Why Sam Wilson was the best choice to take the shield in the MCU
For years Marvel comics have reflected the state of the American public, especially
Captain America. For example, in “Captain America and the Falcon #180”, which was published
in 1968, Captain America first donned the “Nomad” costume. In 1968, the U.S. was fully
engulfed in the Vietnam War, which a lot of the American people were against. It would make
sense that Captain America would wear the costume famous for having no stars or stripes, thus
casting the patriotic version of the uniform aside. The writers were not proud of the American
decision to join Vietnam which was mirrored in Cap’s costumes. So it was predictable when the
MCU followed suit with the choice to make Sam Wilson the next Captain America.
Sam Wilson as Captain America
Let’s start with the character. As mentioned by Zemo in “The Falcon and the Winter
Soldier” series, Sam is “as stubborn as Steve Rogers before him” in reference to both Wilson and
Rogers’ inflexibility on the path of right and wrong. Sam Wilson also has a military background,
as does Steve Rogers, but it’s what he does once he gets home that makes him such a good
choice. Sam Wilson starts a support group for soldiers who have come back home which shows
his helpful heart. Sam exemplifies the words of Dr. Erskine, “Not a perfect soldier, but a good
man.”. Which brings me to the next reason Sam is the perfect Captain America.
Dr. Erskine picks Steve Rogers, out of everyone else due to his intelligence, his heart, but
mainly because Rogers knows the value of strength. In the case of Steve Rogers, Erskine was
referencing physical strength. He knew Rogers would use his strength to help instead of harm. In
the case of Sam Wilson, it is a different type of strength. Wilson knows the value of inner
strength. As mentioned before, the MCU likes to mirror the challenges of today’s society. It’s no
secret that in the U.S. today, living as a minority is a challenge which Sam Wilson has plenty of
experience with as shown in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier” series. The most glaringly
obvious example is in episode two when Sam and Bucky are arguing in the street, and the police
stop to ask if Sam is “bothering” Bucky. Is the U.S. military veteran that leads a support group
for soldiers who have lost comrades “bothering” the Russian assassin? It is obvious they stop the
two due to Sam’s race.
In this instance, along with many others throughout the series, Sam
responds with grace and always takes the high road. The true immensity of his strength shines
through when he makes the following speech in the last episode, “I’m a black man carrying the
stars and stripes. What don’t I understand? Every time I pick this thing up, I know they’re
millions of people who are going to hate me for it. Even now, here, I feel it. The stares, the
judgment. And there’s nothing I can do to change it. Yet I’m still here. No super serum, no
blonde hair or blue eyes. The only power I have is that I believe we can do better.”. With this
final speech, Sam Wilson locks down his role as Captain America and proves that Steve Rogers
made the correct choice.
By Colleen Malucci
CHECK: 5 Interesting Facts About Sam Wilson
