In the most recent "International Exchange" interview, Dan Jurgens implied that he hoped to bring some verisimilitude to the pages of the Justice League International. It appears that he is doing something right.
The website of Foreign Policy magazine recently ran the article "The League of Extraordinarily Bureaucratic Gentlemen" by Colum Lynch. The article uses Jurgens' JLI to reflect the historical peacekeeping role of the United Nations and question the United States of America's leadership role in the global environment. Quote:
Jurgens says that while he, personally, has been favorably disposed to the United Nations he sought to portray the world organization as morally ambiguous, neither intrinsically good nor bad, and a target of intense affection and revulsion, much as it is in the real world.
The decision to place the United States in the background was also intentional. "Within this country we're probably arrogant enough to think that the U.N. should be an American-controlled institution. I don't have that thought," says Jurgens.
The article identifies Booster Gold as an American (ignoring DiDio's recent jest that Booster is a Canadian), partially because it fits with the author's supposition about the decline of America's leadership position. Frankly, we could all do a lot worse than replacing "American exceptionalism" with "American Booster-ism."
Agree or disagree, the article is worth a read if only to see how the politically-minded, non-comics reading population interprets the latest politically correct Justice League International. You can find the entire article at foreignpolicy.com.
| | Tags: colum lynch dan jurgens foreignpolicy.com justice league justice league international
CDN posted on Feb. 7, 2012 at 12:21 PM
As a Canadian, I'd like to make a point about Booster's apparent Canadian citizenship and his leadership role. Canada's never been a military power (albeit, after the 1st World War when we became a naval superpower for a few years) but we've always have had a VERY active role in the UN's Security branch. It was a Canadian who proposed the UN Peacekeepers, a the man eventually was picked as the Commander for awhile (during the Suez Canal crisis). When thought in this light, Canada has always been a bit of a 'leader' in the UN's military operations (and this is not to make the UN out to be some radical military operation). It would, therefore, make sense for Booster to be a Canadian and a leader for the UN. His doubts about leading could also be seen as typical Canadianism about our own doubts on the Global Scale of life. While I still believe Booster is a full blooded Yank, his fears about leadership, especially in times like these, give support to him being a Canadian.
As a side point, this is why I love Jurgens, not just for making Booster, but for the subtext he has written in to the story.
Morgenstern posted on Feb. 7, 2012 at 1:00 PM
You are selling Canada quite a bit short. Canada has always been a military power whenever it chose to be one. During WWI Canada was one of the biggest contributors on the western front (behind the UK & France), with their troops excelling at frontal assault despite suffering huge casualties. Their forces played huge roles in all major battles on the northern half of the front (The South was defended by the French). From the disastrous Battle of the Somme, over Passchendaele , to the hundred day Offensive (which is still often refered to in France & Belgium as “les cent jours du Canada“), the Allied always used Canadian troops to spearhead their offensive. This caused the Germans to always reinforce any region where they just sighted Canadians as quickly as possible.
And that was just the first world war. Here, the Canadians again served in every major campaign at the Western Front. When the D-Day came in 44 the Allied took 5 beaches: 2 American, 2 British, 1 Canadian. From their landing point the Canadians made the quickest and most succesful advances inland from all Allied Forces. After playing a vital role in the liberation of Paris, Canada was once more essential in freeing the low countries, esp the Netherlands, saving millions from starvation. Until this day the Netherland send thousands of tulip bulbs as a sign of thanks to Canada.
Also, at the end of the Second World War, Canada boasted the third strongest Navy of the world, including several aircraft careers.
Long story short: Canada can be a huge military power whenever it feels the need to be one..but they won't brag about it.
CDN posted on Feb. 7, 2012 at 1:32 PM
You make me blush, M, with your knowledge of my country. See, we're also very modest and don't like to be all that boisterous too often :P But yes, I know of all our military battles and our fights. I can atest to the tulips too (my hometown has a giant Tulip shaped fountain donated by a family with heritage in the Netherlands). But I think this just goes to support the idea that we shy away from believe in our Global Stance, even with our history in military, we don't push it out there, too shy of what the world would think of us (much like Booster's fear/hatred for negative limelight)
Jake Speed posted on Feb. 7, 2012 at 11:38 PM
Never talk politics among polite company. Anyone in entertainment - like Mr. Jurgens - should remember that bit of wisdom.
Although I agree Canada is a fine country, I don't believe the UN has a very good reputation. Just think Oil-for-food and you'll get the idea. It is without a moral compass.
