Ethicality in Dark Knight and Captain American

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Research Paper: Ethicality in Dark Knight and Captain American
Ethical theories are used to determine the wrongness or rightness of an action. It is through application of ethical theories that the world is fair for everyone. Ethical decisions strengthen relationships among individuals since no one feels discriminated or taken advantage of. When analyzing comics, it is possible to use ethical theories to examine the behaviors and actions of the characters and especially for the main characters. It is notable that the actions taken by major characters in comics make the flow of the story. As a result, taking wrong decisions would lead to negative flow and eventually undesirable consequences. In analyzing “Batman: Dark Knight Returns” and “Captain America: Winter Soldier” by Ed Brubaker, the comic version, the actions by the major characters determine the ethicality of the flow of the story. Batman and Captain America’s actions are both influenced by their background story and personal determinations, which are both analyzable by principle of duty and utilitarianism.
According to Kant, decisions and actions by individuals can be judged based on good will or performing one’s duty. This can be explained using the example of a police officer by Snellgrove (57); an officer who arrests and takes criminals to court is ethical because this is his duty. While it might lead to negative consequences (including jailing, loss of a bread winner if the arrested person had dependents, and emotional distress to loved ones), it is the right thing to do. In a similar manner, a person obligated to fight criminals will do so irrespective of the number of people injured on the way. While trying to curb crime, Fox (12) argues that it is possible to ignite more crimes as the targeted criminals do not want to be defeated; however, the act would still remain ethical because of the end results. In this case, many people would be injured on the way. Nonetheless, the action would still remain ethical because a person is performing his duty (Gregor 102).
As explained by Boscaljob (46), Kant’s ethical theory can be applied in “Batman: Dark Knight Returns” because Wayne’s determination to perform his duty as a result of background. After Bruce Wayne, the Batman loses his protégé, he retires from his Batman duty. However, ten years down the line, the Gotham City is overtaken by crime through terrorization of Mutants, a gang group. Since Batman is convinced that he is the only one who can disable the Mutants, he assumes his earlier role of a Batman, which according to Snellgrove (59) is guided by his background. Even though he is aged, at 55 years, he still considers it his duty to save the city. Although Batman fights with younger criminals, he is dedicated to his duty. This is the reason even after he is warned by the national authorities and even threatened to be arrested, he still pursues with his idea of performing his duty and thus saving the city. Fox (13) argues that Batman understands that his ethical behaviors and decisions by performing his duty would ensure ethical flow of the story. While his actions are considered a threat to the relationsh...