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What if Captain America had Social Anxiety?

If Captain America had Social Anxiety Disorder, his iconic disc-shaped shield may not have ever existed.

The Greatest Soldier in History

It’s hard to imagine it, but what if Captain America actually had Social Anxiety Disorder?

Captain America is one of the most popular superheroes in the world. As the face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), Steve Rogers has become a global icon. Known for his righteous character, patriotic attire, and indestructible circular shield, his unique story is captivating. He was born in 1918, grew up as a slim and puny kid, and became the world’s first superhero after being inoculated with a super soldier serum. He was then frozen for nearly 70 years when he succeeded in saving the world back in 1945. Cap’s story sure is an interesting one as we’ve seen on the big screen for the past 10 years.

If Captain America had social anxiety disorder (SAD), would that have affected him at all? Would SAD have altered the course of events that went on in his life? Below we will examine three scenes of Captain America taken from movies in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Know About SAD

**A vibranium shield would be great for protecting yourself during battle, but not from hiding signs/symptoms of SAD. Click here to see what those are.**

1. Social Anxiety scene from Captain America: The First Avenger

Captain America double date. This provokes social anxiety — Steve Rogers on a double date with best friend Bucky Barnes at Stark Expo. His attention is clearly not on the date and his date seems to be even less interested in him.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Scene: Steve Rogers and Bucky Barnes at the Stark Expo, “Don’t do anything stupid until I get back” conversation

Anxiety Provoking Event: Steve Rogers going on a double date at a large social event

If Steve Rogers had Social Anxiety Disorder, he would never have received the super soldier serum, therefore would never have been Captain America.

background

While on a double (blind) date with his best friend Bucky at the Stark Expo, Steve Rogers was overheard discussing his immense desire to serve in the army and help his fellow Americans in the war against the Nazi’s. He mentioned to Bucky that “there are men laying down their lives” and he has “no right to do any less than them.” Dr. Erskine overheard this discussion and kept his eye on Steve.

After the now infamous conclusion to their conversation:

Bucky: “Don’t do anything stupid until I get back”

Steve: “How can I? You’re taking all the stupid with you.”

While at the army enlistment medical office, Steve was about to undergo the standard physical examination when suddenly the physician left, and Dr. Erskine entered the room. Steve and Dr. Erskine briefly spoke about Steve’s intentions if enlisted, and afterwards Erskine was quick to approve him for army service. This led to Steve’s inoculation of Dr. Erskine’s super soldier serum, which converted Steve Rogers into Captain America.

Steve Rogers meets Dr. Erskine at the military recruitment clinic.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011

Social Anxiety would alter Steve Rogers’ behavior

If Steve Rogers had Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), he never would have gone on a double date with Bucky to the Stark Expo, particularly a blind date. SAD would have created an abnormally high level of anxiety from the immense fear of meeting a girl and going on a blind date. The fear of being embarrassed and humiliated would create physical symptoms, particularly profuse sweating, heavy facial blushing, rapid heart rate, and trembling hands. He may even feel nauseous and lightheaded.

effect of being on a date with sad

Steve would then worry about how she would think of him. Her judgement of him would occupy his mind throughout the duration of their date. And if he experienced the physical symptoms of Red Face (heavy blushing and sweating), then the fear of her and others noticing would be devastating to him. People who notice others’ blushing and sweating typically call attention to it. This would severely worsen the symptoms as redness and moisture will significantly increase causing a very high degree of humiliation to the SAD sufferer. This would be considered a traumatic event.

Steve Rogers would not have been selected to be captain America

So, to avoid this potentially traumatic event from occurring, Steve would not have even gone on that double date. This means that Dr. Erskine wouldn’t have heard his conversation with Bucky at the Expo, and therefore would never have chosen Steve to be inoculated and become Captain America. Eventually, there may have been someone else chosen, but that person’s name would not be Steve Rogers.

2. Other Social Anxiety Scene from Captain America: The First Avenger

Captain America speaking up at movies theater and drawing attention to himself. This is social anxiety triggering — Steve Rogers telling the loud movie-goer to keep quiet shortly before being taken outside and beaten up. Social Anxiety would prevent Rogers from speaking up in a packed theatre and drawing attention to himself.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011

Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)

Scene: The movie theater scene, the alley fight scene

Anxiety Provoking Event: Arguing/shouting inside a movie theater

If Captain America had Social Anxiety Disorder, the iconic disc-shaped shield of Captain America may not have ever existed.

background

At the beginning of Captain America: The First Avenger, we see Steve Rogers in the movie theater watching Uncle Sam advertisements to join the army and fight in the war. In the background, we hear an obnoxious man continuously shouting to start the movie, even going as far as to say “who cares! Start the cartoon!”. This utter disrespect wasn’t to be taken lightly be Rogers as he told the man,
“Hey, you want to shut up?!”

Steve Rogers picks up trash can lid and uses it as a shield while getting beat up outside of the movie theater.
Marvel Studios’ Captain America: The First Avenger, 2011

Cutting to the very next scene, Rogers is in the alley way outside the movie theater getting the sh*t beat out of him. After having his face used as a punching bag, Steve picks up a silver disc-shaped trash can lid and briefly uses it as a shield. The man rips it out of his hands and barks, “you just don’t know when to give up, do you?” Rogers then replies with, the now infamous line which we’ve heard again in Avengers End Game, “I can do this all day.”

At this moment, we learn two things:

Steve Rogers prefers a shield, specifically a disc-shaped one

He has heart like Rocky Balboa, as he just keeps getting back up for more.

Although short-lived, the trash can lid which Rogers picked up and used as a shield is symbolic of the famous Captain America shield which he wields throughout his time in the MCU. He chose the design of the shield midway through the movie when he handed the spec sheet over to Howard Stark.

SAD would again change Steve Rogers’ behavior

If Steve Rogers had Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), would he have ever picked up that trash can lid? No, he wouldn’t have! In fact, the fight scene in the alley way would have never happened. Someone with Social Anxiety Disorder would never have shouted back in a movie theater, even if he were justified. The intense fear of drawing attention to yourself and being judged by others is too overwhelming. That means Rogers would not have had the knuckle sandwich served by the man and the idea of using a circular, disc-shaped shield would never have been foreshadowed. Rogers’ shield would likely have remained the large, clunky, traditional shape (found in the Seal of the United States), instead of the disc-shaped one he tried out in the alley way. Yea, good luck throwing that around.

3. Social Anxiety Scene in Avengers: Age of Ultron

Captain America (Steve Rogers) attending a party in Avengers Age of Ultron. This is a social anxiety trigger. — Party at Avengers Tower in New York City. Avengers are celebrating after finally recovering Loki’s scepter (Mind Stone)
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2015

Avengers: Age of Ultron (2015)

Scenes: The party at Avengers Tower scene where the Avengers took turns trying to lift Mjolnir, Thor’s hammer

Anxiety Provoking Event: Attending a large social gathering with prominent figures in attendance

If Captain America had Social Anxiety Disorder, he may not have learned that he is worthy of wielding Mjolnir, and thus would not have used it against Thanos in Avengers: End Game.

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After capturing Loki’s scepter early in the movie, Tony Stark held a party at Avengers tower in New York City. There were a lot of people there enjoying drinks, telling stories, and interacting with each other. At the end of the night, the only people remaining at the party were the Avengers and Dr. Helen Cho (world-renowned geneticist).

In a playful game to determine who is worthy of lifting Thor’s hammer (Mjolnir), each Avenger attempted and failed at lifting the mystical weapon. But something very interesting happened when Captain America tried to lift it: the hammer actually moved ever-so-slightly. At this point, Captain America knew that he is worthy of possessing the hammer, but no one else realized that. In a complete act of selflessness, he spared the proud and fragile ego of Thor and kept his worthiness quiet.

Captain America (Steve Rogers) lifting Thor's Hammer in front of the Avengers. This is a social anxiety trigger — Steve Rogers attempts to lift Mjolnir (Thor’s hammer) while at the Avengers Tower party. Unlike all the other Avengers, Cap is actually able to barely and slightly move the hammer.
Marvel Studios’ Avengers: Age of Ultron, 2015

the fight against thanos

Fast forward a few years to Avengers: End Game, we see Captain America wield Mjolnir to save Thor’s life in the fight against Thanos. In fact, not only did he lift and wield Mjolnir, but he also possessed the power of thunder and lightning (Thor’s power). Cap kept his worthiness of lifting the hammer a secret and only unveiled it during the fight of his life (and Thor’s life). He used the hammer and lightning strikes in a desperate attempt to defeat Thanos, and although Thanos was still able to overcome Cap’s new power, it did hold him off long enough for the portals to open and bring Black Panther, Falcon, Spiderman, and all other heroes of the MCU to join the fight. This led to the defeat of the mad Titan and his army.

captain america would never have known that he could lift Thor’s hammer

If Captain America had SAD, he wouldn’t have known that he was worthy of wielding Mjolnir and possessing Thor’s power. He never even would have made it to the party at Avengers Tower. People who have SAD tend to avoid large gatherings, like a party, especially if there are celebrity type figures there. And if they suck it up and go, they must endure the uncomfortable feeling of anxiety of being embarrassed the whole time. This causes them to isolate themselves frequently and leave the party early without notice.

With SAD, Captain America likely wouldn’t have attended the party. If he did, he would not have stayed long enough to play the “lift Mjolnir” game with the other Avengers. Unaware of his worthiness to wield Mjolnir, Cap would not have been able to save Thor or build any momentum against Thanos in Avengers: End Game. This could have altered the fight against the mad Titan in, possibly even leading to a different outcome.

Social Anxiety scene with Dwayne Johnson in Red Notice

The Red Notice scene that causes Social Anxiety. Careful, this one is a killer to Dwayne Johnson.

The stars aligned with Red Notice

Red Notice has one very specific scene which is a huge Social Anxiety trigger if you’re Dwayne Johnson.

Is this more of an art thief movie or a “who is conning who” movie? That’s still the debate even after the film has ended. Highlighted by three Hollywood superstars, Red Notice delivered on some big-time comedy and action. Dwayne Johnson’s John Hartley was the biggest question throughout the film; was he a good cop, a corrupt cop, or was he even a cop at all? Partnering with Ryan Reynolds’ Nolan Booth (a well-known art thief), we were all under the impression that Hartley was simply trying to clear his name from the one person who framed him: Gal Gadot’s “The Bishop”. Filled with twists and turns, conmen and conwomen, trickery and deception, Red Notice held up its commitment to deliver.

Red Notice shows Dwayne Johnson’s character, John Hartley, as confident, bold, and outgoing. He is multi-talented and well versed in everything he does. Pursuing criminals, breaking out of jail, teaming up with criminals, and avoiding pursuit from Interpol agents are just some examples. And Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) won’t stop him in any one of those things. What it will stop him is hitting the dance floor with an extremely attractive woman like Gal Gadot’s, “The Bishop.”

Dwayne Johnson Rocks Social Anxiety Disorder

**Not too sure what SAD is? Click here to see why it would suck eggs (not Cleopatra’s eggs) to have it.**

The Social Anxiety scene with Dwayne Johnson in Red Notice

Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot dance at a party in front of people watching. This is a social anxiety trigger. — John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) dancing with “The Bishop” (Gal Gadot) at Sotto Voce’s masquerade party. Dancing in front of all those people is a huge social anxiety trigger. Red Notice, 2021

Red Notice (2021)

Scene: The dance at the masquerade party between Dwayne Johnson’s, John Hartley and Gal Gadot’s, “The Bishop.”

Anxiety Provoking Event: Drawing attention to himself by participating in a dance in front of other people; especially with someone very attractive

If Dwayne Johnson’s John Hartley had Social Anxiety Disorder, the dance with Gal Gadot’s “The Bishop” would not have happened.

Background

While attending a masquerade party at the home of well-known criminal, Sotto Voce, John Hartley and Nolan Booth devised a plan to steal the second egg of Cleopatra from a hidden, locked room in Voce’s house. It wasn’t until Hartley noticed The Bishop standing alone on the dance floor that he started to improvise their plan. Hartley wanted to confront her for framing him and turning him into a fugitive, wanted by Interpol.

The Bishop looked stunning as she dressed elegantly in a bright red dress and decked out in diamond jewels. Her appearance was attention-grabbing and certainly would have caught the eyes of many on that dance floor. John Hartley approached The Bishop on the dance floor and the two became one of many couples dancing. Just after the song ended, Voce approached Bishop, commented that she caught his attention, and requested a dance with her.

Dwayne Johnson dancing with Gal Gadot at a party. Many eyes are on them making this a social anxiety moment. — John Hartley (Dwayne Johnson) finishing his dance with “The Bishop” (Gal Gadot) just before telling her that he will arrest her. Still a social anxiety provoking moment as so many eyes are on them as they dance.
Red Notice, 2021

Social Anxiety disorder would have changed Dwayne Johnson’s behavior

If Dwayne Johnson’s, John Hartley, had Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) that dance between him and Gal Gadot’s “The Bishop” would never have happened. As you probably know, a man approaching an attractive woman and asking her for a dance is quite nerve racking. But a man with SAD approaching an attractive woman for a dance, particularly in front of others, is simply too overwhelming. The fear of being watched and judged, which would lead to the dreaded Red Face symptoms, is too much to handle. Red Notice is Social Anxiety for Dwayne Johnson.

Red face symptoms

If Hartley asked The Bishop for a dance and she agreed, there would be a really good chance that SAD symptoms would hit him hard. During the dance, he would turn bright red from facial blush, sweat so heavily that drops of sweat would drip off his nose and face, his heart rate would be loud and fast, and there would be a tremble in the hands.

The Bishop would notice immediately during their dance and would point out his symptoms. She would be disgusted, and thus, would excuse herself from the dance floor. As if that wasn’t humiliating enough, the thought that other people are watching and noticing Hartley’s anxiety symptoms, just adds to the embarrassment. It gets even worse when people publicly call attention to his red, sweaty face. Hartley would be so embarrassed and humiliated that he would go straight to the bathroom, turn on the cold-water faucet, and dunk his head in the sink almost to the point of developing hypothermia. He would actually wish that he were back in that jail cell he was in earlier in the movie.

Preventative action against SAD symptoms

Instead of allowing this incredibly uncomfortable traumatic event from occurring, John Hartley would know better than to set himself up that way. He would just avoid the dance and do his best to avoid being noticed by people. In all likelihood, Hartley would never have attended a party like this at all because of the overwhelming necessity to endure the fear of social anxiety symptoms.

What if Deadpool had Social Anxiety

If Deadpool had Social Anxiety Disorder, that hilarious bar fight prank at the beginning of Deadpool (2016) would not have happened. And it’s not because he’s afraid of getting caught and beat up either. With social anxiety, Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool character would be afraid of the attention that prank would put on him.

Deadpool having social anxiety is like a misnomer. It just doesn’t really fit.

Who is Deadpool

Unquestionably the funniest and most entertaining superhero we have ever seen, Ryan Reynold’s Deadpool has certainly lived up to his “merc with a mouth” reputation. Possessing an uncanny ability to regenerate and heal himself from any illness or injury, Wade Wilson (Deadpool’s secret identity) doesn’t have much to worry about. Explosions, bullet wounds, falling from really high buildings, or even the Covid-19 pandemic have no effect on the man. He is literally invincible from everything you can think of.

Since Deadpool cannot develop any physical illness, it’s possible that he can develop a mental illness. Perhaps even an illness like Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). If, and that’s a big “if”, Wade Wilson is vulnerable to a mental health disorder, then one of particular interest would be SAD. Wilson is inherently a very social, outgoing individual who doesn’t mind large gatherings or being in the spotlight. He can fill a room with laughter, spotlight himself by speaking loudly, and plays pranks on people when bored. So, since SAD causes the exact opposite type of behavior in people, it’s hard to imagine Deadpool be unsociable. But, we’ll give it a try and examine one scene in “Deadpool” which wouldn’t have happened if he had SAD.

Deadpool is the opposite of Social Anxiety Disorder

**Deadpool is the “merc with a mouth”, which means he talks a lot. Click here to see why someone with SAD can never be anything with a mouth**

The Social Anxiety scene from Deadpool

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) about to pull a social anxiety prank. — Dealpool requesting a specific drink from the bartender which he plans to use for a prank, which would trigger social anxiety.
Deadpool, 2016

Deadpool (2016)

Scene: The initial bar scene when Wade Wilson asks his friend (bartender) for a specific drink he calls a “blowjob”

Anxiety Provoking Event: Playing a prank on one of the patrons (Buck) at the bar, which resulted in a fight between that patron and another one.

If Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool had Social Anxiety Disorder, he never would have pranked Buck, and the bar fight wouldn‘t have happened.

background

At the beginning of the Deadpool movie, we see Wade Wilson at a bar speaking to his friend, Weasel, who works as the bartender. This bar is not a typical one as it is specific to mercenaries, ex-military, and really tough dudes. Wilson asks for a drink he named a “blowjob”, which consists of Kahlua, Bailey’s Irish cream, and whipped cream. This is not a typical drink that you would find around tattoo covered, red-meat eating, macho men. Although I hear that it’s quite tasty to some people. This “blowjob” drink is an insult to serve to the types of people at this bar. Nonetheless, Wilson makes the request and Weasel gives him the drink.

the prank

Once in hand, Wade asks a waitress walking by to deliver the drink to a strong, mean attitude, long bearded, bulky man named Buck. He tells the waitress to notify Buck that the drink came from another strong, bulky man named Boothe. To relieve the puzzling look on her face, Wade comically explains that it’s “a little four play” action. Once Buck received the drink, believing that it came from Boothe, he stood up and went straight to Boothe’s table and beat him up. Boothe was knocked out and left unconscious by the end of the fight. This started a bar fight amongst other patrons for some reason, but ultimately, Buck was left standing. Luckily, no one told Buck or Boothe that the drink actually came from Wade Wilson.

Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) watches as social anxiety prank come to life. Buck (bearded man) violently confronts Boothe for the “blowjob” drink that he believes Boothe sent him.
Deadpool, 2016

No prank if Deadpool had Social Anxiety

If Wade Wilson (Deadpool) had Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), this hilarious prank and bar fight scene would never have happened. The effects of SAD would have created such a severe sense of anxiety. Anxiety being someone would have found out that he masterminded the bar fight. This would have put a huge spotlight on Wilson as everyone would be looking at him, making comments about him, and worse of all, judging him. People with SAD have an absolute fear of being judged by others, and so they try their best to avoid putting themselves in that position. SAD sufferer’s like to lay low in all social events.

the red face symptoms of sad

If people at the bar would have discovered that Wade was responsible for the hilarious prank which led to the bar fight, there would be people judging him all day. The people at the bar would immediately notice the physical symptoms of SAD, which include heavy, bright red facial blushing, profuse sweating, and trembling hands (Red Face). So even if Wade Wilson, who oozes with confidence, tried to play it off like he doesn’t care, everyone would realize that he does care because of his red, embarrassed, sweaty face.

more red face comes with more attention

To make matters worse, once people notice Wade’s red, sweaty face, they would point it out in front of everyone. This draws an incredible amount of attention to Wade, resulting in more blushing and more sweating. It is literally the most uncomfortable social position in the world to be in. So, Wade Wilson would not even put himself in the position of playing a prank and risk getting caught. Therefore, that hilarious bar fight scene would not have ever happened.