Captain America is the coolest. I always use him as a role model when trying to become a very neat human-being. The rhetoric behind his creation in the Marvel Comic Universe has given me a very nice impression of him. The symbolism of Captain America is different to me, though. As a millennial, attending NC State University, Captain America’s role as a leader inspires me to want to do more in my community. Pop culture icons usually leave a timeless symbol or theme but for the case of Captain America, his rhetoric and appeal to audience has changed over time. From WWII to the modern-day cinematics, the American icon meant something different to different people.
The first Captain America comic book was published in 1942, during America’s involvement in World War II. In World War II, propaganda was important in boosting American morale. The comic book figure was created to reflect the ideal american soldier: caucasian, blonde, strong and prideful. This ties into the pathos rhetoric of showing how the common american soldiers act in the face of battle. Captain America’s iconic shield showed a logos rhetoric of being a country of strong will and defense against evil. Ethos rhetoric is shown with Captain America’s main nemesis being a group called “Hydra” which is a fictional relative of the Nazis.
In 1971, the popularized term, “War on Drugs” came about and was a prevalent term throughout the 80’s and towards the 90’s. In 1990, an issue of Captain America called, “Captain America Goes to War on Drugs” was released and took a different route for the hero’s symbol. In the front page of the cover, pictures of little kids can be seen, cheering the captain on as he throws his shields towards the audience. This gives a pathos rhetoric by showing kids who are most vulnerable by drugs and showing Captain America throwing his shield to defend those who are exposed to drugs.
In the cinematic world, where superhero movies are becoming more popular, Captain America takes a role as a leader. In the story of the Marvel team, The Avengers, Captain America leads them in the face of battle. Captain America’s rhetoric theme also changes within each movie. In the first movie, similar to the World War II theme, Captain America is a tool of propaganda, showing American pride in battle and leadership around the world. In the second Captain America movie, a change of rhetoric in pathos takes place where the audience sees a man who wants to save his best friend who has walked in a dark path. Despite the best friend’s evil acts, Captain America never gives up on him and tries to save him. In the third Captain America movie, the theme relates more towards today’s social justice issue where there is a distrust and divide in government. In the movie, Captain America loses his trust for the government and becomes a wanted fugitive. In a time where police brutality is put in the spotlight, government regulation on guns are more strict and corruption in politics is more obvious, Captain America gives its strongest pathos rhetoric by showing a man, thought to be the “perfect” American, to be a failed symbol for a broken establishment.
An author’s writing may be influenced by outside events. When it comes to having an open mind, one shouldn’t just blame the character or antagonist of a writing piece but the author’s intent in why he or she set it up that way. This includes seeing through propaganda to looking at actual facts. Anything can be manipulated by rhetoric through a change in author, endorsements, or sponsorship. Rhetoric can change a lot for political sakes. Captain America is one of the most respected superhero in the Marvel comic books, but his symbol and audience is always changing.
An author’s writing may be influenced by outside events. When it comes to having an open mind, one shouldn’t just blame the character or antagonist of a writing piece but the author’s intent in why he or she set it up that way. This includes seeing through propaganda to looking at actual facts. Anything can be manipulated by rhetoric through a change in author, endorsements, or sponsorship. Rhetoric can change a lot for political sakes. Captain America is one of the most respected superhero in the Marvel comic books, but his symbol and audience is always changing.