Rhetoric of Batman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Rhetoric of Batman - Essay Example acy and its success in apprehending and stopping the mad terror that has been rampant in Gotham — makes it clear that the politics of Batman continue to echo the dark side of politics in America. Batman has been one of the most interesting of the superhero comic since his inception since, as we’ve pointed out, he’s a hero without super powers. He’s a regular guy thrust into extraordinary situations — much like politicians, who are rarely faced with issues of clear right and wrong. Unlike other superheroes, Batman’s world is full of moral ambiguities. He must often make unpopular decisions to support policies and politicians with whom he doesn’t agree because it’s the right thing for the city. And unlike other superheroes, whose difference from mere mortals moves them to an uncontested ethical sphere where political leaders essentially play a secondary role, Batman is very much a player on Gotham’s political scene — and not just because his alter ego happens to be a billionaire capitalist. Ultimately, though, Batman’s socioeconomic status probably impacts his political stance, which has historically skewed heavily toward the conservative side of things. One of the most interesting things about The Dark Knight is that in it, Batman’s strong and stated desire is to get out of politics and be an ordinary billionaire. But he’s forced by his internal desire for justice to interfere in the affairs of Gotham City, even though he know that doing so is problematic — Batman’s existence and the fact that he’s successful at shutting down crime seems to bring out the crazy in the criminals of Gotham City. â€Å"As we looked through the comics, there was this fascinating idea that Batman’s presence in Gotham actually attracts criminals to Gotham, attracts lunacy,† said Christopher Nolan, the director of The Dark Knight. (Halbfinger) It is much the way Americans felt after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, which left many people