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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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