Captain America and the Winter Soldier: Commentary

How Marvel's Falcon And The Winter Soldier Handles The Mantle Of Captain America, According To Anthony Mackie - CINEMABLEND

"You think things are different? You think times are different? … They will never let a Black man be Captain America. And even if they did, no self-respecting Black man would ever wanna be.—Isaiah Bradley (Carl Lumbly)

Perhaps these are the defining lines of dialogue in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier mini-series that concluded on Disney+ this week. I think all of us knew that Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) would eventually take on the role of Captain America, but the series challenged us to consider the hurdles to this conclusion: Sam’s own reluctance to accept the shield from Steve Rogers after being his backup through several films; the expectations both of the public and the government about the Cap heritage; the treatment of Bradley, a Black Captain America, in the Korean War era; and the possible reluctance of a Black American to become the symbol of a nation that still struggles with systemic racism.

Marvel was not subtle about those themes in this series. Some fans have argued that this is simply propaganda. It is propaganda if the meaning of the word is “promoting or publicizing a particular political cause or point of view.” Not all propaganda should be condemned. Propaganda and mythology go hand in hand. Our mythology shapes us. The heroes we create reflect not only who we are but more often who we hope to be. Comic books in 20th century understood that and expressed it through many of its characters.

If having an African American as Cap is a step toward acknowledging that our country was built on the blood, sweat, and servitude of many races that is all for the good. Steve Rogers, the first Captain America, was an honest, middle class, patriotic white guy from Brooklyn. He expressed the ethos of a mid-century, working-class America—good to the core, moral, and a bit old-fashioned. He was part of the Greatest Generation and this made him something of a misfit in 21^st century America.

Sam Wilson is an Air Force combat veteran, a working-class guy from Louisiana with strong family values. He is a Black man who refuses to let that define or limit him. In the same way that Rogers was a symbol for 20^th century values, Wilson expresses the hopes of early 21^st century America. He acknowledges the truth of Isaiah Bradley’s words without letting it hold him back. He and his ancestors helped to build this country, and he voluntarily chooses to fight for it. He proudly proclaims, “I am Captain America.”

In recent interviews, actor Andrew Mackie is beginning to use his new status with Marvel to speak for proactive change to provide more opportunities for African Americans in the film business. This can only be a good thing. May there be many more who will advocate for women, Hispanics, Asians, and all people to contribute to our culture and economy. Only then can mythology become reality.

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