The American Way and A Real American Hero

Recently I saw the latest comic book epic to hit the big screen: GI Joe. What became readily apparent in the film is that the GI Joe unit is not a US operation, but is composed of the best soldiers from the military forces of every nation of the world. Duke, one of the first characters the movie introduces, is American but is a member of NATO.

After watching the film I tried to figure out what was missing, and it finally hit me—GI Joe, when I was a kid, was "a real American Hero." This tag line was conspicuously absent from the film. This happened a couple years ago with the release of Superman Returns, when he was only fighting for only "truth and justice" and not "the American Way" also.

So the question is why are we stripping our heroic icons of their red, white, and blue mantles? Some say it is simply the fact that these phrases were not original to the respective stories: see NY Slimes Article.

Others point to the fact that these movies are made for international distribution and should cater to an international audience. As an ardent supporter of international trade and capitalism I can buy into this argument, but just a bit. I believe that the world needs a standard to look to and I believe that America is a beacon to the rest of the world.

I am reminded of the words of then Governor Ronald Reagan:

"We cannot escape our destiny, nor should we try to do so. The leadership of the free world was thrust upon us two centuries ago in that little hall of Philadelphia. In the days following World War II, when the economic strength and power of America was all that stood between the world and the return to the dark ages, Pope Pius XII said, “The American people have a great genius for splendid and unselfish actions. Into the hands of America God has placed the destinies of an afflicted mankind.”

We are indeed, and we are today, the last best hope of man on earth."

--The Shining City Upon A Hill, on January 25, 1974 to First Conservative PAC

Nine years later he spoke similar words about the greatness of America:

“The United States remains the last best hope for a mankind plagued by tyranny and deprivation. America is no stronger than its people - and that means you and me. Well, I believe in you, and I believe that if we work together then one day we will say, ‘We fought the good fight. We finished the race We kept the faith.’ And to our children and our children's children we can say, ‘We did all that could be done in the brief time that was given to us here on earth.’ ”

--Remarks at the Annual Members Banquet of the National Rifle Association in Phoenix, Arizona on May 6, 1983

Unfortunately, many people in our country fail to see this vision. Those who fail to understand the greatness of America have conglomerated in certain fields that have great persuasive abilities, namely the Media, Academia, and Entertainment. Hollywood has long been a purveyor of this negative sentiment that like a debilitating virus strikes at the vital systems of our citizenry. Gone are the days of John Wayne and the likes. Now we are almost completely bereft of entertainment that carries with it patriotic overtones or undertones.

I mentioned the vital systems, in doing so I have in mind the youth of America, particularly those aged 4-10. It was during these years that I watched shows like GI Joe. I learned that America and its institutions can work to overcome evil in the world. You can call it propaganda, but what it does is propagate ideas that can shape a generation; the question is which ideas are being propagated?

I ask, What is wrong with teaching the rising generation that America is a great land? And that we must be a virtuous people and set an example to the world of right living, a just and civil society, and a proper moral order? We are a shining city on a hill, and appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions we can say that we are an example to every nation of how a society should live and govern.

So let Superman defend the American Way and let GI Joe be a Real American Hero.