American Socio-Political Reality in Marvel Cinematic Universe - Essay Example

Visual Arts and Film Studies al Affiliation) Marvel Cinematic Universe portrays the American social systems and the existing political environment through its comic literature and fiction movies. The various characters in the movies and comic fiction portrays the American people needs such as security, freedom, crime and peoples representation in government all together (Sommers,2009). The modern American society is coming up of age with the comic characters the same way earlier generations related to ancient fiction stories such as Harry Potter who serve this role for many years. This is because the Marvel Cinematic Universe provides a very tremendous insight into the modern culture through its unprecedented effort (Pearson et al, 2012). The various works of art is achieved through the Marvel Cinematic Universe viable and unique plotlines, characters and tremendous back-stories just for the modern society. The Marvel Cinematic Universe provides a framework for entertainment and above all educate on the ethics and morality in the American society in a way that has not been done previously (Sommers, 2009). These ethics and morality for the characters serves as a way of stimulating the urge in the society for such characters. The audiences perceive the need therefore for such superheroes in the society to compensate for the shortcoming of the existing system in America. The need for superheroes in protection of the public is clearly demonstrated in the movie Captain America (Brubaker et al, 2008). In captain America, the Marvel Cinematic Universe addresses the insecurity situation facing Americans the shortcomings of the government in protecting the people. This situation therefore calls for political pressure against the government from states and the American people to offer protection. The nation at large calls for a superhero to bring to an end the situation of terror and Captain America come to the rescue of the nation (Brubaker et al, 2008). This situation in reality is showcased in the never-ending threats of terrorism facing Americans around the globe. The nation and individuals all calls for an end of the fear surrounding the people of America despite the tremendous effort by the government through its troops to maintain security. Regarding the need to have leaders in political seats with proper morals and ethic to address the actual needs of the people in the society, the Marvel Cinematic Universe portrays the required ethics and morality (Goulart, 2010). Just like the old mythologies of Harry Potter the same ethics and morality especially in leadership is being portrayed in the characters. The characters are always likable by the audience and through them charismatic leadership moral and ethics is accorded to the audience alongside the entertainment. An example of true leadership quality in the characters based on proper ethics and morality is seen in Thor a product of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In Avengers Thor is seen to have the moral goal of protection through standing for what is good in the world. The need for superheroes with the right moral standards portrayed in the characters is required in the contemporary society to fight day-to-day crime in the streets (Goulart, 2010). The need for protection in the society is seen in the tireless efforts of the police force in America by combating crime and drug cases in the streets to ensure public safety. The characters of Marvel Cinematic Universe considered being superheroes such as Batman and Superman combat threats such as alien invasions, super villains, and ideological enemies in the world. This comprehends to the political and social threats faced in the contemporary society such as terrorism, war against drugs and fight for freedom from oppression by various groups due to ideological differences. These socio-political situations that are usually hard to resolve portrays social dilemma in the society (Costello, 2009). Through the ethical and moral actions of the superheroes in the comic and films, individuals in the society are equipped with the right mind frame to work for social and political change in the society. In Avengers, Thor is the superhero standing for what is ethically and morally upright whereas Loki is the archenemy of Thor acting as the super villain. This phenomenon is comprehensible to the sociopolitical aspects of humanity whereby a group works hard for the benefit of humanity whereas another group works contrary to their belief. The cultural and human request for superheroes is comprehensive in Avengers. This is through Thors hammer that can manipulate the weather alongside superhuman strengths and energy bolts used in the fight against Lokis attempt to take over the world and establish a reign of evil. The strong moral code of service to humanity seen in Captain America without expecting reward regardless of risking ones on life alongside the strong refusal of using lethal force shows a sense of responsibility. This phenomenon is relevant to the sociopolitical condition of the contemporary American society in terms of use of lethal weapons such as the nuclear bombs that causes devastating effects on humanity. The strong moral code of service and responsibility comprehend to the tireless efforts of the American troops fighting against terrorism in service to humanity. The troops are portrayed as super heroes due to their selfless efforts to serve humanity regardless of their safety at the war against terrorism. Captain America due to his spectacular deeds is seen as a celebrity and a public figure. In Avengers of 2012, the mightiest heroes from earth join forces in order to stop Loki and his alien army from taking over the earth and enslaving mankind. The superheroes include Iron man, Captain America, Thor and Hulk who form a team in order to stop Loki from subjugating the earth. In order to protect New York from Lokis alien army invasion the superheroes work together join order to protect the civilians and facilitate evacuation exercise. The various superheroes portray selfless dedication to protection of humanity despite their diverse differences in character (Safer, 2008). In the fight to restore the eternal American values, the superheroes adopt similar character. All the superheroes in Avengers 2012 with their extraordinary abilities and use of advanced technology assume responsibility of ensuring a strong urge for saving humanity and stand in for justice in the face of Loki. The superheroes also use some sought of secret identity in the fight for example the real names are Tony Stark, Steve Rodgers, Bruce Banner and Clint Barton hide their real identity. The superheroes hide their real identity mostly join order to protect their family and friends from the devastating evil that may be fall them due to the superheroes fight against evil. Mythology in the American modern epic makes for an interesting case through facilitating the crossing of language, culture and ideology aspect of modern American society (McWilliams, 2005). The Marvel Cinematic Universe establishes the American national identity despite the little tradition seen before the era of modernization. For example, Captain America is a myth of extraordinary being containing the American culture, ideologies and language that is linked to the history of America to display the epic. This character is build up on entirely American epic. On the other hand, Thor is portrayed in the Greek mythology as a powerful god cast down to earth from Asgard. This Greek mythology is used in the buildup of new modernity to crest a modern identity. Thor and Loki have got own movies because the two have got the ability to be titular leads in Marvel Cinematic Universe and it will only be fair for each one of them to have their own movies (Surrell, 2012). For example Loki losses the spotlight to other characters such as Thor and ultimately the Collective Avengers in the avengers film. This is not fair towards the character of Loki that can stand on itself. In the Marvel Cinematic Universe there exists a relationship between Thor and Loki of the Norse mythology and Moses and his brother Rameses son of Pharaoh of the Jewish mythology. In comparing the relation of the brothers in Thor and the 1956 version of the Ten Commandments the two sets of brothers, have close to similar experiences. The relationship starts with the obvious similarity of a child being rescued a midst great slaughter where by Moses was an Israelite and Loki was from the Frost Giant race which Thor saves its revelation until the films second act. Furthermore, the saved babies in the two mythologies are later on adopted by thrones family and grow to be trouble to their adopted families. In first case, Loki takes over the throne of Asgard through pure manipulation on the other hand Moses gets a calling from God to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt after his escape into exile. In addition, the two sets of brothers that is Thor and Loki and on the other hand Moses and Rameses the son of Pharaoh have sibling rivalry regarding the throne. Loki desires the throne of Asgard, which rightfully belongs to Thor and Rameses, hates the fact that Moses is a natural leader in Egypt where he does not rightfully belong. This sibling rivalry escalates in both cases and those who were to be handed the power of the throne end up being cast out of the Royal lineage. In the case of Thor, his father the king of Asgard cast him out of Asgard after Thors rebellion against his father due to interruption of his crowning caused by the Frost Giants led by Loki. On the other hand Rameses became jealous after The Pharaoh crowns Moses as his successor and set up a trap for him that revealed Moses not being an Egyptian but rather a descendant of the Hebrew slaves (Brown, 2004). Moses being a Hebrew slave, The Pharaoh of Egypt cast Moses out of Egypt same way Thor was cast out of Asgard. While in exile, Moses had no means of survival. He seeks refuge in the house of Jethro and his daughters who find him near death at the well (Brown, 2004). On the other hand, Thor is cast out of Asgard into the desert of Mexico where he finds refuge in the family of a researcher and his two daughters. The two men return to their home with immense power and authority. Thor sacrifices his life for his friends and this makes him worthy again to lift his hammer again. Thor returns to Asgard with the hammer that has extraordinary power to battle with Loki and Moses return with the staff representing authority from God. The staff of Moses turns into a deadly serpent and parts the Red Sea to liberate the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt. The common altruist goal for all the Marvel Cinematic Universe is to portray the natural and moral regard to others without regard to oneself (Surrell, 2012). The superheroes are philanthropic in using their extraordinary ability and skill alongside the advanced technology. The superheroes do not have expectation for reward for risking the lives of their friends, family and there own the rough their strong moral code of willingness to serve humanity. For example despite being in imminent danger, Superman is reluctant to commit an action of self-defense that will result in loss of life from devastating damage cause by use of lethal weapons. This portrays Supermans strong belief in the humanitarian service and protection of people through use of justice as the defender of human race. The characters in Marvel Cinematic Universe usually have their own secret confidants that are sworn to secrecy in order for them to protect their identity against the enemies of humanity. This shows the reliance of the superheroes in humans for accomplishing their goals of fighting crime in the world. For example Superman whose real identity is Clark Kent uses this metaphoric code name to obscure his real identity that also assist in avoiding arrest by the police. Through having, secret identity the superheroes are not accredited for their tremendous good deeds (Costello, 2009). This is because they are selfless and their willingness to service is not motivated by the glory and honor but willingness and dedication to serve the world. On the other hand, some superheroes eschew the secret identity and are seen as public figures. Even celebrities as identified by their costumes such as Iron man and Captain America. This action is not to seek credit for their deeds but to buildup a good relation with the public. The characters in Marvel Cinematic Universe at times face harsh treatment from the police force despite their good deeds (Safer, 2008). The superheroes portray altruist through holding back the use of their extraordinary exceptional skill of fighting alongside their advanced equipment and technology against the police force. Furthermore, the superheroes let go of their love interest in order to fully dedicate their lives to serve humanity an aspect that also portray their altruist goal in their fight against evil on earth. REFERENCES Brown, W. (2004). The Ten commandments. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press. Brubaker, E., Epting, S., & Perkins, M. (2008). The death of Captain America. New York: Marvel. Costello, M. (2009). Secret identity crisis. New York: Continuum. Goulart, R. (2010). Comic book culture. Portland, Or.: Collectors Press. McWilliams, J. (2005). The American epic. Cambridge [England]: Cambridge University Press. Pearson, E., Yost, C., Ross, L., Hdr, D., Padilla, A., & Alves, W. (2012). Marvel The Avengers prelude. New York: Marvel Worldwide. Safer, E. (2008). The contemporary American comic epic. Detroit: Wayne State University Press. Sommers, J. (2009). The American comic book. New York: Continuum. Surrell, J. (2012). The art of Marvel. New York, N.Y.: Marvel Worldwide Read More