We have already heard that Marvel Studios is preparing their new Captain America movie for some countries without the hero’s original title, and will instead be calling the movie ‘The First Avenger.’ And I know that this business strategy (which may be smart financially, but questionable patriotically) does upset some Americans . . . why? Well, that subject, it would seem, is becoming a hot debate amongst different idealists of our modern country’s stance of proper patriotism. For the question could arise: “Is taking away the original name ‘Captain America’ from the film an attempt of not offending other countries who do not like America?” Or “Could it be that by taking the title away, it may actually offend some Americans who are still not ashamed of waving an American flag, while other countries watch?”
Now, don’t get me wrong, friends, for this article is NOT a means of sparking a debate at all! Neither is it geared toward the ideals of proper morals concerning the title of Marvel’s upcoming box-office hit! But what this article is trying to achieve is a short walk down memory lane to an era that birthed Captain America to begin with, and to see how the Captain has ‘evolved’ (if I may so use the word in this instance) into modern American ideas of our time. And I will also ask the question (not particularly to anyone else, but really to my own self) of whether or not we should take the ‘evolving’ of concrete legends ~ who are going through some small but noticeable changes into a modern society ~ as a sign of the times!
Most people [but hopefully not all] who will read this article would not have been born during the era in which the Captain was created in the early 1940’s. And being too young to have lived during those most patriotic days for the United States, it will be very hard to fathom the ‘feeling’ and true ‘ideals’ of the American spirit of those times, of which can be felt in music and even in patriotic films that were made during, and just after the days of World War 2 (such as ‘Sergeant York,’ and ‘To Hell and Back’) . . . a ‘feel’ and ‘ideal’ which many may call ‘American propaganda!’ However you may wish to view it, it cannot be ignored that these (again) American ‘feelings’ and ‘ideals’ are what brought dear Captain America to life in the first place! The world united in that day to fight a common enemy, and everyone felt a need for a hero – a hero who could crush the powers that were, and bring the enemy to their knees, and to help bring an end to the war in general. Captain America was the symbol and hope of the United States, and felt a true heart toward every soldier who fought and gave their lives to an idea that they considered freedom from tyranny! But when the Captain was frozen for so long, and the world began to change around him, he could not help but to bring those ‘ideals’ and ‘feelings’ into a later time . . . a time that, perhaps, needed it as much in the 1960’s, as America needed it in the 1940’s.
But, is that need for us today? Is that need to be fulfilled in modern times with modern thinking people who did NOT live during World War 2, and who may or may not feel the same way as those people did all those many years back? Has the good Captain outlived his usefulness? Or, can it truly be said that just as he was needed in the 1940’s; as he was needed in the 1960’s; he is truly needed in the 2000’s to bring us back to that simple (not stupid) place again where ideals of freedom ring strong and true, and to where we are not ashamed of an American flag being waved to where other people may see it? For Captain America is America wrapped up into one super costume . . . . But is it the America of the past? Or is this the America of a possible different future?
I, as the writer of this article, am neither confirming nor denying any of these different ideas and outlooks, but am wondering where the good Captain stands today. For, truly, if we change the ideas, image, and icon of Captain America, then we are changing the foundations of the country as well! And Captain America will not be Captain America anymore. Could we image Elvis Presley singing a Madonna song? If he did, then he wouldn’t be Elvis anymore . . . at least, the iconic Elvis that we are all so familiar with. So, why mess with what is concrete? If he is useless, then his days are over with, and needs not be changed. Or, again, if he evolves, then so has the country, for the country is him, and he is the product of what it was founded upon – even of the days of the forefathers.
And not only he, but the same holds true for DC’s Superman as well! Years back, when Director Tim Burton (who was for a time given the reigns of a new Superman project) had decided to (should I say) destroy the very image and nature of Superman (who needs kryptonite when you have Tim Burton?), devoted fans were so quick to jump to their feet and demand that the legendary Superman not be tampered with! And so the project leaned more toward the traditional Superman, and was also a sequel to some of Christopher Reeve’s best work on the Man of Steel. But will the same hold true for Captain America’s fans if the need arises? He has fought so many times for his fans, will they stand up and fight for him, too? Or, are his fans ready for a change, as they also see a needful change of the country?
But even if one does not like the old ideas of an older America, one still cannot ignore the fact that–that was who Captain America was for so many years ~ and changing him will never change that fact!
But who says we’ll see a change in the movie of his character? He may very well come to us just as we’ve known him! In fact, with what’s being reviewed so far, it seems a safe bet that he will be who we’ve known. However, if we look at some of Marvel’s modern comic books, we can already see changes there ~ at one point even resembling the Punisher in attitude and body count! Maybe we should just stick the suit on the Punisher and send ‘ol Steve Rogers packing! But I, for one, wouldn’t like that at all!
Admittedly, Captain America is, and has always been, my favorite superhero ~ and I am very much looking forward to Chris Evans baring the shield!
Long live Captain America!