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Within hours, Mackey issued a statement via his Instagram story emphasizing his pride in being American and reiterating his respect for the nation and its service members. He expressed that taking on the shield of Captain America is an honor and that the character embodies universal values endorsed by Americans and people worldwide.
The Complexity of the Character and National Identity
While Mackey’s clarification aimed to smooth over the controversy, it also highlighted the ongoing debate about what Captain America truly symbolizes. The core of the issue is whether the character represents American ideals—such as patriotism, democracy, and justice—or if those ideals are more abstract and universal, applicable beyond national borders.