The Speculist

In his review of Superman Retrurns, Stephen writes:

One professional reviewer wondered why Superman bothers with the Clark Kent persona. It's true that because this movie was emphasizing Superman, Clark's role is rather light in this film. But I think Superman Returns explains the need for Clark Kent better than ever before. Hero work, particularly if you are very different from others, is lonely. Sometimes you just want to be a normal guy. Sometimes you want the weight of the world - note the Atlas images in this film - lifted.

I grew up reading what is now called the "silver age" Superman comics. Superman was the real guy and Clark Kent was the disguise. Originally, and today -- especially with a show like Smallville out there -- it's understood that Clark is the real guy and Superman is a persona he assumes when he wants to act in a way that's in keeping with his unique alien heritage. Yes, he has owned the fact that he's the son of Jor-El and the Last Son of Krypton; but deep down, he sees himself as a guy who grew up on a farm in Kansas.

As an adult, Clark has had to affect mannerisms -- clumsiness, cowardice, etc. -- that aren't really him. He does this to protect his true identity from being discovered. There's no need to protect Superman. He's protecting his true self -- Clark Kent.

Anyhow, that's how I see it. But the debate goes on. Here's an opposing view, found in a speech from the movie Kill Bill:

An essential characteristic of the superhero mythology is, there's the superhero, and there's the alter ego. Batman is actually Bruce Wayne, Spider-Man is actually Peter Parker. When he wakes up in the morning, he's Peter Parker. He has to put on a costume to become Spider-Man. And it is in that characteristic that Superman stands alone. Superman did not become Superman, Superman was born Superman. When Superman wakes up in the morning, he's Superman. His alter ego is Clark Kent. His outfit with the big red "S", that's the blanket he was wrapped in as a baby when the Kents found him. Those are his clothes. What Kent wears, the glasses, the business suit, that's the costume. That's the costume Superman wears to blend in with us. Clark Kent is how Superman views us. And what are the characteristics of Clark Kent? He's weak, he's unsure of himself... he's a coward. Clark Kent is Superman's critique on the whole human race

Leave it to a sociopath like Bill to get it exactly wrong. Clark conceals great strength and courage with a mild-mannered exterior. He's kind. He's honest. He's decent. If he thought about it in those terms at all, Superman would tell you that Clark Kent is his homage to humanity.