Opinions on Captain America: Civil War - Team Iron Man or Captain America?

In the 2016 superhero film Captain America: Civil War, the highly anticipated culmination of the Phase Three Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Avengers are divided over a new UN-led international treaty: the Sokovia Accords. This policy mandates that countries can arrest and prosecute superheroes operating in their territory. This article delves into the ethical and moral arguments for both sides, ultimately leaning towards Team Captain America.

The Argument for Team Captain America

The argument for Team Captain America is multifaceted and firmly grounded in ethical principles. One of the key points of contention is the concept of accountability. Tony Stark (Iron Man), while claiming to support accountability and the new Accords, fails to uphold this ideal. He undermines it through his actions, justifying his illegal surveillance and sabotage of government officials. Tony’s claim that his actions are accountable because of his status as a billionaire does not hold up to scrutiny. As one critic, Ross, points out, Tony can get away with almost anything due to his wealth and influence, essentially paying no price for his transgressions. This is a clear contradiction to his stated belief in accountability.

Support of Minority Rights

The Accords violate the human rights of enhanced individuals, a minority group. Tony's support for the law that strips these people of their rights is a significant ethical flaw. As a member of a minority, this stance is particularly troubling, as it promotes a system that discriminates against a vulnerable group. The Accords are not just a policy but a reflection of a broader societal issue where those with power make decisions that disproportionately affect the underprivileged. To support these policies is to fail in upholding justice and equality.

A Lynch Mob Mentality

Tony's silence on the actions of Ross and his approval of a climate where enhanced individuals are seen as a threat is deeply concerning. This allows a lynch mob mentality to fester, where innocent people are unfairly targeted and persecuted. Both terrorist attacks in the film, though incorrectly blamed on enhanced individuals, highlight the danger of such a mentality. It's not about protecting innocent people but about advancing one’s own agenda or eliminating perceived enemies. This kind of rhetoric fosters fear and panic, leading to tragic outcomes, as evidenced by the movie’s narrative and beyond, as seen in the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. series.

Team Iron Man: Flaws and Self-Righteousness

Team Iron Man, on the other hand, presents a flawed perspective. One of the main arguments is that actions speak louder than words. While Tony claims to support accountability, his actions do not align with these words. His transgressions, such as breaking the Accords and engaging in illegal activities, demonstrate that his belief in accountability is merely lip service. Additionally, his support for a law that strips rights from a specific group of people is a clear ethical failing. Being part of a minority, endorsing such a law goes against the principles of equity and justice.

Tony's self-righteous stance on Bucky’s fate is another significant argument against Team Iron Man. The notion that Bucky deserves to die or does not deserve to be saved is an extreme form of self-righteousness. It’s about more than accountability; it’s about revenge and revenge leading to further righteousness being overlooked. Bucky’s humanity and his potential for redemption are frequently overshadowed by Tony’s need to take matters into his own hands, even if it means suffering and death.

The idea that Cap (Steve Rogers) was being self-righteous is refuted by Tony’s own actions and the very same mentality he supports. Tony’s belief in a strict moral code that places him above others creates a paradox of hypocritical justifications. If Tony’s actions were indeed self-righteous, then his stance on Bucky’s fate reflects the same flawed logic, emphasizing his own righteousness over the potential for redemption and forgiveness.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Deeper Values

Ultimately, the argument for siding with Team Captain America lies in the principles of accountability, equality, and justice. The Accords, while imperfect, aim to establish a framework where all individuals, regardless of their status, are subject to the same laws. Sheriff Ross’s actions and the lynch mob mentality he instigates are detrimental to this principle. Tony Stark’s self-righteousness and selective accountability undermine these principles, leading to a polarized and unjust society.

The choice between Team Iron Man and Captain America is not just a question of allegiance to a character but a reflection of one’s values. In the complex world of superhero stories, where morality and action often intersect, choosing Team Captain America reflects a commitment to upholding these deeper values.