It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s Lois Lane!
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James Gunn’s “Superman” deserves to be nominated for – and win – every award this season. It takes a real superpower to evoke the emotions I’ve seen everyone express about this movie and to keep the spirit of what Superman stands for alive and well.
While the movie itself is about Superman and his journey proving he is here to help humanity, my real hero throughout was ‘Miss Lane.’
Rachel Brosnahan embodied Lois Lane effortlessly and undoubtedly understood what it took to take this role on. Lois Lane, to most, is seen as an assertive, hard headed woman with a stone cold face. In reality, Lois Lane is a woman who represents women like me. Independent, intelligent and seeker of the truth. She’s a woman who has unmatched loyalty to those around her – Clark – and a deep understanding of what is right vs wrong.
Growing up with a dad who collects comics and action figures as a pastime, I’ve been introduced to a multitude of different heroic women over my life. One of my favorite shows growing up was the “Wonder Woman” TV series starring Lynda Carter, my second favorite being the 2004 animated “Batman” series – my favorite character being Poison Ivy.
With these women aside, I reach to be half of the woman Lois Lane is portrayed to be in the D.C. universe, as she is the most powerful character to me.
Journalism was never a profession I thought to pursue as a little girl. Part of me believes I was always supposed to be here, telling stories, informing the public and helping humanity the same way we see Lois do it in the “Superman” franchise.
As a senior in college, the thought of walking into the real world and securing a job is terrifying. By seeing women in the same field I work in, especially in huge blockbuster films, eases my mind. I did choose the right path for myself. With journalism being a major theme throughout “Superman,” it shows its audience this is a force for good, a way to uncover the truth and hold powerful individuals accountable.
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I hope there were young girls who walked out of that theater with a new profession in the back of their mind, with a promise to make this world a better place, to be what punk rock really is. Rachel Brosnahan was amazing at capturing the essence of what it takes and how it feels to be a woman in journalism. I saw myself when the movie was playing.
Clark Kent is able to use journalism as an outlet to his superpowers, keeping him level and grounded while still being able to help humanity and make meaningful, human connections with those surrounding him. Interacting with Lois Lane in and outside of the Daily Planet, Clark is reminded he's not just a superhero, but part of a community in which values truth and justice the same way he does.
It’s no surprise Lois has no superpowers like her partner in crime, Superman, but she continues to persevere and show women like me, you can still make a difference and stand up for what is right by committing to her ethics and pursuit of the truth for all people.
Which may be the most punk rock superpower someone can have.
Strike Out,
McKenna Edwards
Editor: Mia Tanner
Athens