Superman and the American flag once stood for same things. MAGA changed that.
The latest news about the "Superman" movie is focused on box-office heroics, with more than $300 million in U.S. ticket sales since its July 11 release.
But those big receipts have not completely eclipsed the controversy swirling around the DC Comics-inspired film that started after director James Gunn announced "Superman" was about immigration and empathy.
In a July 4 Times of London story, Gunn said that "Superman is the story of America, an immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost.'
The director's description was pure kryptonite to some, bringing howls over the politicization of an American icon in which the Man of Steel was turned in a woke undocumented immigrant. Others, though, nodded along with Gunn.
To get a better sense of Superman's approval ratings, we went to USA TODAY readers, asking them for their take on the movie. Was "Superman" woke? And is that a good or a bad thing? And what about entertainment in general – has it become too political?
Unsurprisingly, the responses were varied, nuanced and pointed. You can read them below as part of our latest Opinion Forum.
'Superman' woke? A little. But 'Snow White' ...
I did see the new "Superman" movie, and I enjoyed it. In terms of whether it was "woke," I'd say yes, but it is really light compared with other movies.
The movie is built on the traditional themes of Superman, which is truth, justice and the American way. I think the problem we have in the U.S. today is that the symbolism behind Old Glory used to apply to everyone equally. Immigration reflected this.
Old Glory and Superman stood for the same things. But the red, white and blue is so strongly branded now with MAGA and conservatives, and they have such a strong RINO mindset about "you are with us or against us," that any criticism of their tenets gets labeled as woke. (Plus pulling the woke card gets more internet clicks.)
Good storytelling can be political, but it has to be good storytelling. I think the root issue is "Superman" is a good movie and the receipts show this. Plus the political elements are relatable.
"Snow White" in contrast was not a great movie. The leads were miscast. It's difficult to make Gal Gadot the evil one and less "beautiful one." And while I'd happily watch Rachel Zegler in most movies, it felt like Disney was trying to make a point all the way through the movie with her casting.
Your Turn: Republicans, Democrats are held captive by extremes. Americans need a new party. | Opinion Forum
As for whether entertainment is too political, I'm going to reverse that question: I think politics has become too performative. As a general rule, good quality politics − administrative and legislative − should be mostly boring. We are going through a period of dramatic change − generational change, transfers of wealth, technology and even our place in the world. I think we are in for excitement whether we like it or not.
In general, the definition of woke is evolving. Today I would say it is partly a cancel culture tool for pundits on the right, and partly when left-leaning institutions with power (universities, media, etc.) do something to force adoption of their beliefs on everyone, e.g., many recent Disney movies.
— Erin-Todd Hansen, Boise, Idaho
Art is always political
I haven't seen "Superman," but I'm planning to. I'm sure the movie is political. Art is always political. "Casablanca" is anti-fascist. "Gone with the Wind" is pre-lost cause ideology. "Star Wars" is anti-authoritarian. "Othello" is anti-racist. Hallmark movies are tacitly anti-feminist. Every work of art reflects the artist's worldview.
It's stupid to think art is neutral. And I don't think other forms of entertainment are too political.
We want your perspective: Are you concerned about starvation in Gaza? Should US do more to help? Tell us. | Opinion Forum
As for the meaning of woke, it originally meant to be conscious of systemic racism. Now it's been coopted by conservatives to mean whatever they don't like.
— Kim Akins, Columbus, Ohio
Tired of forced woke movie characters
I haven't seen the new "Superman" movie, and I don't plan to.
I'm tired of the forced woke characters in movies. The constant emphasis on characters' sexual orientation that has nothing to do with the movie plot is boring and off-putting. Lyrics in rap songs are disgusting. If they were said in any other forum, the singer would be booed off the stage.
Share your opinion: Trump wants Washington Commanders to revert to old name. Should they? | Opinion Forum
Woke means an emphasis on sexual orientation rather than who the individual is. It's negative because it stereotypes the individual. People should be judged by who they are, not what they are.
— Tim Walton, Brooksville, Florida
Woke means caring for people, as Superman does
I saw "Superman" and enjoyed it. Of course I think it was woke − like that's a bad thing? What's wrong with actually caring about people? Woke is caring and respect for ALL. It's positive.
If people are triggered by compassion and respect for others, it's time for them to look in the mirror and ask why they enjoy hatred. What are they afraid of?
Do you want to take part in our next Forum? Join the conversation by emailing forum@usatoday.com.
You can also follow us on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and sign up for our Opinion newsletter to stay updated on future Forum posts.
I find it a loaded question to ask someone if entertainment is too political. It seems to have the intent of gathering answers from those who are triggered by entertainment that doesn't fit their personal political bent. There's plenty of choices, so don't watch what upsets you.
I believe that if people believe a show is too political, it's usually because it doesn't fit their own biases.
— Deborah Tretter, Rochester, New York
Is Superman illegal? They broke the story line.
I watched the move and enjoyed it. Superman has never been politically motivated! Let's stop the woke stuff and just say it was a great movie, except that disappointing political stunt. Illegal is illegal. I wasn't aware that Superman was ever told he was here illegally before in any comic book. They broke the story line.
I do sometimes think entertainment has become too political. I think people should have a right to their opinions, and if asked, they should share them. The problem is that people don't respect others' opinions.
Woke, in my opinion, is a word made up by the media to get attention. It's a horrible word that causes hate and discontent. It divides our country.
— Patrick Andrews, Jasper, Indiana
You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 minutes ago
- Yahoo
"They Should Send The Epstein List To Everyone's Phones Like That U2 Album": 49 Political Tweets From The Last Month That Are Too Good Not To Share
Editor's Note: While we can't endorse what X has become, we can bring you the worthwhile moments that still exist there, curated and free of the surrounding chaos. American politics — well, frankly, global politics — is chaos right now, but I find it comforting to know I'm not alone in thinking the world has gone bananas. So, here are 49 of the best, most relatable, and sometimes funny political tweets from the last month: 1. 2. 3. Twitter: @caitcamelia 4. 5. Related: 6. 7. @AJA_Cortes / Twitter: @AJA_Cortes 8. Note: A different image of Omar was used here due to photo rights. 9. 10. 11. Note: The image of Trump in the original tweet was replaced here due to photo rights. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. Related: 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. RSBN / Twitter: @FPWellman 23. 24. 25. Related: 26. 27. 28. 29. Elevation Pictures / Twitter: @evermoresivy 30. Fox News / @hasanthehun / Twitter: @hasanthehun 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. Note: The images in the original tweet were replaced with the meme due to photo rights. 36. C-SPAN / Twitter: @hemantmehta 37. 38. Related: 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. And finally: Twitter: @carlyincontro See you next time! For more political tweets, check out our most recent roundup: "Straight-up Orwellian": 25 Of The Very, Very, Very Best Political Tweets Of The Week Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Time Magazine
20 minutes ago
- Time Magazine
Marjorie Taylor Greene Signals Potential Split From GOP
Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has historically been closely aligned with President Donald Trump's MAGA movement, is proclaiming her discontent with the current trajectory of the Republican Party. 'I don't know what the hell happened with the Republican Party,' Greene told the Daily Mail in an interview published over the weekend. 'But I'll tell you one thing, the course that it's on, I don't want to have anything to do with it, and I, I just don't care anymore.' While Greene said that she is still loyal to Trump, she told the outlet that she thinks the party 'has turned its back on America First and the workers and just regular Americans.' On Monday, the Georgia lawmaker appeared to criticize the Trump Administration's handling of various issues on social media. In one post, she included an image that said 'number of arrests' and listed several incidents or events—including an apparent reference to the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, 'pedophile arrests' related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the '2020 election'—with the number zero next to each one. Greene captioned the post, 'Don't talk about it if you aren't going to do it.' In another post the same day, she noted that 'our Republican controlled Congress is no where near completing our appropriations bills' ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline, and that lawmakers are on recess until Sept. 2. 'The American people pay ALL the taxes and deserve their representatives to do our jobs and put Americans needs and interests FIRST,' she wrote. Greene has made a handful of other critical comments toward her fellow Republican lawmakers or the Trump Administration in recent weeks. On July 28, Greene became the first Republican in Congress to call the situation in Gaza a 'genocide,' taking the step in a post denouncing what she called an 'awful statement' from her Republican colleague Rep. Randy Fine of Florida regarding the conflict. Earlier that month, she criticized the Trump Administration's handling of files related to Epstein's case, calling it 'a red line that it crosses for many people.' Both issues have been the subject of broader tensions within the Republican Party, as deepening divides have emerged between lawmakers over the conflict in Gaza and as the Trump Administration has faced fierce backlash from the President's MAGA base over Epstein. Polling has also suggested other trouble for Trump and congressional Republicans. The President hit the lowest approval rating of his second term late last month as he lost support from Independents. And the massive tax and spending bill the GOP passed earlier in July—a signature piece of Trump's agenda—appears to be the most unpopular piece of major legislation in decades. In her interview with the Daily Mail, Greene said she wants to stop foreign aid, cut down on government spending via the Department of Government Efficiency, and reign in the national debt. The Georgia lawmaker also told the outlet that she thinks Republican women 'are really sick and tired of the way men treat' them. She said that Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York, whose nomination to serve as the U.S. representative at the United Nations was pulled by the Trump Administration earlier this year, 'got shafted.' Greene didn't blame the President specifically for the move, but rather 'the people in the White House.' She called it 'weird' that Mike Waltz was then tapped for the role, being reassigned from his position as National Security Adviser, even after The Atlantic revealed that he had apparently added its editor in chief to a private Signal group chat that was being used to discuss sensitive military operations. 'How does he get awarded after 'Signalgate'?' Greene told the Daily Mail. 'I don't know if the Republican Party is leaving me, or if I'm kind of not relating to Republican Party as much anymore,' she said. 'I don't know which one it is.'
San Francisco Chronicle
21 minutes ago
- San Francisco Chronicle
Modi and Trump once called each other good friends. Now the US-India relationship is getting bumpy
NEW DELHI (AP) — The men shared bear hugs, showered praise on each other and made appearances side by side at stadium rallies — a big optics boost for two populist leaders with ideological similarities. Each called the other a good friend. In India, the bonhomie between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump was seen as a relationship like no other. That is, until a series of events gummed up the works. From Trump's tariffs and India's purchase of oil from Russia to a U.S. tilt towards Pakistan, friction between New Delhi and Washington has been hard to miss. And much of it has happened far from the corridors of power and, unsurprisingly, through Trump's posts on social media. It has left policy experts wondering whether the camaraderie the two leaders shared may be a thing of the past, even though Trump has stopped short of referring to Modi directly on social media. The dip in rapport, some say, puts a strategic bilateral relationship built over decades at risk. 'This is a testing time for the relationship,' said Ashok Malik, a former policy adviser in India's Foreign Ministry. Simmering tensions over trade and tariffs The latest hiccup between India and the U.S. emerged last week when Trump announced that he was slapping 25% tariffs on India as well as an unspecified penalty because of India's purchasing of Russian oil. For New Delhi, such a move from its largest trading partner is expected to be felt across sectors, but it also led to a sense of unease in India — even more so when Trump, on social media, called India's economy 'dead.' Trump's recent statements reflect his frustration with the pace of trade talks with India, according to a White House official who was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal administration thinking. The Republican president has not been pursuing any strategic realignment with Pakistan, according to the official, but is instead trying to play hardball in negotiations. Trump doubled down on the pressure Monday with a fresh post on Truth Social, in which he accused India of buying 'massive amounts' of oil from Russia and then 'selling it on the Open Market for big profits.' 'They don't care how many people in Ukraine are being killed by the Russian War Machine. Because of this, I will be substantially raising the Tariff paid by India to the USA,' he said. The messaging appears to have stung Modi's administration, which has been hard-selling negotiations with Trump's team over a trade deal by balancing between India's protectionist system while also opening up the country's market to more American goods. Many expected India to react strongly considering Modi's carefully crafted reputation of strength. Instead, the announcement prompted a rather careful response from India's commerce minister, Piyush Goyal, who said the two countries are working towards a 'fair, balanced and mutually beneficial bilateral trade agreement.' India's Foreign Ministry also played down suggestions of any strain. However, experts in New Delhi wonder. 'Strenuous, uninterrupted and bipartisan efforts in both capitals over the past 25 years are being put at risk by not just the tariffs but by fast and loose statements and social media posts,' said Malik, who now heads the India chapter of The Asia Group, a U.S. advisory firm . Malik also said the trade deal the Indian side has offered to the U.S. is the 'most expansive in this country's history,' referring to reports that India was willing to open up to some American agricultural products. That is a politically sensitive issue for Modi, who faced a yearlong farmers' protest a few years ago. Trump appears to be tilting towards Pakistan The unraveling may have gained momentum over tariffs, but the tensions have been palpable for a while. Much of it has to do with Trump growing closer to Pakistan, India's nuclear rival in the neighborhood. In May, India and Pakistan traded a series of military strikes over a gun massacre in disputed Kashmir that New Delhi blamed Islamabad for. Pakistan denied the accusations. The four-day conflict made the possibility of a nuclear conflagration between the two sides seem real and the fighting only stopped when global powers intervened. But it was Trump's claims of mediation and an offer to work to provide a 'solution' regarding the dispute over Kashmir that made Modi's administration uneasy. Since then, Trump has repeated nearly two dozen times that he brokered peace between India and Pakistan. For Modi, that is a risky — even nervy — territory. Domestically, he has positioned himself as a leader who is tough on Pakistan. Internationally, he has made huge diplomatic efforts to isolate the country. So Trump's claims cut a deep wound, prompting a sense in India that the U.S. may no longer be its strategic partner. India insists that Kashmir is India's internal issue and had opposed any third-party intervention. Last week Modi appeared to dismiss Trump's claims after India's Opposition began demanding answers from him. Modi said that 'no country in the world stopped' the fighting between India and Pakistan, but he did not name Trump. Trump has also appeared to be warming up to Pakistan, even praising its counterterrorism efforts. Hours after levying tariffs on India, Trump announced a 'massive' oil exploration deal with Pakistan, saying that some day, India might have to buy oil from Islamabad. Earlier, he also hosted one of Pakistan's top military officials at a private lunch. Sreeram Sundar Chaulia, an expert at New Delhi's Jindal School of International Affairs, said Trump's sudden admiration for Pakistan as a great partner in counterterrorism has 'definitely soured' the mood in India. Chaulia said 'the best-case scenario is that this is just a passing Trump whim,' but he also warned that 'if financial and energy deals are indeed being struck between the U.S. and Pakistan, it will dent the U.S.-India strategic partnership and lead to loss of confidence in the U.S. in Indian eyes.' India's oil purchases from Russia are an irritant The strain in relations has also to do with oil. India had faced strong pressure from the Biden administration to cut back its oil purchases from Moscow during the early months of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Instead, India bought more, making it the second-biggest buyer of Russian oil after China. That pressure sputtered over time and the U.S. focused more on building strategic ties with India, which is seen as a bulwark against a rising China. Trump's threat to penalize India over oil, however, brought back those issues. On Sunday, the Trump administration made its frustrations over ties between India and Russia ever more public. Stephen Miller, deputy chief of staff at the White House, accused India of financing Russia's war in Ukraine by purchasing oil from Moscow, saying it was 'not acceptable.'
