DC Comics has digitally restored a widely-circulated 1950s-era color poster of Superman advising school kids on the importance of respecting diversity. The author of the poster remains mysterious but the publisher reports that the revamped art is believed to be created by Superman artist Wayne Boring.
Superman’s non-discriminatory address to the kids reads:
“… AND REMEMBER, BOYS AND GIRLS, YOUR SCHOOL – LIKE OUR COUNTRY — IS MADE UP OF AMERICANS OF MANY DIFFERENT RACES, RELIGIONS AND NATIONAL ORIGINS.
So… if YOU hear anybody talk against a schoolmate or anyone else because of his race, religion or national origin — don’t wait: tell him THAT KIND OF TALK IS UN-AMERICAN.
HELP KEEP YOUR SCHOOL ALL AMERICAN!”
The restored poster can be seen below with color added, brightening up the tone of the message for the children, and giving it a warmer feel.
This was the same year that DC worked with the National Social Welfare Assembly to publish a long-running series of public service messages using its characters in the pages of its comic books. It was part of DC’s corporate social responsibility, which would undoubtedly resonate in these modern times once again.
