The new punk rock
When a work of art stays with you long after you first encountered it — almost like it's become a part of you — that's great art. Maybe not for someone else, but definitely for you. I'm sure we can all name at least 1 line from something we've read, heard, or watched that continues to resonate with us for days, months, and years after.
It's been 12 days since I first watched Superman (2025) and the ideas it brings up continue to swirl about in my head. To me the defining idea of the film is this — in a world whose default seems to be cynicism, kindness is an act of rebellion.
And in my internet trawling, I came across a great take on this. stop culture's "How one line saved Superman" unpacks an important line in the film really well:
I want to highlight this segment of the video:
In a culture devoid of authenticity, sincerity is revolutionary. In a political climate devoid of compassion, empathy is radical. And in a world that seems hellbent on indifference, against all odds, kindness is cool. And maybe, just maybe, that's the real punk rock.
Nick emphasises how choosing to be sincere, empathetic and kind is one of the most radical things you and I could do. This isn't easy to do especially when on many days we just feel too tired, too anxious or too overwhelmed to push back against the default view — that life is harsh and there's nothing we can do about it. It is especially because it feels so unnatural, that making the choice to see and bring the goodness into the world around us, is such a superheroic act.
That choice is a superpower that we have.