1938- superman in Action Comics

Key findings:

• large sense of forcefulness and aggression- imperative verbs, deontic modality and use of exclamatives with face threatening acts
• could reflect historical contexts- men were going to war there was anger and aggression towards the opposition (general ideas of what men were supposed to be like may have included forcefulness)
• sense of self-importance- he is able to disregard rules and instructions as a result of his status
• illustrations reflect this- leaning towards female character in an aggressive way (matches aggressive language)

1971- superman in superman comic

Key findings

• aggressiveness subsides- suggests it’s now viewed as a negative trait for men to have
• arrogance and self-importance is more emphasised- very boastful about achievements and has a superiority complex (not just better than women but all humans)
• introduces concept of toxic masculinity- what it means to be a ‘man’
• gender roles are reinforced- ideas of marrying and having children which reflect societal norms and assume heterosexual relationships (reaction to Women’s Lib + beginnings of the sexual revolution)