In Action Comics issue #900, Superman renounces his American citizenship. Apparently, after appearing with non-violent protestors in Iran intent on overthrowing the Iranian Government; Superman is admonished by a member of the President’s National Security team and told that his actions implied that the American Government supported the protestor’s actions. In response, Superman says he intends to renounce his American citizen and work as a more global icon.
This declaration bothers me on so many levels that it is just sad. While Superman has had international “honorary” citizenship via the United Nations for decades, he has most been identified with the United States. The tagline of “Truth, Justice and the American Way” wasn’t something that we kids, in the 1950s, who watched the George Reeve TV Superman or read Superman comics took lightly. It was our call to action. It was our creed because Superman was as American as apple pie. After all, he fought the Axis powers during World War II. He was so American in fact that he entrusted the President of the United States with his secret identity. This is what makes this so sad. Superman was OUR hero. Yes, he was a world icon, but he was an American hero first. Just like Great Britain has James Bond, we had Superman.
That said, no one should ever feel that American citizenship is a burden and that goes double for Superman. I just wonder whether Clark Kent will renounce his citizenship too. In fact, Mr. Kent, Donald Trump and I want to see your long form birth certificate…you know…just to prove that you have a right to be in our country. But if you can’t find it, Mr. Kent, maybe you can get that foreigner Superman to vouch for you.
####
UPDATE: DC Comics is backtracking on Superman giving up his U.S. citizenship. After recieving a ton of backlash, DC Comics in an official statement now says: “This short story is just that, it will not be followed up upon. Superman will remain as American as Apple pie.” The updated story is here.