Team Cap or Team Stark? (Civil War)

For the Marvel Cinematic Universe  (MCU) folks who do not read the comics, the events portrayed in Captain America: Civil War are the result of the Superhero Registration Act, known in the movie as The Sokovia Accords. After all the devastation caused by The Avengers, S.H.I.E.L.D and HYDRA, as well as the destruction of New York and other cities where superheroes operate, humanity wants to hold these beings accountable. They want the heroes to reveal their secret identities and submit to governmental control and regulation.

The Accords read as follows:

In accordance with the document at hand, I hereby certify that the below mentioned participants, peoples, and individuals, shall no longer operate freely or unregulated, but instead operate under the rules, ordinances and governances of the afore mentioned United Nations panel, acting only when and if the panel deems it appropriate and/or necessary.

Because of his experiences during Winter Soldier and his lack of trust in the United Nations, Captain America decides that he doesn’t want to become a puppet of this entity and refuses to sign the accord and reveal his true self. In the comic books, the Cap and his allies are against being policed and most importantly prosecuted, a theme the X-Men can relate to as well. As citizens if their respective countries of origin, every person has rights which protect privacy and freedom. Having to register yourself opens up a can of worms. Now you can know where the person lives, who they are and how to reach them. Unlike celebrities, these super or enhanced humans didn’t ask to be in the spotlight, and only do so under the guise of anonymity.

Since Tony Stark, a.k.a. Iron Man, has revealed himself to the media, he has nothing to lose by registering. Hawkeye and Black Widow are in a similar boat, and not surprisingly Peter Parker – an attention whore like Tony doesn’t mind bragging to the world about his superpowers and identity. Stark is looking to take control of yet another aspect of his alter ego’s life and feels that registering is the right thing to do. Look closely at the trailer and the status of War Machine after a skirmish with the detractors and you can see why he becomes even more motivated to back the agreement. They all agree that the bloodshed and discord must end but cannot agree on the how.

If you read X-Mem comics or have seen the movies, old and new, the subject of registration is discussed in depth by both sides, human and super human. In the end it all comes down to knowing who to ask for retribution and restitution. The people of Earth need someone to blame. Ordinary humans are not only afraid of what the mutants or super heroes can do, but they are also afraid that they will use their abilities to take over the world. It is the same rethoric used in Batman v Superman and the reason why Bruce Wayne has files on all the Justice Leaguers in the comics; to neutralize them if they become a threat. No one feels safe and they need the net, or for cynics like me, the illusion to be restored.

Even though I love to speak about my life including my career, I don’t publish the information publicly. I haven’t even given away enough details about myself in the blog to swiftly track down my identity. The pseudonym is a mask, deliberate protective gear, and an outlet to voice opinions and concerns with minimal backlash. Only my friends know who I am and how to reach me. If people can find you they can make attempts against your safety and diminish your quality of life by accosting you. For tjis reason the presidential candidates have security details to protect them, their staff and their families. Who can you really trust to protect your personal information and safety? No one but ourselves.

Although movie producers claim to have made the efffort to give both sides enough screen time, the conclusion I think they want you to reach is very simple: registration is a bad idea. Willingly giving up your rights is never an option even if it hinders national security. The government and marketing agencies have enough dirt on you as it is, don’t make it easier for them to manipulate you into doing their biding. Protect your identity at all costs. It is the most valuable asset you have, a right to a name, to life, and to privacy.

One last thing, if you think people with special abilities and powers need to do the right thing and risk themselves for the greater good, you are part of the problem. No one should be forced to participate in any effort against their will especially if it goes against their well being. This means you cannot apply pressure to someone to act in a way that compromises their safety. For example, if you don’t want to share a bathroom with someone , you don’t have to, but to protect their privacy, you shouldn’t force them to use a privy that would out the reason why you don’t want to share it with them. Placing labels on doors can put their safety at risk, while supposedly protecting yours. Things in plain sight are well hidden: The constitution gives citizens the right to live freely without persecution. That’s what registration and discrimination do, they out you to the rest of society in an innocuous manner. It makes you public domain. Would you feel comfortable if we made you register so others had access into the inner sanctum of your daily life? So they could track you down and cause harm to you and those you love?

If you happen to know the secret identity or alter ego of one of your peers, or any private information about them, do everything you can to keep the information confidential. It is not yours to spread or disclose, and it is the law. Make sure you have permission from the source to release any printed, spoken, taped or copyrighted material or it can cause legal ramifications, making you liable for any pain and suffering that results from your actions. I’m on Cappie’s side on this issue. The alternative is too costly. Are you?

Let us know what to think!