Superman used to fight for "Truth, justice, and the American way." Supposedly, in the new movie I haven't seen, he now fights for "Truth, justice, and all that is good." I've heard it is sometimes truncated down to "...and all that," which would make Superman sound jaded, or as if he is giving a glib response.

    But I can live with the change. I mean, it is a "dis", but I support anyone fighting for truth and justice. Truth, capital t, is certainly needs a defense, not just of what is true, but of the actual reality that some things are, and some aren't. Distance himself from his adopted country like the prodigal son leaving dad, Supes will never be a true cosmopolitan until he ditches truth and becomes a multi-culturalist. Likewise justice. Real, unmodified justice, as in innocents being protected, good rewarded and evil punished. Any adjective on justice and we're no longer talking about people getting what they deserve, but about changing "systems" and sneaking socialism or communism, the ultimate injustice, into the culture. (Note as an aside that I talk about what I see today, and certainly some things that are just have been called social justice. But this is not always the case, or the word wouldn't need modification. Increasingly I see social justice used for taking what some have earned and giving it to those who have not.) Justice is the singular most lacking quality in the world today. If Superman fights for Truth and Justice rather than Non-judgementalism and Social equality, then he is still the down-home American farm-boy he always was, even if he leaves off the name of America for marketing purposes.

     There is a group of superheroes with a mission statement even more similar to America's then Truth and Justice, though. I must admit that I didn't hear the phrase in their movies and haven't collected X-Men comics since leaving for college in '98 (and from what I've seen browsing trade paper backs, it's gotten kinda weird at times). But the phrase the mutants use to describe their mission is: "Fighting to protect a world that hates and fears them." A great summation of America's actions the last century.

    Now, take as given that democratic governments cannot perfectly maintain continuity of purpose and that all leaders fail in wisdom, virtue, or willpower at times. Also, that our actions must first insure our own survival and then be predicated on the possible. Not withstanding these considerations, Americans have sacrificed more for the freedoms of strangers than any other people. And further, we have taken in people regardless of their income or nationality, arguably to our detriment. 

     It's still not argued, I believe, that we were the good guys in WWII. Because little to none of the fighting was in our lands, we came out of the war much better off than Europe and Asia. So what did we do? Pour time and money into repairing battered lands and peoples.

    What were the Korean or Vietnam wars for? Why is capitalism worth fighting for? The markets of two small countries would not have enriched us noticeably. America's blood, treasure, and reputation were drained away for other people's rights to life, liberty, and pursuit of dreams of their own choosing because our leaders recognized the threat a communist government is to its own people.

   How easy would it be to remove any given arab country? What was done when we had justifiable cause to do so, when thugs sheltered in Afghanistan attacked us? And likewise in Iraq, for less smoking-craterly obvious but certainly justified and numerous reasons? We utilized the most efficient weaponry and soldiers ever seen on earth at *not* killing, at target solely those who meant us harm and oppressed their peers, despite the fact that they broke every convention of war. And then we told the people, decide how you want to govern yourselves, and we will keep you safe as you do.

    So why does the world hate us? Marvel Comics' X-Men are hated because they are powerful and different. Prof Xavier (irreplaceable played by Patrick Stewart, I have to add) could rule any given nation from his bedroom without anyone knowing.  Likewise the red head, whatever she calls herself. Cyclops can level an army with a glance. Iceman can freeze solid anyone he sees, Beast can do quantum physics while hanging from his toes, and Angel... could, er, drop things on people. Oh, and he's rich. (That's not a mutant power, but it is hereditary.) The display of geekery could continue, but suffice to say the analog is certainly there. America's global reach and unparalleled strength set her apart, and some people might fear us for this. But only people who refuse to or are unable to clearly see history.

    The global disdain for our country, or at least the portrayal of it, goes far beyond reasonably understood suspicion of power.  In the Socializing world (i.e., western Europe and parts of Latin America, probably Canada, and Berkeley and San Francisco) part of it, I think, is a fear of capitalism and the fact that we make it look easy. You probably scoff, but image a frenchman, Jaque Chirac, say, because it's so silly, who said "Because of the US's unmatched economic growth over the last few decades, we will work towards dramatically lowering regulation of businesses and taxation." How long would that riot last?

   In the primitive world, i.e., Sharia ruled countries and oil tyrant monarchies, America's respect suffers because of our religious freedom (i.e., we allow people not to be muslim) or because of lies spread about us. If half of what is said on Al-Jazeera is a quarter true, Uncle Sam must cast no reflection.  What is the purpose of fomenting hate at "the great satan"? Three things come to mind. First, for citizens to believe that without islam they have no chance at leading a decent life. Second, to play to deep seated cultural arabic tribal loyalties. Third, as in Orwell's 1984, to keep citizens ire focused away from the governments that fail them.

    I don't know if America is especially hated in Africa or Asia. I should probably check out America Against the World before beginning such long wind suppositions.

   So what do the X-Men do with the ire directed their way? Protect themselves, perhaps whine about it a bit, then go and do good. Since if they don't, no one will. Likewise America. We must examine ourselves, consider carefully all consequences of any action and non-action, persuasively make the case for what we determine best we can is right and just, and then get some thick skin. The "world" may hate and fear us, but it's still worth fighting for Truth and Justice. That's the American way.