Who Would You Side with in the Civil War: Beyond Captain America's Legacy

When the question is posed, 'If it had not been a Captain America movie, with whom would you have sided in Civil War?', we are invited to look beyond the familiar mask of a patriotic hero and consider the imbalanced trust that characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) hold with one another. Captain America, though a beloved figure, is no longer the idealized paragon of justice as seen through the eyes of the viewers. This reflection on his role in the Civil War reveals a complex narrative of trust, morality, and the humanitarian considerations that decision-makers face in extraordinary circumstances.

Trust and Perception in Civil War

One of the central arguments in the Civil War within the MCU is the issue of trust. When we discuss Captain America's actions in 'Avengers: Ultron Universe', his estrangement and vocal distrust of Iron Man's bot complicate the narrative. This incident reflects a broader point: while the Avengers may be seen as the guardians of justice and peace, their actions are not without consequences. Captoring Peter Parker in 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' is a stark reminder that even superheroes, no matter how well-intentioned, can be criticized for their methods, painting Captain America as a potential paragon of a different, perhaps less desirable, form of authority. Yes, they are called the Avengers for a reason, but trust is not blind, and their perception may not be that of American patriots but a skepticism that questions their motives and actions on a global scale.

Pragmatism vs. Idealism in Conflict

The question of sacrifice is central to the Civil War. In 'Avengers: Endgame', the threat posed by Thanos is acute, and the world hangs in the balance. Would it be justifiable to sacrifice a city to save the planet? This dilemma is not theoretical. In 'Avengers: Age of Ultron', we see the aliens entering through a portal and the Avengers fighting a battle they cannot win. The choice to use the nuke to destroy the source ship is a pragmatic and necessary decision. As Batman would say, "good people exist, not all remain that way." By sacrificing the one to save the many, we confront the harsh realities of war and sacrifice. Rejecting sacrifice because of fear of tainting morality would be a grave and irresponsible decision, likely leading to the death of many more.

Captain America's Skepticism and International Law

The fact that Captain America is involved with a system full of Hydra agents, though not directly his fault, adds another layer of skepticism. Like the phrase "no one is infallible," it highlights that even the most trusted individuals can have flaws. Ross, a character in the MCU, cannot be completely trusted, but rejecting an accord with the backing of 117 countries just because of that one person is not sensible. The importance of international cooperation and the rule of law is paramount. This is where the challenge of leadership and trust comes into play; leaders must navigate the complex web of international law and moral responsibility to protect the greater good.

The Iron Man's Perspective

Beyond trust and morality, the core of the Civil War debate is about the nature of authority and the balance between individual freedom and collective safety. As a citizen, it is easier to side with Iron Man in the Civil War. The Avengers, especially in the guise of a private international agency, work under a different set of rules. Given their unique role and the history of their actions, it is reasonable to expect that they would develop their own set of guidelines to operate more efficiently. As they did before through SHIELD and the World Security Council (WSC), the Avengers established their own protocols and orders. It is not about choosing one side over the other, but about accepting the complexity of the situation and the need for pragmatic solutions.

The Verdict

Ultimately, the answer to the question, "If it had not been a Captain America movie, with whom would you have sided in Civil War?" comes down to a pragmatic and humanitarian perspective. Considering the complexities of trust, sacrifice, and international law, the choice becomes clear. Regardless of whose movie or universe it is, I would stand with Team Iron Man. For while Captain America may be a hero, his actions and decisions raise legitimate questions about the balance of power and trust in a world filled with extraordinary individuals facing extraordinary challenges.