For my third passion post, I will be talking about Captain America! Captain America has become a popular and beloved character over the years after appearing in comics in 1941 and after making his debut on the big screen in 2011. Captain America quickly became one of the most iconic comic book characters ever due to his boy scout personality and patriotic values. When Captain America debuted in 1941, he was seen to be fighting the Axis Powers in his adventures, which is expected since he made his debut in the middle of World War II. After the war, the Captain America comics were discontinued but were eventually revived in 1964. 

Captain America’s outfit’s primary inspiration is the American flag, which includes red gloves and boots, a primary blue suit, with a big white star on his chest and stripes on his stomach area. Cap’s iconic indestructible shield also has stripes and a star on it as well. As you can probably tell, no one loves America as much as Captain America.

However, “Captain America” is just an alter ego. Steve Rogers was a young, small man from Brooklyn, New York that joined the US military. Steve Rogers was also really frail and sickly-looking and was eventually injected by an experimental serum that made him peak human perfection that improved every physical aspect of his body, and therefore, Captain America was born. The serum was called the “Super Soldier Serum” and it also aided the Allied Powers in their fight against the Axis Powers during World War II. After Rogers became Captain America and fought along side the Allied Powers, Cap was suspended in ice and was revived decades later in the present day. After reemerging from being “asleep” in the ice for years, he struggled adjusting to present day norms, but despite that, his golden personality and loyalty to others kept him (and presumably others) afloat and Steve eventually went on to continue to fight for what he believed in with The Avengers.

Captain America became a huge symbol for Patriotism and American values. Not only is his costume a huge symbol but his personality and character are as well. Throughout the existence of Captain America, we often see him putting his country before himself. We also see him being kind to everyone and treating everyone equal despite the differences that they have. Captain America’s debut during World War II could be seen as a sign of propaganda due to the time period he first appeared in. Captain America’s comics in the 1940s main purpose was not only for entertainment but to spread and promote patriotism since we were at war at the time. War propaganda was also extremely popular at the time so having a comic book super hero that’s main attribute was patriotism was a very interesting move. One of the most popular Captain America comics portrays Captain America punching Hitler in the face, although this comic debuted at the height of World War II, it remains popular to this very day.

In Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), Rogers fights along side the Allied Powers to defeat the Axis Powers & HYDRA. The film itself revolves around war and fighting and throughout the film, you see Rogers constantly putting his life on the line for his country and for others. For instance, before he received the Super Soldier Serum, he jumps onto a grenade that he thinks is going to explode in order to protect the other soldiers that are around him. By the end of Captain America: Civil War (2016), Rogers is a fugitive of the United States but still continues to fight for what he believes in and on the side of the United States well into Avengers: Infinity War (2018). Captain America’s golden personality and attitude also influences his relationships with others and his decisions. Over time, Cap is seen as a natural born leader and overall kind and respectable person, which are traits that are and always have been heavily valued in society.

 

Joke of the week: “Wanna hear a funny joke about paper? Ah nevermind… its pretty TEARable.”