These events serve as a good reminder that the nation is not perfect, and America has its own dark history. Throughout his publication history, Cap has always asked the question – “what is America?” We’ve seen him represent America at its best, during WW2, and at its worst, by abandoning the shield for the title of ‘Nomad’. Hodo concludes, “the Captain represents ideals and beliefs across the American political continuum… From World War II to the post-9/11 America, the Captain and his fellow heroes have provoked readers to examine what it means to be an American.” If you are interested in learning more about how Cap reflects the attitudes of America and its leaders, I’d recommend you read this thesis by Brandi Hodo from the University of Alabama. I could go into a full history lesson here, but that would just divert you and me from the topic at hand. From his on-the-face uniform to his ideals, Cap oozed America. The New York Public Library says, “both men had been morally repulsed by the actions of Nazi Germany leading up to the United States involvement in World War II, and saw their character as a symbol of America.” Cap (as he shall now be called for convenience) was everything the Americans stood for. Steve Rogers in a still from ‘Captain America: The Winter Solider’ (Marvel Studios via IMDb) What is America?įor the uninitiated, Captain America was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby in 1940. To know why Walker is so perfect, we must first know the origins and purpose of the character of Captain America. To understand why I say this, I’d first like to take you on a trip into the past so we can understand how I arrived that this conclusion. The character of John Walker is a perfect reflection of America today, and thus the mantle of Captain America. Reportedly, Russell has received death threats and been slammed on social media, but that just goes to prove my point. I gather that there aren’t many who agree with me. Following up on Chris Evans’ Steve Rogers is no easy feat, but Wyatt Russell has done so beautifully. I’d go as far as to say he is the perfect ‘Cap’. That commentary is visible in almost all the facets of the show, but none as obvious as the character of John Walker. Not only have we got a great action-thriller, but the show is an equally powerful political commentary on the state of America today. Since Avengers Endgame, the big question has been – who takes on the mantle of Captain America now? The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (TFATWS) promised to address that, and it has so far failed to disappoint.
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