Captain America: Brave New World
The Marvel Universe has spectacular sights for everyone–flying robots, mystical wizards, and talking raccoons. The Captain America series has always balanced the supernatural with a touch of realism, staying fairly grounded in the real world.
The newest entry, Captain America: Brave New World, reflects the complex tensions currently driving our political landscape. Whoever bears the shield should represent America’s best values and stand against its shortcomings. Sam Wilson is dealing with a mild case of imposter syndrome, wondering how he became that guy.
Sam knows full well what can happen when leaders abuse their power. His mentor, African-American hero Isaiah Bradley, was mistreated by the government for decades, and having been unjustly imprisoned himself, Sam has every reason to mistrust authority. Still he continues to focus on the good in people, even a man who demonized and hunted him for years.
General Thaddeus Ross is now President Ross, and the old warmonger is trying to turn over a new leaf with the campaign slogan “Together.” But the sins of the past still plague him and threaten to derail any progress he could make. Only Sam is willing to overlook his flaws and build a relationship, despite their rocky history.
Some may argue that Sam should take a harder line when it comes to standing for what’s right. But people will disagree on what that means, and taking sides only exacerbates the problem. Sam’s principles sometimes lead him to disobey orders, but they also refuse to allow him to give up on his fellow man.
Brave New World shows how easily both leaders and followers can be manipulated by outside forces. When others are quick to rush to judgement, Sam stays calm and gathers the facts. Rather than destroy his enemies, he tries to reason with them and find a middle ground. He may not have the strength of ten men, but his superpower is diplomacy.
A colleague reassures him he’s right for the job. Steve Rogers “gave people something to believe in, but you, you give them something to aspire to.” That should encourage us whenever we feel inadequate for the task ahead. We may not be the smartest or strongest, but we each have unique God-given gifts that can change the world. Because of Whom we believe in, we can inspire others, whether or not we believe in ourselves.