Caped Alien

I recently watched the much-awaited movie Man of Steel and despite some of the negative reviews, loved it. Admittedly, I was pretty much convinced to watch the film after it was officially announced that the sought-after role of Superman will be given to British actor Henry Cavill. By far the sexiest of all superheroes, this guy was so sizzling hot in the new and improved version of the costume that his on-screen presence could practically melt the hearts of all his female audience!

More importantly though, I liked how this film's interpretation added depth into the main character by focusing on his vulnerabilities. I related to Clark Kent's struggles as a child labelled by his peers as "different". It hit a nerve in me as I watched him being taunted and bullied. I understood his frustrations for staying anonymous despite his urge to reveal his strength and react to his tormentors; I felt his pain of isolation from a world he loved but was alien to. 

Why do people treat each other with such hostility? They say, "To Err is to be Human" yet why are we so critical of one another? We encourage individuality, innovativeness and creativity yet often give those foreign to ourselves a difficult time. Immediately we pigeonhole them as strange, weird, odd or bizarre. We pass judgement without due process or a proper trial giving them little chance to prove themselves worthy of our welcome.

I have had my share of suffering as I've spent years in a land not mine. Foolishly I thought that as long as I spoke and perfectly understood the language, I had no need to worry. I was naive and believed that the love that brought me so far away from home was enough to keep me safe and happy. I was greatly mistaken. Prejudice still is very much alive and kicking in this supposedly developed world.

In the name of peace I kept mum about my feelings and played nice;  I tolerated the rudeness of snide comments hurled at me; I bore the weight of rejection and the coldness of hate. I endured it all in hopes that the passing of time would change things. I had prayed for the enlightenment of my enemies' minds and the softening of their hearts. I was willing to forgive them and start a new slate. I tried with all my might to be amiable and agreeable to them. But my efforts were fruitless. All was in vain.

Perhaps like Clark I will also have to wait before I am embraced and accepted by them who have labelled me an alien.  Impenetrable as he may be, Superman wasn't exempt from emotional wounding but somehow came out the victor. Maybe I too will.