The following article contains spoilers from Captain America: Symbol of Truth #5, on sale now.
A conflict between Captain America and Black Panther in Captain America: Symbol of Truth #5 (by Tochi Onyebuchi, R.B. Silva, Julian Shaw, VC's Joe Caramagna, and Jesus Aburtov) gave Sam Wilson the chance to voice some hidden frustrations about Wakanda. In a surprising turn of events, Sam condemned the advanced nation for its complete lack of intervention in its people's history. In his eyes, despite having the power to stop the enslavement and oppression of their people, Wakanda did nothing, something he has a hard time reconciling with.
Sam acknowledged that he has respect for the country and T'Challa, but he would never get over that fact. In a way, this actually makes him similar to Killmonger from the MCU because they share the same problem with Wakanda. Yet, this belief does not make Sam a villain, or even an enemy. He is the voice of truth, and this one comes from being on the receiving end of racism all his life.
Captain America Has A Rude Awakening
Sam Wilson grew up in Harlem, and for the most part, had a happy childhood. In his teenage years though, he had his first encounters with racism that gave him a more cynical view of the world. Then, matters took a dark turn when his father was killed while trying to break up a fight. Two years later, his mother was killed in a mugging. This left Sam an orphan at eighteen, but he continued to strive to be a good member of his community.
One can only imagine how he must have felt when he learned of Wakanda's existence. A technologically advanced African civilization that had remained hidden from the world all this time, and arguably one of the strongest, if not the strongest, nations in the world. While it would have been an empowering moment, it would also have been infuriating. Here was a civilization that had the power to change the world but remained complacent. Back in the days when slavery was still a global business, Wakanda had more than enough power to intervene and stop it.
Sam Respects Wakandans But He May Never Forgive Them
Even if they wanted to hide their existence, they could have tried more subtle means to end the institutionalized oppression of their people. Yet, they did nothing, and for that Sam will always resent them. It's a valid critique of Wakanda. Yes, one can understand why they would want to remain hidden. The world finding out about an advanced civilization in Africa that not only dwarfs other countries in technological development but also has a rare resource that cannot be found anywhere else on Earth would incur both jealousy and violence.
Sam's problem with them though, is that they had the power to weather this storm, and had they bothered to help their people, they would not have had to do so alone. There is also a disconnect in privilege that the people of Wakanda enjoy that Sam did not. T'Challa grew up a royal prince and later king, meanwhile, Sam grew up fearing that he may be killed just for trying to go home. Sam may respect all that Wakanda has accomplished, but in his eyes, it will never be enough.