Diamond Comics Distributors has stirred up some controversy for a comic book discussion poll question about Captain America and politics that it shared on its Free Comic Book Day Facebook page that critics argue was an unreasonably loaded question.
Diamond runs the website FreeComicBookDay.com and it has a Facebook page for Free Comic Book Day, as well, and it used that page to promote its weekly Previews World Weekly live show on YouTube. It routinely brings up discussion topics and asks fans to respond and it will then share the best answers on the live show during the week. This time, the question was about the recent United States of Captain America #1 and people were not happy with how the question was phrased.
The question was, "Hey. comic book fans! There has been an ongoing debate about Captain America lately. So we wanted to ask your take? [Highlighted in yellow] Are you tired of seeing stories where Steve Rogers loses faith in the US? [End of highlights] Or do you think it's more than appropriate? Let us know in the comments. We'll pick the best answers and highlight them on Wednesday's episode of #PWWLive"
It is referencing the recent United States of Captain America #1 by Christopher Cantwell, Dale Eaglsham and Matt Milla where Steve Rogers reflects on what it means to be loyal to the "American Dream." The issue had recently been read out of context and criticized in the Washington Times and then on Fox News as Captain America "hating America" and being "woke" and Diamond's wording certainly seems to play precisely into that approach, as well.
The discussion topic quickly drew criticism in the comments section, including popular comments like, "This question seems rather loaded. Not “how do you feel about Cap experiencing loss of faith in the US” but “are you tired of it?” Was rather hoping FCBD wouldn’t be doing stuff like that. Oh, and Cap’s been experiencing questions of faith for decades. At least since the 70s. If he didn’t he’d be a nationalist."
and "I am not “tired” of stories about Steve Rogers QUESTIONING the political and social climate of the United States. That has been his wheelhouse for decades. But I am tired of poorly worded marketing campaigns that are a dog whistle and shows bias through loaded questions on social media sites."
There were some, though, who did agree with the misreading of the United States of Captain America issue, of course, like, "It's time to get Comicbooks out of politics. Growing up reading comics made me feel that great things can happen to normal people. I got lost in a world where good was good and wrong was wrong. The characters were like me and had problems with everyday normal things. They showed me that with courage and perseverance I could overcome. Captain America is a symbol of America making him doubt his country is making him doubt himself. That is not a thing anyone should do."
Source: Facebook