Political Analysis: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalists Draw Parallels Between Trump and Superman’s Villainous Lex Luthor

Political Analysis: Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalists Draw Parallels Between Trump and Superman’s Villainous Lex Luthor

An editorial published in The Hollywood Reporter, co-written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, compares President Donald Trump to a fictional supervillain, asserting that Superman, the iconic superhero, represents the plight of immigrants in America. The column argues that Superman qualifies as an illegal alien, highlighting how his existence is tied to birthright citizenship.

Vargas, along with collaborator Andrew Slack, emphasizes that Superman has symbolized immigration and its complexities since his inception. They stress that the character has always carried a political message. Vargas and Slack remind readers that when filmmaker James Gunn labeled his upcoming film as an immigrant story, critics accused him of politicizing the narrative. However, they assert that you cannot politicize a truth that has persisted for over 80 years.

The article references the creators of Superman, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, who, being children of Jewish immigrants, would have faced deportation under today’s immigration policies. This historical context illustrates the column’s core message: Superman’s story is inextricably linked to the values of kindness and acceptance, virtues the authors argue are increasingly rare in today’s political climate.

Superman’s Legacy of Resistance

In their analysis, Vargas and Slack underline the political history of Superman, noting that the character has stood against various injustices throughout his long-standing presence in popular culture. They point to the numerous times Superman took a stand against oppressive regimes, including combating Hitler and addressing issues of racial violence in America.

Gunn’s recent commentary on Superman reflects these enduring themes. He remarked that Superman embodies the essence of humanity and kindness, traits that society seems to forget as division and hostility grow prevalent. In a revealing statement to The Sunday Times, Gunn articulated that the superhero’s narrative revolves around the story of an immigrant who arrives in America and contributes positively to society.

The Roots of Birthright Citizenship

The column expands upon the historical implications of birthright citizenship. The authors explain that this principle, established by the Fourteenth Amendment in 1868, guarantees citizenship for anyone born within the United States. They argue that Superman’s existence could not have become a reality without this fundamental right, illustrating how policies targeting birthright citizenship threaten to erase not just a legacy, but a cultural touchstone.