Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom or Security?

In the upcoming Marvel Civil War movie, Captain America and Iron Man go to war over civil liberties.

Cap believes in freedom and self-regulation. Tony Stark believes that regulation is necessary for security. Both have valid stances. Which is more valuable: freedom or security?

Superheroes emerged in the 1930s. A German psychologist named Erich Fromm was trying to make sense of what happened in Germany after the Great Depression. He found the German people gave up many freedoms when the Nazis took over, in order to have a sense of economic security. He concluded the conflicting desires for freedom and security were the most basic human struggle.

Captain America focuses on individual liberties and personal rights. Iron Man emphasizes regulation and security. Cap doesn't trust the system, and he discovers the system has been corrupted.

We want people who shake up the system. We want the rebel hero. We like freedom, but we also want to be safe.

Psychology professor Dr. Travis Langley joins Melanie Cole, MS, to discuss the importance of freedom and security.