adapted to classrooms of multiple grade levels with a fair amount of ease as well. The push is also on now to get Code Switch into the hands of libraries and classrooms across the United States.

Comics in general hold a great deal of educational value and are quite well suited to teaching in the classroom since they offer an unbiased means by which numerous sociocultural themes can be discussed. They help lower the defenses and barriers inherent in opening discussions on history, politics, religion, gender, and ethical dilemmas. One is limited only by their creativity in pulling topics from comic examples for application in the classroom. 
Not only comics, but graphic novels for older students also work well as metaphorical materials are more apt to be useful at the high school or college levels.  Comics is quite the diverse genre. There are mainstream and independent works that hold many culturally themed wonders.

There is an excellent teaching resource that has been published online since 2011, The Comics Grid: Journal of Comics Scholarship.  There is a vast range of reviews and academic papers on themes in comics. They cover the full spectrum of available comics, mainstream and otherwise, that are available to the public.

The case for considering comics in the classroom has been supported by teaching about teaching via the comic To Teach: The Journey, in Comics. It is written by William Ayers and Ryan Alexander-Tanner (Teachers College Press, 2010).  Comics make for ideal alternatives to the traditional textbooks, and make for more creativity and diversity in discussion important themes in the classroom. 

Apologies for a brief blog this week.  I shall return to the more specific themes where I had left off in Gotham last blog and continue forward with topics once I am by a heavy travel schedule with convention talks through late November 2014. 

Thank you.

 

Gotham City and Metropolis - Superman, Batman, and American Myth

     The United States is still relatively young as a nation with respect to the majority of the globe and its ancient civilizations. Those who come from around the globe and become part of the cultural mix in the United States help create a unique overall culture via the assimilation of aspects of other cultures and their mythologies. This has been the case for over 200 years now. So, can one say there is a distinct mythos that defines what is more commonly referred to as America?

     Folk heroes have existed for hundreds of thousands of years around the globe. In Ancient Greece they had the likes of gods such as Zeus and Poseidon. Ancient Rome held gods such as Jupiter Volcanus, and Apollo in high regard. Even Scandinavia can lay claim to the great Thor. Israel is the region of origin for folk heroes such as David and Goliath. What then can America claim with respect to the folk hero that has stood the test of time? What mythological characters are unique to America? Why superheroes of course!

     It was 1938 when the American Action Comic was born. It was introduced in the form of a comic strip published by National Allied Publications.  This super human, super strong, man was dubbed Superman! In 1939, another comic publication by these folks ( later to become DC COMICS) sprouted from the pages of popular detective comics.  Batman was released to the world, and more importantly, to the criminals of Gotham City. Superman and Batman are the focus for this brief blog on the American mythological hero. There are more , and future blogs will seek to address the likes of Spiderman, The Flash, Green Lantern, The Hulk, The Fantastic Four, and Wonder Woman to name just a few. 

     Superman appears bold and colorful , lighting up the already bright skyline of Metropolis, assuming a humble life hidden amongst the masses as every day Clark Kent.  While Batman, in contrast, is the alter ego of one Bruce Wayne, a well known wealthy playboy who scoots out under the guise of darkness to tackle a dark, gloomy, corrupt, crime riddled Gotham City.

     Superman, though the last survivor of the dead world of Krypton, grew up in a well balanced family in the Midwest, Kansas.  He was raised by farmers in a traditional family values manner after being rescued from his crashed ship as an infant along the roadside. The comics even had kept the parents alive for sometime after Clark had reached adulthood and worked as a reporter for the Daily Planet. He continued to assist his parents on the farm. Superman is a globally recognized hero in every sense of the word.  Batman, however, saw his parents gunned down in an alley near the local theater after they were mugged. He grew up angry and hateful. He was fearsome of the world around him. Bruce would go on to be raised by the family butler, Alfred.  Bruce shunned his childhood and turned his attentions to fighting crime. He sought revenge for the death of his parents and felt by ridding the world of evil and crime, he would have that.  He used his wealth for this purpose. he built the batcave, batcar, and would set his sights on cowardly criminals as he referred to them.  All by the shadow of darkness, he became known as the Dark Knight.  Batman became well respected throughout Gotham City, but some felt he was nothing more than a dangerous vigilante, someone to be feared. 

     Superman and Batman have taken up permanent residence in the hearts and minds of Americans, they are fully embedded in the American psyche.  Bruce Wayne is the self made millionaire that epitomizes the American dream.  He does as he pleases as either persona.  Bruce Wayne/Batman is the person that everyone who continues to buy into the American dream strives to become.  Superman, on the other hand,  is more of a god-like figure that people strive to be more like.  He is the boy scout, the big brother, a protector and defender of what is right, particularly for those who are too weak to defend themselves.  Superman is benevolent. His actions are based upon being the right thing to do, then returning to a simplistic life at the end of a day. 

     Both Metropolis and Gotham personify these two superheroes. Metropolis is big, bright, and full of life.  It is a city that is larger than life where anything is possible. It is a living depiction of the American Dream.  Smallville, the hometown of Clark , was a small farming community, and it too was developed to mirror small town USA.  On the other hand, Gotham, Batman's home, is depicted as dark, dangerous, and corrupt. Gotham has an eerie air of mystery to it at all times.  Gotham is the epitome of all that people fear about the American city, abundant crime and corrupt politicians, police, and other city leaders all around. 

Superman and Batman both tap into basic American ideals and because of this, they have each gone on to survive in pop culture for over 70 years.  Their messages are constant, they are easily identified with, and they offer timeless insight into American culture, timeless insight into outcomes of the paths humans may choose, and timeless messages about how to redirect those paths. These are the reasons for the longevity of these characters. They continue to speak to each of us as individuals, and to all of us as a cultural whole.  Batman and Superman are household names, and like Superman, each individual has their kryptonite! Superman teaches us how to identify it and how to avoid it. Superman and Batman are indeed American folk heroes, their stories creating an American mythos. 

      The gods of great cultures were complex, but integral to the culture. Due to similar complex continuities that began to develop for Superman and Batman by the 1950's due to DC's decision to have Superman guest appear in Batman comics, merged universes. Superman would go on to have a love interest in Wonder Woman, Batman would go on to struggle with his identity and lack of true super powers. He would struggle to fit in with true super human beings.  Complex timelines and relationships emerged and have continued to develop. This is what has grabbed the attention of the American public, and it is what has solidified both Batman and Superman as American mythological heroes, creating an ever evolving myth that all can identify with and learn from.  Superheroes are so much more than entertainment for children, they are the stories that define us and teach us over multiple generations. They are our American mythology. As they continue to evolve, so shall America. 

 ppt: Cultural Imagery of Gotham City and Metropolis

Next Blog...... The Themed Convention !

Comics and Superheroes: Contemporary Myth

Comics and Superheroes: Contemporary Myth

 

 

Introduction

 

In this blog I wanted to take the time to explore comics more than I usually do in my work, which up until recently has focused primarily on science fiction.  This blog will explore comics and the story telling they provide through superheroes, and explore a bit about why this has remained significant in our world today.

Superheroes, both known and those yet to be created, along with the comics they are found within all act as a form of contemporary myth.  Science fiction, fantasy, and comics are no different than mythologies of the past or from folktales and fairytales.  All provide insight into the cultures and time periods they are products of.  Comics and superheroes act as cultural mirrors and teachers in that they reflect the ideologies at that time through their stories, but as cultural teachers they provide insight into our cultural concerns on larger scales and the outcomes of the paths humans take in the contemporary world.  Some provide insight into better paths and some provide warnings of doom along current paths. 

Comics standout as a solid form of contemporary myth , but as a mythos also unique to the American culture, in many ways similar to that of Japanese Anime within the Japanese culture that created it. Though widespread on a more global scale now, comics still are considered to be reflective mythos for the culture they were produced in.  Our superheroes represent to us the same things Greek Gods represented to their culture. Our mythological Gods take the form of Superman, Batman, or the X-Men. These characters are all representative of the culture that created them.  These superheroes are American Gods and tell American stories in the form of a narrative that acts as a reflection of contemporary society via commentary contained within the story of the comic.  Our comics have examined issues of war, terrorism, drugs, racism and more. All reflective of current social issues and attitudes while also acting as an insightful teacher to help us make possible changes in our world for the better.  Individual superheroes may also act as role models we can identify with, who influence us in personal ways. 

Superheroes do also change with time periods.  This is how they adapt to us and how they also help society to continue to grow and evolve.  Stories change, characters may be added or deleted, costuming looks change , as does the technology used in a story.  Superheroes are also becoming more subtly flawed in some way so as to perhaps reflect that in our own world.  Humans , as well intentioned or as good natured as they can be, are inherently flawed and do make mistakes. How we handle those mistakes is reflective of who we truly are. Mistakes can also be forgiven , mistakes can also produce positive change.  Flaws are key elements in characters and stories.  Comics are truly reflective narratives within their culture, truly a modern and evolving mythos.  Future historians and social scientists will surely be able to glean quite a bit of insight into who we are today by thumbing through the pages of our comics that we may leave behind. 

Comics have Global Appeal

 

 

The idea of the comic as narrative and the role of the superhero as a role model allows one to look at how and why heroes in general hold appeal. Sure, super powers are neat, but that is only one layer of the appeal.  Superheroes reach into the human psyche. Superhero identification propels self evolution. This can be attributed to the narrative, mythic, structure of the character and story.

 

One example of this would be the classic "Hero's Journey" defined and outlined by Joseph Campbell. Campbell was a mythologists who examined myth from a cross cultural perspective. He determined what features were common across cultures and what features were culturally unique.  He was primarily interested in mythos convergence, the common features of all myths. Campbell found that regardless of when a story had been written or where it had originated from, there was a pattern to myth structure that permeated cultural lines.  He referred to this as a Monomyth. (* At some point I would like to create additional blogs for more detailed exploration of the Monomyth). 

 

What Campbell had discovered was that every culture told stories in a similar way with similar patterns in the development of those mythological tales.  It was determined that such as structure filled a need or role innate in the human mind.  The patterns that showed similarity were in the way heroes were created, how they evolved, and how they completed a given journey.  This is an attractive and powerful narrative, the journey of the hero.  The world needs heroes, the world therefore needs superheroes. Such characters and stories connect with the human psyche, and connect humans cross culturally in ways that are yet to be fully understood.  There is indeed a collective human mindset connecting all humans globally.

 

 

Superheroes: Inspiration for a Better Self

 

Hero narratives written in the Monomythic style allows a hero to be easily identifiable.  Those who identify with a particular hero interpret that hero to be an extension of themselves, consciously or subconsciously.  There are traits in heroes each of us is drawn to, things one learn from them, insights and perspectives that are  gained from both the character and the narrative they  are involved with.  A personal connection or identification develops. 
 

 This connection can be attributed to the fact that humans want to be heroic. The symbolic image of the superhero embodies human values and ideals. The hero is represents that which one wishes to see in themselves. This does not happen easily or immediately however, and much of the development of a personal identification depends upon how the hero is created and what journey(s) the hero takes. This personal connection is a result of the way a story is presented. The reader must grow with the character, and the character must continue to grow and evolve to maintain that connection with the reader. There exists a coevolution between the hero and the reader who identifies with them. This in turn leads to greater individual variability and adaptability which can aid in the larger scale evolution of culture over time. The hero experiences struggles that are shared with those who identify with them and teaches them how they can overcome their own struggles. Heroes and their stories allow others to also experience their journeys. By doing so, those who feel a personal connection to a hero also learn to ponder how they too would react to extraordinary scenarios in their own life. Superheroes teach others how to evolve into their best personal selves over a lifetime.

On a cultural level, the stories provide greater insight and deeper understanding of the world as a whole while also providing warnings about the dangers of certain paths humans may take as well as providing glimpses into what wondrous  things humans can possibly achieve. Comics and superheroes humans in seeing their potential for change, both on an individual level as well as a global , cultural, level.  Comics tell stories about striving for change.

Conclusion

 

In briefly summarizing this discussion, Superheroes hold global appeal and are important because they offer such grand inspiration on many levels. This is why the world is still so attracted to comics and superheroes. They inspire humans on both small and large scales and help educate about social concerns. Superheroes can inspire us to do the smallest of things that may have the largest of impacts, and this is why the world still very much needs comics and their heroes. Such entities are integral components of any culture. 

 

 

In the next blog : Gotham City and Metropolis - Social Imagery via Myth



 

Science Fiction as Modern Myth - Part III

Science Fiction as Modern Myth - Part III : The Power and Scope of Science Fiction

 

 

This is the final part of the posts on science fiction and modern myth.  In this brief post we examine the enormous impact science fiction has on culture and how broad a reach it also has across culture.

Science fiction has continued to increase in popularity and grow as a genre at a phenomenal rate.  It has grown globally, forming a vast global network or global fandom culture in its many forms ( literary/ filmic ).  A vast variety of themed conventions are held annually and continually throughout the course of a calendar year around the globe. They celebrate authors, artists, and others involved in literary or filmic science fiction. They celebrate both classic works as well as current materials.  Fans partake in the culture and participate in it more fully when engaged with others at a convention event.  Seattle, Washington is home of the Science Fiction Museum, a phenomenal display of all aspects of the genre across time.  Science fiction is perhaps the most influential contemporary form of what is referred to as futuristic thinking in pop culture. Science fiction and its fandom are truly a culture of their own. 

 

As can be gleaned from the history of the genre, science fiction encompasses quite the array of social themes and provides an abundance of insight into the human condition while also offering solutions to contemporary problems for the here and now as well as for the future. It offers insight into the various potential outcomes of the paths humans travel today. 

 

Some examples of themes in science fiction include:

 

1.  Future cultures

2. Science and Technology, the good and the not so good

3. The human relationship with technology

4. Cultural paths for humanity that could be outcomes of actions in the past or present.

5. The role an individual can play in cultural evolution

6. Human evolution - biologically, psychologically, and culturally

7. Biotechnology

8. Ecology

9. Robotics and Androids , as well as computer intelligence in human culture

10.  Space exploration

11.  Contact with other lifeforms

12. Time Travel

13. Philosophy, Religion Spirituality

14. Morality and Values, morals vs ethics

15. Love in the future

16. Reality

17. War

18. Politics

19. Defining and exploring the nature of Progress

20. The end of humanity

21. The transcendence of humanity - survival of the species

22. Meaning of life

 

Science fiction both embraces and questions the ideals of religion and spirituality, as well as those of a secular world.  What really can lead to a better world? Science fiction explores all aspects of the human condition within such framework. It offers challenges to long held morals, ethics, and values. If offers predictions based upon contemporary times and the paths humanity finds itself on.

Science fiction also explores human emotions in as much as they play a role in decision making processes. Science fiction excites and explores the human emotions of fear, hope, exhilaration, sadness, joy, and humor. Science fiction can be said to be the one art form that offers an understanding to both humanity and human emotions as well as to science, technology, and exploration via its attempt to imagine the future in both narrative and aesthetic forms. In Science fiction, the future of humanity is a series of stories, speculative stories about the future.

 

Science fiction also utilizes a mythological or religious approach to its exploration of the human condition through its stories and archetypal characters that humans can readily identify with. These stories inspire thought and ideas which can aid in altering the future and help to better ensure the survival of the human species.  Science fiction educates its followers. It explores all aspects of humanity through the minds and experiences of characters in order to personify the journey of the human future. 

 

Science fiction has many different functions indeed, which provides strength to the stories that are told and helps solidify the place of science fiction in human culture on a global scale.  it stimulates thought via exercising the critical and rational intellect and stretching the speculative/creative imagination. It does so by drawing upon all aspects of human inquiry and study and integrates such things into its stories.  Science fiction holds much power to influence the future and the future paths humanity takes. 

 

Science fiction is a holistic exploration of the future of humanity, impacting humanity along the way and offering solutions to help propel humanity into a more evolved future to help ensure its survival. In general, science fiction unites what appear to many as opposites - it combines the strengths of religious inspiration with rational and scientific understanding to create thought experiments on a personal level while also striving to relate a narrative on a broader scale. 

 

Science fiction strives to predict and help us understand the future while it also inspires and entertains us with its stories and characters that mirror us and our world in the present.  It is in that futuristic fiction that truths of humanity exist for the past, present, and future. It is also where individual truths exist.  In mirroring ancient mythology, science fiction creates a contemporary mythology that ties together past , present , and future for all of humanity. 

 

This concludes the broad discussion on science fiction as modern myth. The next blog will focus on super heroes and comics as a form of contemporary mythos. 

 

 



Science Fiction as Modern Myth - Part II

Science Fiction as Modern Myth – Part II

 In this second of three parts on a brief discussion of science fiction as modern myth,  I will discuss a comparison between the roles of science fiction and religion, or religious myth, as ways of approaching the future. 

Religious myth does not focus on the future, but it does have a tremendous impact on how people think about the future.  It is perhaps the earliest recorded form of myth and to date, perhaps the most influential with respect to futuristic thinking.   Religion has served as a blueprint for policy decisions on both a large and small scale with respect to the various levels of decision makers in society.  It also has served to guide individuals in their everyday thoughts, actions, and beliefs about policies that impact the future.   Religion will continue to remain a guiding force as long as the great majority of humans globally continue to subscribe to some form of traditional religious doctrine.  How does this though assist in adapting humanity and preparing it for the future? How does it propel humanity into a continued cycle of cultural evolution?  Adaptation and evolution are necessary if a system is to survive, if not, cultures become stagnant and come to a point where they are unable to adapt, eventually becoming extinct.  Science fiction is a rich source of the same types of ethics and morals found in religious myth, it embodies many of the same qualities and social strengths as religion, and may perhaps offer a better source of adaptations. It may be better suited as myth to ensure continued cultural evolution. 

Does religion really answer the deepest metaphysical questions concerning human origins, the human condition, and the future of humanity?  It can provide this to some. It can also provide individual meaning and offer a guide to personal or cultural morals and ethics.  To some, religious myth connects them to others as well as to the long historical narrative of humanity.  Within religious doctrines, connections to mythological narratives are often found which helps to reinforce a belief and a particular set of values. Origin stories seemingly connect the human past, present, and future. Religious myth addresses both the emotional and intellectual realms of humanity.

Myth possesses an archetypal dimension, a fundamental idea or theme represented through imagery, persona, or symbolism. Themes such as death or the renewal of life, honor, bravery, temptation, good vs evil, and origins are common threads.  These themes of the human condition are also represented by mythological characters that provoke emotional reactions and an individual identification with one or more of these characters. 

The same holds true for science fiction. Just as with ancient myth, the real strength and attractive force of science fiction is its narrative form.  Science fiction appeals to the same aspects of both individual and culture as religious myth, and especially to those who may reject religious myth. Science fiction creates a life story as an option to the abstract nature of religious narrative. Science fiction creates a highly complex story of the future based upon actions in the human past or present. It also acts as a blueprint for ideas, thoughts, and behaviors. It provides moral and ethical guides. It also serves as a mirror into the overall human condition, where we have been, where we are, and even provides insight into possible outcomes for the future depending upon the paths humans choose.  Also emphasized in science fiction is the role the individual plays in cultural change. Individuals act as role models and members of fandom form strong identification bonds with individuals of their choosing that oftentimes shape the behavior and values of those who identify with them.  This creation of personified characters creates a personal connection with the reader, or member of fandom. 

As with all myth, the stories of science fiction express basic, fundamental themes and archetypes of the human condition.  In both science fiction and mythology, both the characters and settings are presented with the intention of symbolically highlighting and discussing the human condition.  Science fiction not only informs, but it strives to also evoke strong emotional responses. The future of humanity is presented in such a way as to inspire inspiration in those who are reading or viewing the material.  Science fiction is indeed an integral component of culture today, both on local as well as global levels.  It provides the raw materials for anyone participating in it to create and fully experience a personalized journey and way of life. 

Science fiction is the new mythology. It goes far beyond traditional and now archaic myths of the past, myths based on archaic thinking.  They have lost their applicability to current times and to the future. They no longer fit to describe the human condition.  They have lost their ability to motivate, inform, and inspire individuals. Science fiction has been able to maintain these abilities over the centuries and has gained status as a replacement. Since it deals with the future, it will continue to maintain itself as a global power and will continue to drive cultural evolution for centuries to come. Science fiction provides mythical stories informed by both science and contemporary thought for the purposes of transmitting messages about the human condition. 

For the third, and final, blog in this topic I will briefly discuss the immense power and breadth of science fiction.

 

Science Fiction as Modern Myth - Part I

Science Fiction as Modern Myth - Part I - Daryl G. Frazetti

For the first blog, I wanted to begin a short series discussing science fiction as modern, or contemporary, myth.  Science fiction is the most visible form of contemporary influential form of futuristic thinking.  What makes this genre so popular?  Well, one reason may very well be how holistic it is in its exploration of the human condition across space and time.  It speaks to the whole person, the whole person on an individual level, about the future.

It is difficult to define science fiction, in part because not all science fiction is focused on the future or written in a futuristic setting.  Though, its primary focus has been to act as a  narrative on the future.  Basically, for the purposes of this blog and future blogs here, science fiction is a narrative on the future of the human condition.  It utilizes  plots and storylines that involve humans and human problems and makes use of aliens to also represent human problems.

Science fiction engages the total capacity of the human mind. It instills a holistic, forward thinking consciousness in individuals.  It combines realities from the human past and present while speculating about the future of humanity.  It offers glimpses into possible outcomes of the various choices humans make and the various paths they choose to follow.

Since science fiction is a reflection of the human condition across space and time, and since it promotes futuristic and forward thinking about the human condition, science fiction can indeed be said to be a form of contemporary, futuristic, mythology.

In the next blog, Part II, I will discuss religion and religious myth, and traditional myth as compared to science fiction to further support science fiction as true mythos for the future of the human condition.

I shall attempt to post weekly or biweekly blogs !