Still dealing with the aftermath of Christopher Reeve’s death. It’s been on my mind all day…
Today, I put Superman II in the VCR, while my grade 12 class was working. The conversation centred around how my students had all thought of me when they heard the news that Christopher Reeve had died.
Aside from Star Trek, Superman movies are part of my plan to brainwash & indoctrinate my young apprentices. :)
Suddenly, one of my female students yelps in surprise. Our class chat had been the first time she had heard of Reeve’s passing. She started to cry, and had to leave the room.
I was surprised by how much her reaction affected me. It’s only dawning on me just how much of an impact Chris Reeve made on our society, both as Superman, and a tireless crusader for spinal cord injury research.
She was embarassed by her reaction, but I thought it was very sweet. That’s the kind of impression that the gentle Mr. Reeve left behind — something very much in tune with his calm, trustworthy, forthright image as the Man of Steel. That gentle care seems to be fading from the world more and more these days, and it’s certainly not part of any vision George W. Bush has for his nation, or the world.
He can’t be replaced…but is there anyone to succeed Chris Reeve as the gentle voice of those who are rarely heard in our society? I hope so — otherwise, his passing would be even more tragic.
