Fox12 said:
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People die in [Batman's] stories. He makes mistakes. He has to make the hard decisions, and live with the consequences when he's wrong. This, for me, makes him much more relateable.
I agree with your theory on Batman and how Supes is a mirror for America (more so than Capt America, who keeps the values he's always upheld- even if that's the opposite to what the country is doing). But I think Superman is relatable to some people.
Those who have been looked up to (from a younger sibling, child, student, a community member, even a lover),
Those who have a lot of responsibility and fear failing to be able to keep it up at all times (setting a good example to those who look up to you, or looking after someone or something),
And even those who those who have felt alienated and that the second they try to relax and be themselves then everything goes wrong (be it awkwardness, hiding part of your personality that clashes with how people perceive you, even a secret that would change how people treat you).
Batman is relatable to everyone as they go through some of what he does.
Friends will praise him, but without preparation and hard work, a new surprise could knock him flat on his ass and laugh at him.
He does the right thing while debating if it makes a difference- and little moments tell him it is, and soul-crushing events make him question again.
To those who are cynical, they also share his "I'm the only one thinking straight" attitude when a problem arises when others would think more with their heart (and yet those people I find are often the ones with the softest hearts).
Is it a worrying sign of our times that more people can relate to someone who is cynical from their belief in a good world being shaken time and again, than someone who is meant to to be the embodiment of hope and that when you have responsibilities you will be able to meet them and excel past them?
Do we have less people to look up to us?
Do we have more reasons to be cynical- and is it understandable?
And to add to the duality of the two:
Superman has almost always been able to keep his responsibilities.
Batman had to learn how to and made mistakes before he got to the level of Superman.
Naturally Gifted vs. Self improvement.