![]() ![]() ![]() Schwartz believes comics should be treated as real artifacts that contribute to the tapestry of American (and Jewish) history.Ĭover of Superman #1 in 1939, cover art by Joe Shuster. “Superman is an all American icon, but he’s a Jewish American icon, and he also reminds us that being an immigrant is all American,” said Schwartz. ![]() The duality narrative mirrors the tensions that existed for Jewish immigrants forming new identities in America. That’s the Jewish immigrants experience in a nutshell”Įxploring Superman’s background serves as real insight into the mentality of his Jewish immigrant creators. He can decide whether he shows it or not. “He decides at any given moment which side of himself - not just personal but also ethnic and racial - to share with the world. ![]() “It’s a story about an immigrant born with the Hebraic name ‘Kal El’ who comes from the old country, changes his name to the uber waspy Clark Kent and hides his cape like a tallit in his pants,” he said. Superman’s origin story is reflective of the Jewish immigrant experience, said Schwartz. “In many ways, Superman’s famous ‘S’ shield was a simple, powerful symbol used as a counter argument to the swastika.” “It was their reaction to the rise of Nazis in Europe and to antisemitism domestically,” he noted. Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster in 1942, New York. ![]()
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