captain america brave new world general ross

Championisme authors

3 min read

·

10-11-2024

34

0

Share

Captain America, Brave New World, and the Peril of Fear: Exploring General Ross's Role in the MCU

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is a tapestry of superheroic battles, complex relationships, and philosophical dilemmas. One recurring theme, woven throughout the fabric of these stories, is the struggle against fear and the potential consequences of unchecked power. This theme is powerfully explored through the character of General Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, whose journey from reluctant ally to antagonist reflects the dangers of fear-driven decisions and the slippery slope towards authoritarianism.

General Ross: A Man of Fear

In the early days of the MCU, General Ross is presented as a staunch defender of American interests, but his actions are often driven by fear and a rigid adherence to control. His relentless pursuit of the Hulk, as seen in "The Incredible Hulk" (2008), is fueled by a deep-seated fear of the unknown and the potential havoc a powerful entity like Bruce Banner could wreak. This fear, combined with his unwavering belief in order and control, leads him to make questionable choices, pushing the boundaries of ethical conduct.

As stated by Dr. Richard A. Posner, "The Economics of Justice", Harvard University Press, 1981, fear can lead to "a retreat from the rational and the reasonable". This statement succinctly describes General Ross's actions in the MCU, particularly his embrace of the "Hulkbuster" project, a fear-driven attempt to militarize the Hulk's power. This pursuit of control ultimately backfires, as seen in "Avengers: Age of Ultron" (2015), where the unchecked use of such technology contributes to the creation of a new threat - Ultron.

The Slippery Slope of Fear:

The MCU presents General Ross's journey as a cautionary tale about the dangers of fear and the consequences of succumbing to its grip. As he becomes consumed by his fear of the unknown, he adopts increasingly extreme measures. This is exemplified in his partnership with the villainous Red Skull in "Captain America: The First Avenger" (2011), a decision driven by his desperate desire to utilize the power of the Tesseract even at the cost of potentially compromising American values.

Dr. Laura S. Brown, "The Politics of Fear: A Critical History of Fear in America", University of Chicago Press, 2015, points out that "fear can be a powerful tool for political manipulation." General Ross's transformation into a figure of potential authoritarianism exemplifies this, as he uses fear to justify his increasingly draconian actions, potentially jeopardizing individual liberties in pursuit of a perceived national security.

A Shifting Moral Compass:

While Ross initially acts out of a misplaced sense of patriotism, his fear-driven actions eventually lead him to cross a line. In "Avengers: Endgame" (2019), Ross's complete shift to villainy, driven by his unwavering belief in controlling the unknown, highlights the danger of allowing fear to dictate decisions. His alliance with Thanos and his willingness to sacrifice lives for a perceived greater good demonstrate the moral ambiguity and the potential for tyranny when unchecked fear holds sway.

The Value of Empathy and Understanding:

General Ross's trajectory within the MCU serves as a powerful reminder that fear, if left unchecked, can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals. It reinforces the importance of empathy, understanding, and a willingness to engage with the unknown rather than fearing it.

By presenting General Ross's journey, the MCU reminds us that true strength lies not in suppressing fear but in confronting it with compassion and open dialogue. The future of the MCU, as seen in "She-Hulk" (2022) and "Captain America: New World Order" (2024), continues to explore the complex relationship between fear, power, and the human spirit. It is a journey worth following, offering valuable insights into the human condition and the potential for both good and evil within us all.