- How Fantasy in Movies and Books Helps Us Appreciate the Past & the Present
- Captain America: The First Avenger
- Captain America: Winter Soldier
- Captain America: Civil War
- Hedonic Treadmill & The Undermining of the U.S. & State Constitutions
Captain America’s journey from the 1940s to the modern day represents a profound clash of values. Steve Rogers embodies the principles of an America forged in the fires of World War II—a nation focused on freedom, individual rights, and limited government interference. When he wakes up 70 years later, he is thrust into a post-9/11 world where fear, surveillance, and security concerns have led to the expansion of government power, encroaching on the liberties he fought to protect.
This tension between historical values and modern realities becomes a central theme in Captain America’s arc across the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), culminating in Captain America: Civil War. Below is an exploration of how this narrative unfolds and reflects broader societal concerns.
The Legacy of 1940s America
Principles of Freedom and Individualism
- Captain America, as portrayed in The First Avenger, is a man of integrity, courage, and belief in the inherent goodness of people. His decisions, such as sacrificing himself to crash the Hydra plane in the Arctic, exemplify selflessness and faith in the principles of liberty and justice.
The Founders’ Vision
- Steve Rogers is deeply rooted in the ideals of the Founding Fathers: limited government, checks and balances, and the inalienable rights of individuals. He carries the belief that government exists to serve the people, not to control them.
The Sacrifice for Humanity
- His decision to crash the plane symbolizes not just personal sacrifice but the willingness to uphold freedom and protect others, even at great cost.
America After 9/11: A New Set of Values
Fear and Security
- The modern world Steve wakes up to is shaped by the events of 9/11, where the fear of terrorism has led to increased surveillance, militarization, and government overreach. Programs like Project Insight in Winter Soldier represent this shift, using predictive algorithms to eliminate potential threats before they arise.
The Rise of the Police State
- Steve sees how the values of liberty and privacy have been overshadowed by a growing surveillance state. S.H.I.E.L.D., once a symbol of protection, has been infiltrated by Hydra, turning its mission into one of control and domination.
The Cost of Security
- The idea that humanity must willingly surrender freedom for security—an echo of real-world debates about policies like the Patriot Act—is a stark contrast to the ideals Steve holds dear.
Captain America’s Resistance
Recognition of Encroachment
- Steve immediately identifies the erosion of freedoms as antithetical to the values of the America he once knew. His moral clarity allows him to see the dangers of Hydra’s infiltration and the broader implications of unchecked government power.
Conflict with Modern Institutions
- In Winter Soldier, Steve fights against Hydra and the corrupted S.H.I.E.L.D., refusing to accept a world where freedom is sacrificed for safety. He destroys Project Insight, sending a clear message that preemptive control is not a justifiable trade-off for liberty.
The Founding Fathers’ Legacy
“Rolling Over in Their Graves”
- Steve Rogers’ perspective mirrors the sentiment that the Founding Fathers would disapprove of the modern government’s overreach. The Constitution was designed to limit government power and protect individual freedoms, but the rise of surveillance and militarization represents a departure from that legacy.
A Fight for Posterity
- Steve’s actions are a continuation of the Founders’ fight to leave a legacy of freedom for future generations. His unwillingness to compromise on core principles makes him a modern defender of those ideals.
The Transition to Civil War
The Sokovia Accords
- The events of Civil War further highlight the tension between freedom and control. The Sokovia Accords, which would place the Avengers under government oversight, represent another form of encroachment on individual autonomy.
Steve’s Stand
- True to his values, Steve opposes the Accords, arguing that oversight by any governing body could lead to abuse of power. His resistance reflects his belief that individuals must be accountable for their actions, not bound by the shifting agendas of governments.
A Divided Team
- The ideological clash with Tony Stark (Iron Man), who supports the Accords, underscores the broader debate about freedom versus security. Steve’s stance ultimately costs him his shield and his official status, but he remains steadfast in his principles.
Themes of Steve Rogers’ Journey
Moral Clarity in a Compromised World
- Captain America’s unwavering commitment to freedom contrasts sharply with the moral ambiguities of modern governance.
The Burden of Leadership
- Steve becomes a symbol of resistance, taking on the role of a leader who refuses to compromise, even when it isolates him.
The Eternal Struggle for Liberty
- Steve’s journey reflects the timeless battle to preserve freedom in the face of evolving threats, whether external or internal.
Conclusion
Steve Rogers’ struggle to reconcile the values of 1940s America with the realities of a post-9/11 world serves as a powerful allegory for the tension between liberty and security. As a character, Captain America embodies the ideals of the Founding Fathers, standing as a reminder that freedom requires vigilance, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to principles. His journey, from The First Avenger to Civil War, resonates as a call to honor the legacy of the past while resisting the encroachments of the present.
