I believe in symbols. They are a way to convey a message without words, to show emotion, and to express an ideal through an image. A symbol holds the power to transcend culture and language and break down any barriers.
Look around you. Every where you look there is a symbol. From the flag flying at the neighbor’s house, to the traffic signs down the street, even a favorite sport team’s logo can be considered a symbol. This is marketing at its best. We wear our favorite symbols proudly.
What about symbols that hold belief? Religion is full of symbols, images uniting and dividing us as people. More on that in a moment.
We live in a time of unease, tensions rise, fake news, and conflict.
One of my favorite scenes in the film “Batman Begins” is when Bruce describes to Alfred that as a man he is corruptible but as a symbol, he can be something more. I am paraphrasing.
This line of thought has brought me back to an article I wrote a few years ago on why I wear the Superman symbol. I do wear it, often. Besides having it tattooed on my chest, I have a belt buckle, a watch band, and an array of shirts. But why so many?
Like I said earlier, there is power in an image. “Superman” 2025 is approaching and with it a new logo. Which means the shield is being discussed and examined by hordes of fans.
I like to reflect on what makes it so great. The Superman logo has been around for 86 years and is one of the most recognized images in the world. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, this large “S” shield was placed on their champion of the oppressed. The “S” represented Superman, but also Siegel and Schuster. Over time it has changed its meaning to represent the House of EL, Superman’s familial coat of arms. Now, it stands as the more modern interpretation of it being the Kryptonian glif for hope that the EL family chose.
I like to think that in every interpretation it means goodness, truth, justice, equality, compassion, and love.
I always wrestle with the evil Superman, meaning the corruption of Clark as Superman. From a story point, I understand, but as character for the world I don’t like it. The world needs to believe in good. We need a symbol, even if it is fictional.
To jump back to the religion thing, I am not a fan of the Christ metaphor of Superman. Religion complicates often our ability to love, respect, and honor each other as people. And, No! I am not in a Superman religious cult.
At this moment, I would like to share a story with you from a personal experience in my career. For those of you who may not know, I work for child protective services. I won’t give all the details.
It was 2:00 AM, and I received a call about a young brother and sister. They were abandoned on the side of the road by their father. Popping out of bed, I quickly got dressed without thinking. I arrived on the scene about one hour later. Upon pulling up, as I got out of the car, I put on a smile for the children. The little boy, looking through the cop car window, sees me and says, “Superman!” with a smile on his face. I look down and am wearing a hoodie with that big and bright “S” standing center. Side note: The children are doing great!
That moment shines as how the symbol can bring joy to someone in a dark moment in their life. I strive to convey that message. As we exit the holiday season and move into the new year, I strive to be a good man who does the right thing as I carry the symbol.
I believe symbols give us the power to communicate who we are and what we believe without ever speaking a word. Do you?
