Captain America: A microcosm of growth (Part 1)
I’m a movie nerd, so this week I’ve prepared a series for you, taking you on a journey through one of my favourite characters from the MCU in three parts. Specifically how Steve Rogers grows and evolves from The First Avenger to Avengers: Endgame. Why Steve specifically? Largely because his powers actually rely least on the super serum he’s given, but his moral compass which is both a blessing and a curse.
Starting with Steve Rogers before he becomes Captain America. He’s not just average, he’s below average in body but very determined in cause. Also, the one thing that isn’t stated explicitly until later is that he’s an orphan. Steve’s father dies in the Great War and his mother died in his teens. This means he has to find a way in the world, but without either parent being there.
This pushes him towards serving in the U.S Army towards the Second World War. He tries again and again, even lying trying to get in but never passes because of his frail body, until he encounters Abraham Erskine and gets recommended to be part of the ‘super-soldier’ program.
Going through basic training, he doesn’t keep up with even the most average soldier. However, what he lacks in brawn, he makes up for in brains, strategy and courage. Steve eventually gets chosen to be the ‘super soldier’ and becomes Captain America with strength, speed and endurance at the peak of human condition. Although initially he’s used as a mascot for war bonds, once the opportunity presents himself, he proves himself an asset for the cause.
Now I could go on about the rest of the plot, but I want to stop and highlight something that marks this particular of Steve’s growth: struggle.
He struggled with life as an undersized teen, struggled to get into the US Army, still struggles to get true recognition as soldier…
…even when he rises to the occasion as Captain America, he still struggles with the loss of his friend ‘Bucky’ Barnes, his one link to the past before anything on the battlefield. Even sacrificing his life for the greater good is still a big struggle. All this takes a toll, even when he’s doing the right thing…and further along, it will come back to haunt him.
Next time, we talk about how emerging in the 21st century adds an additional layer of growth…but also trauma.
Aquila Hope is a transformative coach, black trans activist, speaker, podcaster and songwriter. They’re found through Instagram, Twitter, Medium and their own website. Their podcast ‘Grasp At The Root’ can be found on Anchor, Spotify, Google Podcast, Apple Podcasts or wherever podcasts are distributed. Aquila lives on the outskirts of Birmingham, enjoys expressionist art, video games, strong coffee and a well made pizza.
