One evening this last weekend we watched Avenger's 2 which includes a running gag revolving around Captain America correcting Iron Man for swearing. For the whole movie Captain America is the butt of everyone's jokes about cursing, until at the very end, he says a swear word of his own.
Even when I saw this movie in theaters I was bothered by the end result of this particular joke. It seemed like a sad lesson for audiences, especially for those that are younger and that would undoubtedly be watching the film, that if you're ridiculed for taking the moral high ground, it's ok to give in and join the crowd.
Profanity in television and movies is something that seems to be on the rise, as more and more is allowed to creep in for the sake of a good laugh. It's too bad that the Marvel movies, a subsidiary of Disney would be willing to let some of their standards slip just so that their movies could win more audiences over. Couldn't there have been some other way to resolve the Captain America joke without him having to give in to his peers?
Captain American is my favorite! I loved how he always stood for higher values and wouldn't lower them. I agree with you, it made me sad that he gave in and how it teaches us that its okay to give in and lower our standards.
ReplyDeleteI have also noticed this trend with Marvel movies. As time goes on they seem to push the boundaries more and more regarding what jokes are acceptable to include. I remember after watching Age of Ultron for the first time I was rather unimpressed with a number of Iron Man's lines (especially his sexual innuendo at the start of the final showdown), which was really disappointing to me because his character can be hilarious without resorting to lazy jokes. I sincerely hope that Marvel movies do not continue this pattern with future releases, but I fear this hope may be in vain.
ReplyDeleteLogan! I agree. It's really sad to see someone give in like that. And what is even more saddening is what those of us who watch the movie will be tempted to do now that even Captain America slipped down a notch because of peer pressure. It's like Dr. Walker was saying about principles-- something doesn't become more or less right just because those around us may think differently. Hopefully we can all watch with a critical eye like you did so that we don't fall into the same kind of trap!
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