Sam Wilson’s journey began in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, proving himself to be one of the most trusted people to Steve Rogers. Not only did he earn a name within the US government and the army, but he also created a spot for himself in the Avengers. Anthony Mackie brings life to this role, creating an image for the character with such high regard that one cannot see as to why the former Falcon should not hold the vibranium shield.
This, however, does not sit well with a few fans. Some believe that Bucky Barnes, previously going by the Winter Soldier and now as the White Wolf, was more deserving to represent the red, white and blue rather than Sam Wilson.
Captain America: A Matter of Representation
Many people have spoken against Sam Wilson being given the shield, not because they find him to be undeserving, but because of the color of his skin. Captain America is not a symbol of who has known Steve Rogers longer, but rather who is fit to represent America. The shield is a symbol of hope and liberty, which could have been seen in Spider-Man: No Way Home, when the Statue of Liberty got an upgrade by having the shield in her hand.
Anthony Mackie represents this character and those who believe that they cannot achieve the unthinkable just because of how they look. He is holding to represent a symbol that all Americans are as deserving to hold such responsibility no matter what their skin color. Some fans, however, seek to push their own ideals in the form of hate and offensive remarks. Fans on Twitter and Tumblr have been going out of their way to present their negative views on this, even after the growth of the character shown in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, now named Captain America and the Winter Soldier.
The series very beautifully answer every question someone might hold as to whether he deserved the shield or was the right choice or not. Marvel and the MCU perfectly proved to us that Sam Wilson is and deserves to be our new Captain America.
The Bucky Barnes Theory
James Buchanan ‘Bucky’ Barnes was a longtime friend and brainwashed foe of Steve Rogers’ Captain America. Played by Sebastian Stan, Bucky was a former officer in the military who then was tortured into becoming the Winter Soldier but was finally able to overcome all of that and be free from the clutches of Hydra after Steve rescued him.
Many fans believe that Bucky should have been the true successor of the shield because of his relations with the first Captain America. Being a childhood friend and protector for the major part of ‘Pre-Serum Steve’ made Bucky the perfect candidate to be the next Captain America. Not only does Bucky know how to use the shield, but he also has experience with it.
However, the Winter Soldier has been through far too much trauma to be able to pick up a mantle as big as this. Being an ex-assassin also proves to be a wall between him and the shield. Bucky has been shown learning to live with his past and all the pain he has caused in the world. His healing process would be hindered if he were to become Captain America, and he might not be able to do justice to the weight that it carries along with it.
See Also: ‘He Honestly Does It Justice’: Chris Evans Says Sam Wilson’s Captain America is Worthy
The Fans Come In Support Of Sam Wilson
After seeing so much hatred towards the character and the actor, fans chose to do their part by supporting both as much as they can. From defending the character to point out racism; the fans were ready to prove why Sam Wilson is and deserves to be Captain America. Chris Evans too made sure the fans knew that the scene from Avengers: Endgame was the right decision taken by Steve and he knew what he was doing.
The fans from all over the gaps of social media united to defend their new Captain America and were ready to prove why so. Tumblr gave blogs after blogs explaining why no one better could have held onto the shield. The show itself proves it by giving John Walker a chance, who eventually fails because of the weight of responsibility.
All three of the characters, Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes, and John Walker are set to return in future Marvel projects. Sam Wilson will be next seen in Captain America: The New World Order, and the latter two in Thunderbolts.
Source: Twitter
