Is Clark Kent Superman or Is Superman Clark Kent

 I've been wondering, can you separate a symbol, idea, or feeling from a person. 

I'm a big fan of the DC, well not that big per say; if you were to ask me something niche about the DC then I probably wouldn't know the answer. But it's not like I'm larping, I've genuinely been a fan for give or take 3 years. 

I watched a video recently, it was a video essay on the DC multiverse. Halfway through I began thinking about the heroes and what they represented. Hope, strength, unity, but mainly hope. 

Then I thought, does the mask represent hope or is the person behind that mask responsible for inciting such a powerful feeling. Can you replace superman with another person literally anyone else. And would that new face bring about as much hope as 'Clark Kent' would. 

I think it’s the mask that inspires hope. After all, the people of Metropolis only ever saw the mask. However, it’s the person behind it—their principles and actions—that make the hero. Are the people of Metropolis seeing Superman as their saviour, or the person behind the mask? Would Superman inspire such hope if Clark Kent hadn’t chosen to be a beacon of light for Metropolis? No. If he never chose to be Superman, never put himself in harm’s way for others, Superman wouldn’t exist. Superman is merely an idea, a symbol of goodwill and hope. This raises another query: couldn’t anyone make those same choices? Couldn’t any person decide to be Superman, and still be loved and appreciated? After all, anyone can wear the mask. 

Clark Kent may be replaceable, but Superman is not.

Let’s step out of fiction and into reality. Unfortunately, there are no superheroes with incredible powers or intergalactic ones like the Green Lanterns or Martian Manhunter. There’s no clear symbol of 'good' because no one is 'good'. Watch the news for a week and it quickly becomes clear we’re pretty messed up. Wars, famine, hunger, and social injustices happen every day, and there’s no hero who shows up to kick the bad guys out. Maybe we just need to take inspiration from our fictional heroes and become heroes ourselves. How? I’m not sure. But perhaps we can follow Clark’s example and make choices that shape us into our very own 'Superman'.

If Clark Kent could do it, can't you?

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Quick notes: I realise 'anyone can wear the mask' is an MCU thing particularly in regards to Spiderman.

This isn't what I generally write about, but I've just got so many things I really wanna explore. I've the feeling this won't be the last 'philosophical' sort of post. I'll try to keep them short I promise. 

 There haven't been a lot of diary entries lately tho cause quite frankly I haven't journaled in a bit. We'll see if I can return to my diary phase soon. [hopefully I do, that's what this entire blog's about]

If you made it this far share your thoughts. I'd love to hear them. See you later 💌