Capt. America being used as Liberal Propaganda tool

Capt. America being used as Liberal Propaganda tool

Left-minded staffers at Marvel can't resist the urge to use new issue of Captain America to promote anti-Middle America sentiment.

By MrJosh - Feb 10, 2010 09:02 AM EST
Filed Under: Marvel Comics
Source: foxnews.com

Ed Brubaker, writer for Marvel working on "Captain America" - Two Americas has denied his involvement in a political jab that was written into the comic book to be released soon. While that small aspect of the insult will be removed before the issue hits stores, the message itself is intact and waiting to be bought and internalized by readers everywhere.

I'm going to have to go on a bit of a rant here because, while I know that both political parties in this country are equally petty and capable of slander and libel, the left has media and entertainment in their back pocket. What does that mean for us? It means we get bombarded w/ anti-military, anti-middle America, anti-anything traditional propaganda on a daily basis even though it reflects the views of less than half of the U.S. population. It's called a bully pulpit and anyone w/ real conviction for their beliefs and a spine doesn't give their opinion from behind a camera or microphone or on the pages of a comic book... they do it face to face with their opponents and challenge them to a real debate.

While this is hardly new at Marvel (we had BHO featured in an edition of Spider-Man after he was elected), picking the Marvel Superhero who was SPECIFICALLY created to embody American Exceptionalism as a tool to criticize those members of our population who still believe in American Exceptionalism is in very poor taste. What's more, the fact that the perpetrators didn't even stop to think about that bit of hypocrisy, shows how out of touch they really are with the American public.



And so it goes... "In issue No. 602 of Captain America, "Two Americas, Part One," the title hero and The Falcon, a black superhero from New York City, stumble upon a protest rally in Boise, Idaho. They see scores of protesters carrying signs that say "Stop the Socialists!" and "Tea Bag The Libs Before They Tea Bag YOU!"

Captain America says the protest appears to be an "anti-tax thing," and Falcon jokes that he likely would not be welcomed into the crowd of "angry white folks." (imagine if Capt. America had said something similar at say... an ACLU rally).

There's obviously more to the article beyond what I've already written that can be viewed at the source link but I'm going to go ahead and drop it now and see what you guys/gals think.
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superman7
superman7 - 2/10/2010, 9:54 AM
So which part are you saying is the direct attack on Republicans?

And this is the first time im first to comment!
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 2/10/2010, 10:00 AM
It just seems topical to me. And the Falcon was making joke in an instance where he probably felt a bit uncomfortable. I don't see the problem. Oh, Faux News as the source? No thanks.
padrejeff
padrejeff - 2/10/2010, 10:00 AM
It was probably the Falcon's response to Cap's comment. It does stereoype conservatives as being racist. there is no room for this junk in the comic, especially Captain America, who has embodied traditional American values, not current liberal viewpoints. It's a sad day for Cap.
jusme6
jusme6 - 2/10/2010, 10:01 AM
The news and entertainment media have been in back pocket of Left wing Liberal America for as long as I can remember, but I think Marvel has usually been very tactful in remaining neutral. They did feature Obama in ASM simply because he won the election, which, to me, doesn't show favoritism. Captain America wouldn't say something like that. Falcon would though, just cause that's in his character. Although I applaud Fox News for being the only news network that's not sucking Obama's c*ck 24/7, Fox News does have a tendency to be a little oversensitive and take things like this comic book's reference and blow it out of proportion.
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:01 AM
it's the depiction of an angry mob of white protesters and a superhero of "African American descent" implying that he would not be safe in that crowd, coupled with the need to pencil in signs that clarify that these protesters are Tea Partiers
marvelguy
marvelguy - 2/10/2010, 10:01 AM
You are on target, my friend. It is this same media that immediately crucifies people for being pro one thing yet equivocating that it is anti- another. Funny that TEA parties are being lambasted for exercising their right to protest a government that has now more than triple in spending, etc. Funny how the PC crowd immediately claims that TEA parties are racist. How? They are protesting government growth, taxation, and spending. It has nothing to do with race, religion, or creed.
I know I'm almost soap boxing, but expect more from Marvel. They are now owned by Disney. Look to ABC news and ESPN's non-sports reporting to see what Disney thinks we should think.
When they bought Marvel, I was sickened. I firmly believe that Marvel has hit a plateau. Disney has the money but not the vision to lift Marvel beyond. They bought the Muppets due to competitive reasoning, and we barely see them anymore. What does the future hold? Not sure, ask the mouse.
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:03 AM
I'm not wanting to make a mountain out of this ant hill but if you take this with all the innuendo that can be found in movies, tv, music, public service announcements, every interview with celebrities... it is getting old...
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:04 AM
more so than anything it is clear what the writer's leaning is, it is clear who he wants to depict and how he wants to depict them and, as I stated in my rant above, he is using the superhero that Marvel created to embody American Exceptionalism to support a movement in this country that runs counter to everything Capt. America is meant to represent
NERO
NERO - 2/10/2010, 10:05 AM
Yeah, the "angry white folks" line is a bit much. Low blow Bru, you really disappoint me with that man.

People that live in Middle America don't make as much as people in major cities. The tax revolt is a result of poor government spending and a rising cost of living on people whose wages have pretty much hit a state of stagnancy while their taxes are going to get a hike to cover the crazy spending and inflation, all the while a rapidly rising cost of living will eat away at their daily income. People are scared. It takes a lot to get the average non college aged Middle American to pick up a banner and take to the streets to criticize the government.

Look, I'm an independent and I can see why people pick up signs and go a’ protesting lately. But to ham fistedly call people racist in such an underhanded fashion is off the mark and to be honest stupid. Shame on you Bru.

These are weird times, and people are unsure about their jobs, their futures, war, the economy, you name it. Captain America of all titles could be conciliatory or uniting force right now, to use it to make derisive jabs from one perspective or another just cheapens the character, the book, and what it should stand for. Bad move guys.
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 2/10/2010, 10:07 AM
After reading that article from Fox News, it actually makes the depiction of the Right more spot on. That wasn't an article. It was another hypersensitive retort mean to demonize liberals. That's what I think is getting old.
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:07 AM
The Question @ while no news station is unbiased and objective in their news coverage Fox News has consistently been ranked the most honest and reliable by both republicans and democrats so while you may disagree and even hate their message, statistically speaking, you are dead wrong when you refer to it as Faux news
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 2/10/2010, 10:15 AM
I don't think so. Anyone that thinks that Fox News is anything other than an extension of the Right Wing is delusional or uneducated. While MSNBC may be Left leaning, they typically avoid the kind of mindless, misleading filth that is spewed from Fox. Either way, Captain America didn't even say anything noteworthy in the comic. This is really another example of making a mountain out of a molehill.
NERO
NERO - 2/10/2010, 10:20 AM
@Question, liberals aren't demons. But saying a guy protesting taxes is a racist, a jab both off topic and demeaning as it implies just as unfair a stereotype as any other, is not exactly a shining example of liberal warmness towards a conservative idea either.

The put down is there in print, undeniably so.

The question is whether a book like Cap should be used to be derisive or to help us all unite. I don't think Cap should be used by either viewpoint. Because he represents what is best in America, and this constant Democrat/Republican Liberal/Conservative jabbing and backstabbing is what is worst in us. It is dismissive of ideals, and beliefs. While we can disagree on things to be dismissive and disrepectful is uncalled for and out of place in this context.
fanboiii
fanboiii - 2/10/2010, 10:21 AM
you complain about the liberal media?

MrJosh
2/10/2010
foxnews.com

LOL
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:27 AM
fanboiii@ did you read the article or just stop when you read it was from Fox News? I guess you don't believe ACORN employees got caught on tape explaining how to open a brothel, whore out underage girls AND claim it all as tax exemptions, because CNN and NBC didn't cover it... aren't ya! How's that tunnel vision treatin ya?
NERO
NERO - 2/10/2010, 10:28 AM
And as for the media: Don't trust any news story unless you fact check it yourself. That goes for Fox, MSNBC, CNN, all of them. Its not journalism anymore its sensationalism, quotes are almost always used out of context, agendas are pushed, pretty sick what has become of the current state of the news all around really.
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 2/10/2010, 10:28 AM
Don't get me wrong, I agree that a Cap book shouldn't be used in such ways. But I just don't think it's as serious as people are making it out to be. Whether it's right are not, Marvel isn't making this stuff up. The Tea Party movement is quite radical, and it even upsets Republican friends of mine. Taxes are hardly ever the real source of the anger coming from Tea Parties. Not a single tax has been raised since Obama took office. In fact, they've been lowered. Also, many of these Tea Party events have roots and proponents based in racist and subversive radical groups. It may not be all of them, but a good amount.

I think Captain America books should stay away from topics like this, just to avoid controversy. But I don't think what was displayed in this instance isn't misleading, or propaganda, it is what it is. I think people only take offense due to the medium it's portrayed in.
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 2/10/2010, 10:30 AM
@Nerosday: That's why I avoid nearly all news stations, even local news for the most part. I need information, not positions.
A7
A7 - 2/10/2010, 10:36 AM
when a real life captain america steps up and voices his opinion, i'll think it over. until then i'll accept the fact he is a made up character in a comic book and is only voiced by his writers.
skidz
skidz - 2/10/2010, 10:40 AM
Captain America has been around for DECADES and NOW people are trying to politicize him? What Is WRONG WITH YOU?! HE'S A SYMBOL!
z3ro
z3ro - 2/10/2010, 10:42 AM
Wow you actually took news from FOX NEWS.. i mean really??!?!?! this story is fail. I knew republi[foo foo]s would start complaining about this movie LOL. I think its the republicans who will start using captain america for political reasons and to complain and whine that its unamerican.
superman7
superman7 - 2/10/2010, 10:42 AM
Alright... so the main problem is that Falcon said he wouldn't be comfortable in an angry mob of white conservatives...

Let me ask these questions:

1. How many people reading this are white?

2. Now how many (republican) white people would willingly hop into an angry African mob of liberals?

(And that's not meant to be racist at all. I think the joke was kind of funny. But there's no sense in hiding the fact that racial tension still exists. And most African Americans are generally more Liberal. Stop being so touchy. And I know that every news group, other than Fox news tends to lean liberal, but Fox is propaganda.)


@ nerosday: Thank you
DeathSeal
DeathSeal - 2/10/2010, 10:46 AM
Just have to say as an independent who watches them both using the name "fixed news" is often appropriate, but saying MSNBC is a little left leaning is like saying Goebbels was just a little Nazi, or Melted peanut butter is a little sticky...mmmmm peanut butter.
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:46 AM
superman7@ you're too focused on the Falcon bit and we're discussing the big picture. Ask yourself 2 things right now...

regardless of how bold or blatant the insult, are these cells within the pages of the comicbook being used to paint a negative picture of Tea Party supporters? Yes or No? YES

Is Capt. America the most appropriate medium for the attack given what he is supposed to be a symbol of? Yes or No? NO
MarkCassidy
MarkCassidy - 2/10/2010, 10:47 AM
Couldn't it just be that particular mob that Falcon was weary of? Why does everything have to come down to blanket thinking? Are you suggesting there are no such things as angry mobs of racist republicans or something? This type of reactionary bullshit amazes me. Why does everything have to come down to "Oooh, they said this about us, [frick] them, we know whats really going on" and vice versa. Just live your [frick]ing life! Anyone that is 100% liberal about everything or 100% conservative about everything is a [frick]ing android. Think for yourself, and if you see a comic with an angry mob, read it and turn the page.
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:47 AM
P.S. I made main on my second article!
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 2/10/2010, 10:49 AM
great article. But is anyone surprised by this? Marvel is full of liberals. It has been for a very long time.
A7
A7 - 2/10/2010, 10:52 AM
liberal, conservative - boobs are boobs.
Boekelaar
Boekelaar - 2/10/2010, 10:52 AM
Bloody yanks! lol geeze I wish Australian politics were this exciting, but in all seriousness this is building a mountain out of an echidna hole ( thought I'd throw in an Aussie reference :P). The real problem here is that American voters are too concerned with which party you support, our parties are essentially the same and our biggest problem is which nerd to vote for. Plus there's nothing wrong with a bit of socialism, my city is consistently voted 'the mist livable in the world' and that's thanks to socialist policies put in place after WWII during the rebuilding phase.

Also even I know that FOX is evil and should never be listened too lol

oh and good article, well written!
TheQuestion
TheQuestion - 2/10/2010, 10:56 AM
Wisdom, A7, wisdom.
Betty
Betty - 2/10/2010, 10:57 AM
Why they jumpin' on Teabag? He's a cool guy.
thwhtGuardian
thwhtGuardian - 2/10/2010, 10:57 AM
I don't think you can paint a positive view of them, any more than you can acorn.
And secondly how is the Tea Party a symbol of American exceptional-ism? They're a very narrow minded, radical group that doesn't represent the views of the US as a whole. They are hyper conservative where the majority of America is independent. And being independent most people are confused as to why the Tea Party seems to be all riled up, so isn't it natural that Captain America would be the same? He's basically saying he has no idea what they're going on about, and that is the opinion of most of the US.

And the falcon's comment is justified, I mean flip it around, wouldn't you be a little uncomfortable faced by a shouting mob of African Americans, or Muslims?
Priest
Priest - 2/10/2010, 10:58 AM
Don't like it, don't buy the comic book. Or even better, publish your own comic book with right-wing propaganda.
z3ro
z3ro - 2/10/2010, 10:58 AM
Thats right folks... white racist republicans dont exist... its all a lie.. Ive never seen republicans at thier tea party rallies holding signs that said Obama is a terrorist or an arab. or people wearing shirts of obama as a monkey or a gorilla. thats right I did not see on tv tea party people being one bit racist.. MrJosh you live in lala land my friend. your party is blatantly racist all around. tea party chant "hes not american hes a [racial slur] an alien!"
StephenStrange
StephenStrange - 2/10/2010, 10:58 AM
Writers are going to write their beliefs into stories. It's the way it goes and it happens all the time.

It just so happens that I personally have a very different view of the so called "Teabag Movement". I have it on very good advisement that it really is just ordinary folks and it's entirely benign.

Of course the state controlled media would have us believe otherwise..
MrJosh
MrJosh - 2/10/2010, 10:59 AM
once again it's not a matter of making a mountain out of an ant hill. It is a matter of placing ant hills in every single piece of media entertainment that America's youth processes today. I'm commenting on the trend as a whole and using Capt. America as the catalyst that makes me say "Whoaaaa Nelly! this is going a little too far" I don't like the fact that my little sister tells me the war in Iraq is bad... not because it is morally wrong, not because it is influenced by greedy corp. types who want access to their oil fields... but because Angelina Jolie and the Dixie Chicks told her so.
Boekelaar
Boekelaar - 2/10/2010, 10:59 AM
@betty I think it's because teabag is English, bloody poms! :P
mpku
mpku - 2/10/2010, 11:00 AM
If you guys are just now noticing the undertones of Captain America, and the Marvel Universe for that matter, you must not be paying attention. It been pretty clear what the Death and Rebirth of Captain American has been about. I will let you in a something, white supremacists are using tea party gathering to recruit new members and I bet this issue will be shown during this arc of Captain America. And the Captain from the 50's who became a crazy racist, its not an accident he is involved in this story.

By the way; if you are offended you are probably part of the problem.
z3ro
z3ro - 2/10/2010, 11:00 AM
and dont bring up acorn. because many republicans were part of acorn. John Mccain was a big fan of acorn as a matter of fact they even honored him and he was there. look it up. you speak as if acorn is all liberal run.
Betty
Betty - 2/10/2010, 11:01 AM


Priest-- I know right?
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