Columbia Essay: Superman and I, One and The Same

Question: Please tell us what you found meaningful about one of the above mentioned books, publications or cultural events. (300 words or less)

During the birth of a boy, a civilization is plunged into the clutches of civil war and natural disaster, prompting the parents of the child to say farewell as they send the child into the care of another. This is the story of Clark Kent, also known as superman, in Zack Snyder's Man of Steel. Clark's journey parallels mine in that at a young age, I left the place of my birth-Nigeria- to live in a foreign land. While the change in environment was not as grand as Clark's, we both faced many of the same situations. Clark and I both struggled with accommodation. While Clark struggled with maintaining control of his abilities and staying below the radar, I struggled with being recognized. As a kid I was one of the smallest in my grade and was always vying for attention, resulting in an attitude for being outgoing, which usually resulted in ridicule. Clark and I are also similar in that we wished to learn more about our homes. We both grew up learning about the culture and history of foreign environments. Some of the fears Clark held in his adolescence I hold today. Clark and I both dream of doing great things in life, but we are plagued by indecision as to how we should accomplish this, how we would be received by our peers, and to a greater effect, would we make an impact in the world?

Clark places limitations upon himself, limitations that carry on into his adult life, causing him to not use his abilities to its vast potential. Like Clark I had deceived myself into believing that whatever I do or will do does not matter. Eventually I am able to overcome this mindset through the help of my family who like Clark's paternal father- Jor-El- tells me to believe in myself and forgoe what others think of me and my accomplishments because in the end, what I do is what I love and my path- as a geneticist- will act as a guide for those who come after me. The film ends with Clark overcoming General Zod by removing all psychological limitations leaving him to become the iconic character I have come to know and love, Superman, the Man of Steel.

Your essays seems to be fairly well-written and you chose something that very few people probably did. However, you use "we" much more often than you should. The prompt says to find something meaningful about the film as it applies to you and for the most part you do that. What need to do is point out that you and Cal-El/Superman have a connection of some sort, then go into a deep explanation of your own emotions and beliefs and how they eventually changed, as you no longer placed a limit on yourself.

This is a side note and has almost nothing to do with your essay. I have to question the merit of Man of Steel as a "cultural event." The movie made a lot more money than it should have because it really was a poor finished product. The stories ideas were pretty good and it was much needed new addition to the character of Superman. However, the directing, poor camera work, and an overuse of CGI in a prolonged battle scene really destroyed the story. If they had just smoothed these points out, then it would really would have been a good movie. As for now, I contend that a movie, even one about super heroes, needs to have a lot more than just explosions to be considered a good movie.

Anyway, I hope I was helpful.