In Captain America: Civil War, it’s hero against hero as moral lines are drawn and crossed– friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and some of our favorite Marvel superheroes have their fates forever altered. The movie, released this past Friday, details the next chapter in Marvel’s ongoing saga that began with Iron Man back in 2008 and has continued with such excellent chapters as Guardians of the Galaxy, Ant-Man, and Avengers: Age of Ultron. In this installment, the title conflict is the divide that pits former allies Captain America (Chris Evans) and Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) against each other– an internationally ratified set of documents that would regulate and limit the actions of superheroes like the Avengers, and place them under governmental jurisdiction. According to General Ross (William Hurt), if the Avengers do not agree to the new conditions, they will be treated as dangerous vigilantes, not heroes, and will be hunted down for acting outside the law.
Captain America disagrees with the accord, believing the military and the government would wield too much power by limiting the heroes’ abilities to choose when and where they give their assistance. “What if they send us somewhere we don’t want to go?” he asks. “What if they won’t send us somewhere we’re needed?” I know we’re not perfect, but I believe the safest hands are still our own.” Cap’s faith in the Avengers’ ability to choose their own battles and stand for what’s right strikes a chord with fellow Avengers members Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, Falcon, as well as newcomers to the superhero world like Captain America’s old friend Bucky Barnes (also known as the Winter Soldier), Ant-Man, and S.H.I.E.L.D. Agent Sharon Carter.
The lattermost of these proves to be a valuable ally for Cap’s side, at least as far as values go. At one point, Sharon Carter describes why she believes Captain America’s side of the struggle is so important, offering some words of wisdom from her aunt (and Cap’s former love interest) Agent Peggy Carter: “Compromise where you can. Where you can’t, don’t. Even if everyone is telling you that something wrong is something right. Even if the whole world is telling you to move, it is your duty to plant yourself like a tree, look them in the eye, and say ‘No, YOU move.’”
Peggy Carter’s words are an inspiration not only to Captain America and his friends, but to all of us. We live in a world where we often find people trying to convince us that bad behaviors are actually the right or “normal” way to go. And while it may not always be the easiest course, standing up for what you believe in and doing what’s right in spite of the odds will have its reward. The selfless example of Cap and his team shows us that even though it may seem simpler or more lucrative to side with those who are in the wrong, it’s often best to stay true to your ideals and stand firmly for what is right and good.
