When Anthony Mackie picked up the shield to become the first Black Captain America, it was supposed to be all high-fives and happy tears. But let’s be real; this transition hasn’t been all rainbows and sunshine. For a character with a storied past, originally designed as a chiseled white dude with a jawline to cut glass, Mackie’s ascent has stirred more than just a little controversy.

It wasn’t until 1998 that the comic world introduced the idea of Sam Wilson, a.k.a. Falcon, stepping into those red, white, and blue boots, courtesy of writer Mark Waid. Fast forward over two decades, and Mackie has wrestled not just with the shield but with an audience unsure about a Black Captain America. After Chris Evans waved goodbye in “Avengers: Endgame,” the internet ignited like a dumpster fire. Some fans couldn’t fathom that a man of color might carry the mantle.

Mackie proved his worth in the Disney+ series “Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” where he delved into what it means to embody Captain America as a Black man. Ironically, even amidst this character development, backlash hit like a rogue batarang during his press tour for the upcoming flick “Captain America: Brave New World”. During a Q&A, Mackie commented on America’s values, calling for integrity over blind nationalism, and suddenly, the fandom was preparing pitchforks and torches.

“You see, I think the character represents honesty. It’s about being trustworthy; the ‘America’ part is just existential and messy,” Mackie said, because who doesn’t want a superhero challenging our notions of patriotism? Yet, some fans couldn’t handle it, claiming he was criticizing good ol’ American values. How dare he!

After a tidal wave of hate, Mackie reassured us all that he is a “proud American” who just wants kids of every background to look up to a hero who looks like them. We’re still not sure how anyone could take issue with that, but hey, the internet.

Mark Waid noted that he experienced some pushback back in the day when promoting Wilson as Cap, fuelling today’s outrage among a particularly vocal subset of fans known for their rage-clicking prowess. Waid recalls, “It was less about the character and more about preserving a cash cow”. Classic.

Mackie’s version of Captain America represents not merely a change in color, but a shift in ideals. He embodies compassion and empathy, two things the world could use a bit more of. “If I’m not on point, I’m letting everyone down,” Mackie mused, reflecting the immense pressure of being the face of change in a universe often resistant to it.

In a world where Captain America has always been the quintessential symbol of the American dream, maybe it’s time for that dream to adapt, evolve, and include more than just a singular vision. Mackie’s journey isn’t just about donning the mantle; it’s about rewriting the narrative that has long been whitewashed. And if that doesn’t resonate with the values of today’s America, we don’t know what does.