Since the late 1930s, Superman has been a pop culture icon in American history. As a comic book superhero, Superman has been a "symbol of hope for a struggling nation" (Look Up in the Sky! The Amazing Superman Story) throughout American history. Based on the criteria identified by Jencks who states: “A rhetorical object does not only express values. . . ideologies, hopes, fears, religion, [and] social structure” (quoted in Burgchardt 608) Superman is clearly an example of a rhetorical object. As a rhetorical object, Superman shares the values ​​and ideologies of American culture. The character's strength, humility and tolerance when playing Clark Kent and Superman show his integrity. Although Superman has god-like powers, he only uses them for the greater good. Superman is a warrior with immense powers like that of Hercules, but unlike the mythological god he is flawless. Clark Kent, Superman's alter ego, is a simple journalist who blends in with the crowd. Superman's ability to live among humans as one shows his compassion for a planet that is not his own. In the movie Superman and the Mole Men, Superman protects a group of harmless aliens from humans. This is telling in the sense that Superman is the defender of all, regardless of species, which makes Superman a symbol of equality for all. On radio shows, Superman fought against the KKK and other hate groups. This brought attention to real events in America and the ongoing social movement. During stressful times in American history, Superman was portrayed as the ever-helpful superhero from afar. Although not the focus of the war, Superman advertised and supported the sale of war products... middle of paper ... in today's society. As Superman's popularity grew during difficult times for the country, he became a separate part of America's history and faced the same evils as the real world. Superman is the paradigm of the American dream. Coming from another planet and settling in America, he is "the ultimate embodiment of the American dream, proof that an immigrant can come to a new country and make it" (Look Up in the Sky! incredible Superman story) Superman, although fictional, was part of the Great Depression, World War II, the women's movement, and other historical events in the United States, as he will continue to be throughout the story. Works Cited Burgchardt, Carl. Readings in Rhetorical Criticism. 3rd ed. State College: Strata Publishing, 2005. Print. Look up into the sky! The Incredible Story of Superman. Real. Kevin Burns. Warner HomeVideo, Inc. 2006. DVD.