Who: Linda Park, Steve Rogers, and Bart Allen Where: Youtube! When: July 4th What: Park It With Linda: Captain America Interview.
[The opening credits play to her little video show. It consists of a bunch of pictures of her all over Metropolis making cutesy faces, being stacked over each other before the last bar falls on with the title, "PARK IT WITH LINDA." Then it fades out. It then in to her being seated on a white lawn chair. She is wearing a blue and red striped shirt with an open blue button up shirt.] Hey everyone! [She waves at the camera.] Last week, I put up a video saying I’d bring you Captain America and here he is! [The camera pans over to where Steve is sitting. He is wearing a lighter blue button up with some khaki pants. Then it slowly zooms out so that they are both in the picture.] Hello, Mr. Rogers! It is a pleasure to have you here.
CAP: Thanks for having me, Ms. Park.
LP: [interrupts] Linda. Please.
CAP: [corrects himself] Thanks for having me, Linda.
LP: [sheepishly] I have to admit, I’ve been looking forward to this all week, as have my subscribers.
CAP: You can call me Steve. Or whatever your viewers prefer. It’s nice to have a chance to visit Metropolis without getting distracted by the Toyman’s robots this time.
LP: Well [pauses to smile] Steve, shall we get started?
CAP: Fire away.
LP: First question is from Len & The Rest [She pauses momentarily and when she picks up again her tone is amused.] in Central City, Kansas. They would like to know how you survived being frozen for 50+ years.
How'd you survive being frozen for 50+ years? P.S. Linda Park is our favorite.
~ Len & the Rest, Central City, KS
CAP: I don’t know. It feels kind of like a miracle. But the scientists say it was suspended animation, and I guess I believe them. I don’t know much about that stuff.
LP: You aren’t curious about how that works at all?
CAP: It’s important for the scientists to know how it happened, not me. I’ll leave that kind of thing to Iron Man and Batman to do. Knowing how I survived wouldn’t change the fact that I did and I don’t really want to understand it. [pauses] I’ve never wanted to be a lab rat. Or a dancing monkey.
LP: But you did agree to being part of the Super-Soldier program.
CAP: I did.
LP: We’re all picturing white coats and lots of repeated testing here.
CAP: It wasn’t like that. They were more concerned about putting us through bootcamp. I don’t think they expected Dr. Erksine to actually choose me. Before the procedure, I definitely wasn’t the soldier the military was looking for.
LP: What do you think changed their minds?
CAP: It might have been when they threw out a grenade and I jumped on top of it to contain the blast, without thinking about it, and told everyone else to stay back. It was a dummy grenade. [laughs] I remember that everyone else had gone for cover, and I just asked if this was a test.
LP: That’s very impressive. [looks a little surprised.] I would’ve ducked for cover myself.
CAP: Most people would have ducked.
LP: [laughs] The next question’s from Gwen Stacy from Gotham, NJ. She’s asking a question that I’d ask myself. Were you scared before you went in?
How did you feel after the whole Super-Soldier procedure? Were you scared at all beforehand?
~Gwen Stacy, Gotham, NJ
CAP: The night before the procedure, Dr. Erskine came to my room. We talked, and he brought a bottle of Schnapps with him. When we were finished talking, we were going to toast to the next day, before it hit him that I was having a procedure and couldn’t drink. But he wasn’t having a procedure, so he could still drink. [looks wistful and smiles] The next day, before we started, I asked him if he saved me some, and he said not as much as he should have. Then started with the first needle, and I was thinking to myself it wasn’t going to be so bad, because it didn’t hurt at all. That was just the penicillin.
LP: Must have been some good schnapps. Gwen would also like to know how you felt after the procedure was done.
CAP: Taller. [laughs]
LP: [laughs] Okay. Our next question comes from Adam W. who lives in Washington, DC. He wants to know why you wanted to join the Army so badly and if you think that it should be compulsory to do so.
Why did you want to join the Army so badly? Do you think everyone should have to serve time have in the military; have it be compulsory like in countries like Egypt?
~Adam W., Washington, DC
CAP: Military was a tradition in my family.
LP: Oh, really?
CAP: Members of my family had been fighting for America ever since the Revolution, in every single war that we’d ever been a part of up until then, and that was one family tradition that meant a lot to me. I’m sure there are a lot of servicemembers out there who can relate to that kind of tradition.
Adam, no one should be forced to join the military. There are other ways people can contribute to the effort of making America better. I saw that during the War, when a good Senator enlisted my help selling war bonds.
LP: We’ve actually found some footage of that here on the internet.
CAP: [going red and trying not to cringe] Really? I -- oh, God. Who would want to watch this?
LP: Oh, I think everyone does. It’s got over 2 million views. [leans down to open a link so that he can see it. The show split screens to show Cap in one window and the footage in another.]
click on image to view footage : opens in a new window
CAP: I thought I’d never hear that song again.
LP: You should see the video of the three year old singing it in your costume.
CAP: Okay, that wouldn’t be so bad. Just... please tell me they haven’t turned it into karaoke. Bucky would have loved that.
LP: I’m sure they will after they watch this, [laughs] but let’s take a moment to talk about this costume. [video goes back to him in costume.] Who came up with this idea?
CAP: That original costume was designed by someone on the Senator’s team, and I only wore it once in action, at Assano.
LP: Where you saved 400 men from the 107th by yourself, if my facts are correct.
CAP: I didn’t do it single-handedly, despite what the books say. If they say that, it’s because the people who helped me didn’t feel like they deserved recognition. [pauses] They were first people since Bucky and Dr. Erskine to really have faith in me, and Captain America.
photos of dr. erskine & bucky pop up in a window
CAP: I only went to Assano looking to save my best friend. I wasn’t even supposed to be there when I heard they’d sent men out from the 107th to fight HYDRA’s forces and only 50 had returned... Officially, the military wasn’t going to authorize mounting a rescue mission, because the base was too far behind enemy lines. So, unofficially, I took the mission upon myself, with some help. They should have court-martialed me for that instead of trying to give me a medal.
photos pop up in a window
CAP: After Assano, that’s when I came up with the idea of my own squad, and they became the Howling Commandos. That’s popular now, I think, because of a TV show they made for kids about me.
LP: Don’t forget the comic books.
CAP: Those too. I wouldn’t have called Bucky my sidekick. He was always protecting me when we were growing up.
LP: Were you bullied a lot growing up? Billy Hallmark from Dorchester, MA could use some pointers on how to deal with that.
Were you ever bullied growing up? I get bullied all the time at school. What should I do?
~Billy Hallmark, Dorchester, MA
CAP: All the time. If Brooklyn weren’t so different now from the way it was then, I could give you all a tour of all the places I used to get beat up. Behind that diner, in that parking lot, that alley...
LP: Wow...
CAP: Before I met Dr. Erskine, I was 90 pounds soaking wet, barely over 5 feet tall, with every health problem you could think of. People used to tell me I would need a whole body transplant if I wanted to ever have a chance of making into the Army, and the Army recruiters would tell me they were saving my life by rejecting me.
LP: That’s harsh.
CAP: They were probably right. But I was stubborn. When I first met him, Dr. Erskine asked me if I wanted to killed Nazis. I told him that I didn’t want to kill anyone, but I didn’t like bullies, and I didn’t care where they were from. I’d been bullied all my life, and I always figured it was better to stand and face them than run away. If you start running, they’ll never let you stop. Of course, that’s probably why I got beat up so much. If I’d been smarter about it, I would have gone for real help from an authority figure instead of always thinking I had them on the ropes.
LP: That is some sound advice.
CAP: Bullies will only stop if the people around them -- the bystanders -- won’t allow it any more.
LP: Couldn’t agree more. [looks down at the screen.] Going back to the second part of the original question. Do you think that serving in the military should be mandatory?
Why did you want to join the Army so badly? Do you think everyone should have to serve time have in the military; have it be compulsory like in countries like Egypt?
~Adam W., Washington, DC
CAP: I do think serving your country in combat is one of most honorable things you can do -- I’m not going to use the word brave, or selfless -- because I know that it doesn’t feel selfless or brave when you’re over there fighting. Watching each other’s backs, and praying you all make it back in one piece. It’s not easy. That’s why they call it an honorable discharge. The soldiers who serve to protect our country and our freedom deserve respect, gratitude, and thanks.
As Americans, we choose how to live our lives. That’s part of the freedom that is afforded to us. Should everyone have to serve in the military? No.
LP: Our next question, comes from Kate from New York. She’d like to know how it felt to wake up in an America different than the one you were raised in.
How does it feel waking up to a different America than the one you were raised in? And my friend would like to know, what the Avengers are Avenging.
~Kate, New York, NY
CAP: It’s different. Times Square has really changed. I don’t know that I’ll ever get used to all the technology, but texting is easier than sending messages over the wire.
LP: I can’t even remember what life was like before texting. [laughs] Next question! Bart from here in Metropolis would like to know if you ever thought you’d make this big of an impact on America and its future. He’d also like to know what it’s like to be displaced in time and how you’ve been adjusting to living in the 21st century.
When you signed up to be Captain America, did you ever think you'd make such an impact on America/The Future? What's it like to be displaced out of time? Do you have trouble adjusting to the 21st century? What's the weirdest part. Also, for the second commenter (@Len and the Rest), don't be gross. Linda's awesome. Go Linda! \o/!
~Bart, Metropolis, DE
CAP: It’s difficult, I’m not going to lie. I think the hardest thing for me has been that there are experiences that I went through that still feel like they happened just last year to me, but for everyone else, those things took place over 60 years ago.
I’ll be alright. Time and place don’t matter. People matter. And there’s good people here. I’ve made new friends.
LP: [smiles] I’m sure he appreciates that. He’d also like to know if you ever thought you’d make this big of an impact on America and its future.
CAP: No. I don’t think anyone thinks like that. I remember the General saying, “I asked for an army and all I got was you.”
LP: He sounds like a winner.
CAP: He wasn’t so bad.
LP: [looks skeptical.]
CAP: Really.
Dr. Erskine’s death was a real blow to the Super-Soldier project at the time. It wasn’t supposed to end with me. [long pause] I hope he would be proud. Captain America is his legacy.
LP: It’s quite a legacy. Not only comics and a TV show, but they’ve even made action figures. T. Kord from NYC wants to know if you own any of it.
So they've made action figures out of you - do you have any? Do you own any of the merchandise that has been made?
~T. Kord, New York, NY
CAP: I know there are trading cards like you’d have for baseball... I’ve seen those, and action figures. But no, I don’t own any of the merchandise.
LP: Oh, I do. [pulls out a plastic shield and a tiny Cap plush]
CAP: [wry] Not a bad likeness. Do they have one of Iron Man yet?
LP: Yeah, but I don’t have one yet. Saving that for another interview! [looks pointedly at camera, before turning her attention back to Steve.] How did you come up with the shield design?
CAP: It was a prototype.
LP: Oh?
CAP: It was stronger than steel and completely vibration absorbent. Can’t tell you what it’s made of, though. That could get me in trouble. The paint job matched the costume, which had grown on me.
LP: Well, now you can’t have Captain America without his shield. [smiles and looks down at laptop] T.A., a huge fan, from New York would like to know if it took a lot of adapting to become a superhero.
Did it take a lot of adapting to become a superhero? I mean, you're a vet now, but what do you wish you had or hadn't done? And how do you feel about newer superheroes? Huge fan, btw!
~T.A., New York, NY
CAP: I never really thought of myself as a ‘superhero’, even when I was with the Inhumans. Where did they come up with that term?
LP: In popular culture? It might have started with you, actually.
CAP: Oh.
LP: So, what do you think of newer superheroes?
CAP: They’re all new to me. Except for a few, like Lady Blackhawk. I think they’ve got a lot of heart, and most of them are doing it for the right reasons. But instead of trying to fight the problems alone, we’d all be better off coming up with solutions together. More of us need to work together.
LP: Isn’t that what you all are doing now?
CAP: Yes. The Avengers are a great first step in that direction.
How does it feel waking up to a different America than the one you were raised in? And my friend would like to know, what the Avengers are Avenging.
~Kate, New York, NY
LP: What exactly are the Avengers avenging?
CAP: I’m not permitted to go into the details,
LP: Awwww...
CAP: I can tell you that the Avengers will deal with serious threats that would be too much for any one of us to handle on our own. Our goal is the same it’s always been: to protect people.
LP: The line-up of your team is very impressive. It’s good to know you are all on the same side. B.K. from New York would like to know what it’s like to work with a magic user like the Scarlet Witch.
So... Happy upcoming Birthday! I'm just curious what it's like to work with a magic user like the Scarlet Witch? Ooh, and who would win in an armwrestling match? You or Thor?
~B.K., New York, NY
CAP: I’m glad she’s on my side. I’d hate to have to fight her outside a simulated scenario.
LP: And who’d win in an arm wrestling match. You or Thor?
CAP: Thor. Definitely. He's got a lot more experience challenging people to things like that. If we were talking about a boxing match, I’d have a better chance.
LP: [laughs] I, for one, would pay to see that. [pause] B.K.’s also wishing you a happy a birthday.
CAP: Thanks, B.K. [gives one finger salute to the camera]
LP: Our next question comes from Jimmy, who lives here in Metropolis. He’d like to know what you think of Superman.
What do you think of Superman?
~Jimmy, Metropolis, DE
CAP: He’s a stand up guy. I like what he stands for; he stands up for it, too.
LP: It’s comforting to know that you two share more than the same colors.
CAP: He bakes apple pies.
LP: Seriously?
CAP: Yes. I think he has me beat there.
LP: [laughs] I will definitely have to see one of these. [looks at screen] We’ve got question here from another local hero. His name’s Booster Gold. Have you had the pleasure of meeting him?
Hey, haven't you teamed up with some other super cool heroes? Kind of like a team? ....When's the next the sign-up?
~Booster Gold, Metropolis, DE
CAP: I haven’t.
LP: He’s made quite the splash in the last few months. He’d like to know when the Avengers will be recruiting new members.
CAP: He’d have to ask Nick Fury.
LP: Fair enough. [pauses and looks at screen.] Switching gears here; this is a question asked by an anonymous submission. Do you think older heroes are too lax given the number of prison outbreaks and violent recurrences? Should these criminals be punished harsher than being imprisoned?
Do you feel like perhaps heroes such as yourself are becoming too lax? Given the number of prison outbreaks and violent re-occurrences by some of the countries greatest criminals, do you think there should be harsher punishments besides jail and/or asylums?
~Anonymous
CAP: That's a tough question, Anonymous. As heroes, we're all trying to protect America's liberty in one way or another, and that does mean extending those liberties to our enemies as well, or we're no better than they are. That's the ideal. The reality is that justice still needs to be served, so that every day Americans can feel safe in the place they call home. And I think the best way for us to achieve that, as heroes and as a country, is to come together, united, and work together to fix what is broken.
LP: You have a very fair view on justice. Along the same vein, D from Gotham would like to know your opinions of foreign criticism of the US. Do you feel they are justified?
What is your opinion of the criticisms held by other foreign nations regarding the United States and its actions in recent times. Do you feel these opinions are justified?
~D., Gotham City, NJ
CAP: I'm just a soldier. I've never been qualified to talk about foreign policy, but… I'd hope anyone making those kind of decisions knows that the opinions of other nations should matter to a point, but what matters is the opinions of the American people about how America is being portrayed.
LP: I couldn’t agree more. [looks at screen] On a lighter note... [doesn’t get to read the question.]
Hey Cap. How do you like the nickname Freedom in Tight Pants? Because my girlfriend has taken to calling you that, and I don't know if I should be offended or not...
~Green Arrow
CAP: [blushes just a little, from embarrassment] ... [to Linda, not quite into the microphone but still loud enough for viewers to hear] He’s kidding, right?
LP: [Laughs.] No, he's probably not. This may be his girlfriend asking if you want to talk motorcycles with her, right here. [She leans down to point something out on the laptop between them.]
When do we get to talk bikes, Freedom Pants? XOXOXO
~Black Canary, Gotham City, NJ
CAP: They’re not that tight. Are they?
LP: [lifts up her hands defensively.] I’m forbidden to speak on the subject. [turns her hand and points out her ring.]
CAP: Congratulations.
LP: Thank you, Captain. [pleased smile.] But there are a lot of free girls out there. In fact, I think most of my comments here are marriage proposals and hook-up requests, like Brittany from Brooklyn, here. Are you single?
Are you single? .. and looking? If so, can I give you my number? :D Your biggest fan.
~ Brittany, Brooklyn, NY
CAP: I’m afraid to answer that.
LP: [laughs] Awwww... my subscribers will be so sad. How about, what qualities do you look for in a woman?
CAP: It’s not them, it’s me. I’ve never been good at talking to beautiful women.
LP: [mischievous smile.] You seem to be doing fine today.
CAP: Thanks. I’m trying.
LP: We missed a bit of a question earlier. Is there anything that you wish you had or hadn’t done?
Did it take a lot of adapting to become a superhero? I mean, you're a vet now, but what do you wish you had or hadn't done? And how do you feel about newer superheroes? Huge fan, btw!
~T.A., New York, NY
CAP: [answers spontaneously, without thinking] I wish we’d found the time to dance...
LP: We?
CAP: [realizes what he said, and keeps his expression as neutral as possible] It was a long time ago.
LP: Alright... [awkward pause before she looks down at screen] Going back to Canary’s question about meeting up to talk bikes...
When do we get to talk bikes, Freedom Pants? XOXOXO
~Black Canary, Gotham City, NJ
CAP: Any time. I love motorcycles. During the War, I had Pretty much the standard issue military bike: a WLA Harley Davidson. But they tricked mine out... in the name of the war effort.
LP:Cool. So. Last question! What is your favorite type of cookie and your favorite dessert in general? Megan from Metropolis would like to know.
What is your favorite type of cookie? What is your favorite dessert in general?
~ Megan Metropolis, DE
CAP: Since they came out with it around the same time as the home refrigerator, Jell-O was really popular when I was growing up. But I always preferred my mother’s chocolate chip cookies, salt-water taffy and, of course, apple pie.
LP: [laughs.] Of course. We don’t have Jell-O, cookies, or taffy, but we do have something sweet for you. [waves behind her]
[A young teenage boy with giant feet and a waterfall of red hair pulled back into a stumpy ponytail for the occasion enters the shot with a birthday cake. Most youngsters probably would have been chattering a mile a minute during their one chance to meet Captain America but this one... well... he may have been a tiny bit star-struck. After all, no one had ever known Bart to shut up before.]
[let's pretend the 4 is 29]
BA: Happy Birthday Captain America!
CAP: [to Linda] You shouldn’t have. Thank you. [turns to Bart] What’s your name, soldier?
BA: Bart, sir. Bart Allen. [turning bright red and trying not to shuffle his giant feet]
LP: Again, it was our pleasure to have you, Steve. [teases] Right, Bart?
BA: Yes sir.
CAP: Have a happy Independence Day, folks.
LP: Well, that’s all for this episode of Park It with Linda. I hope you enjoyed watching the video as much as we enjoyed making it. [Gives a small wave.] ‘Til Next time. [End credits roll.]
For the last episode. [Box pops up.] Missed more? You can go to my channel. [Another box pops up.] Thanks for the thumbs ups and please subscribe! [An arrow appears under the subscribe button and bounces up and down.]
[ooc: Thank you SO MUCH to everyone who contributed to this interview. It's been a blast writing it.]