The Realities of Poverty Amidst Super-Wealth: Sam Wilson’s Financial Struggles in 'Falcon and the Winter Soldier'

Sam Wilson, also known as Falcon, is a character that many of us admire for his role as a superhero and his dedication to protecting the world. However, the latest episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier reveals a surprising side of his life that goes beyond his heroic deeds. As he and his sister Sarah struggle to get a low-interest bank loan for her small business, we see a poignant reflection on the financial realities of being a superhero.

The bank scene in episode 1 is a striking portrayal of the difficulties that extraordinary people face in their everyday lives. It's undeniable that Sam's story raises questions about whether superheroes like him are fairly compensated for their services. This article explores the context of Sam Wilson's financial struggles, the reasons behind the bank's decision, and the broader implications for all extraordinary individuals who are part of superhero teams.

The Surprise Re_WRONG

When the Falcon and the Winter Soldier writers decided to have Sam explain that he has income but not as much as the bank expects, it was a bold and realistic move. Contrary to what might be expected, Sam's income from government contracts is not nearly enough to satisfy a bank that requires verifiable income from the last two years. Despite being a notable avenger with access to top-notch resources, Sam's financial situation is far from what one might anticipate for someone in his position.

Income and Beyond

Sam’s income is not from a traditional 9-to-5 job but from contracts with the government. This means that he is seen as a small business in the eyes of the bank, much like special forces soldiers, professional athletes, and private military contractors. Getting a small business loan from a traditional bank isn’t as simple as just having some money in the bank. Here are the key requirements:

A good personal credit score Verifiable business income for the last two years A strong business credit score To be in the right industry To not have much debt already Business assets as collateral

Sam’s sister's business seems to struggle with income and has a lot of debt, not to mention being saddled with an old boat as its only asset. This makes it difficult to meet the criteria for a loan, especially since the bank needs to see consistent income for at least two years, which Sam hasn't had.

Racism and Financial Discrimination

Some viewers have hypothesized that the bank's rejection may be due to racism. Indeed, studies show that black and other minority applicants are often turned down for loans even when their financial profiles are identical to those of white applicants. The film tackles issues of systemic racism, making this a plausible interpretation for viewers.

Hillary Batissa, the head writer of the show, explained that the purpose of the scene was to show that being a superhero can be difficult. Yet, he also noted that the banker liked Sam, even taking a selfie with him. This suggests that the rejection wasn't personal but based on the specific circumstances of the loan application. The banker also mentioned that lending rules had changed, making it harder to get a loan after the "blip."

Real-Life Context

Dean Brown, who worked in business finance for a few years, understands the challenge of getting a loan. It is particularly difficult for small businesses to get funding from traditional banks. Compare this with the ease of getting a credit card, where credit scores and income are not as stringent.

For small business loans, banks prioritize individuals with great credit and income histories, as these are seen as lower risk. Without these criteria, even a significant income or a substantial bank account doesn't guarantee loan approval. This harsh reality hits home for Sam, who may have an income of $20,000 per month and $100,000 in the bank but still be denied a loan.

The scene in the episode is a powerful reflection on the harsh financial realities that even the toughest and most dedicated superheroes face. In a world where powerful forces are used to protect the innocent, the struggle to make ends meet can be just as intense.

So, while Sam Wilson's situation may seem unfair, it serves as a reminder of the systemic challenges that many people, including those with extraordinary abilities, face in their daily lives. This episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in a world where heroes aren't just golden trophies but real, everyday individuals trying to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.